25 MPG combined from the 2019 Toyota Avalon 3.5L isn’t going to win any green awards, but that misses the entire point of this spacious, comfortable sedan. Avalon buyers prioritize a smooth, quiet ride, ample passenger room, and Toyota’s legendary reliability. Fuel efficiency, while appreciated, lands further down the list of must-haves for those drawn to this flagship.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2019 Avalon 3.5L V6 achieves 22 MPG in city driving and 31 MPG on the highway. These numbers align with the Avalon’s mission: provide a relaxed and capable driving experience. The 3.5L V6 offers confident acceleration for merging onto highways or passing slower traffic, even if the engine isn’t tuned for maximum fuel savings. The eight-speed automatic transmission aids efficiency on the open road, keeping the engine in its most economical rev range when cruising. Remember that driving style significantly impacts real-world MPG. Aggressive acceleration and frequent hard braking will noticeably reduce fuel economy, particularly in city environments.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $1,750 for the 2019 Toyota Avalon 3.5L. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using current national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do (city vs. highway), and local fuel prices. For example, drivers who primarily commute in stop-and-go traffic in areas with high gas prices will likely exceed this estimate, while those who mostly drive on open highways and reside in areas with lower fuel costs may spend less.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized estimate, real-world MPG often differs. Online forums and owner reports suggest that achieving the combined 25 MPG is realistic for mixed driving. Highway figures frequently meet or even slightly exceed the EPA’s 31 MPG, particularly on long, steady-speed drives. City MPG, as expected, can fluctuate more depending on traffic conditions and driving style. Owners who prioritize fuel conservation and employ techniques like smooth acceleration and anticipation of traffic flow tend to see the best results. However, it’s important to acknowledge that the Avalon’s primary focus isn’t outright fuel efficiency; it’s a balance between comfort, performance, and reasonable economy.

How it compares

In the large sedan segment (which is shrinking), the Avalon faces competition from vehicles like the Nissan Maxima. The Maxima, with its 3.5L V6, delivers comparable fuel economy, hovering around 24 MPG combined. The Buick LaCrosse’s available 3.6L V6 also mirrors the Avalon’s numbers fairly closely. The Avalon sets itself apart from larger SUVs and crossovers. Consider a three-row SUV like the Toyota Highlander with its V6; you’re likely looking at fuel economy in the low 20s MPG combined, a figure that further underpins the Avalon’s sensible numbers given its size and performance. Hybrid versions of the Avalon significantly boost fuel economy, exceeding 40 MPG combined, but they come with a different driving experience and performance profile that might not appeal to all Avalon buyers. For specific Avalon MPG across all years, review historical data to best suit your driving needs.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Avalon’s eight-speed automatic transmission is programmed for efficiency, and you can help it further by avoiding aggressive acceleration and trying to maintain a steady speed on the highway. The instant MPG readout on the dash can be a helpful guide to train yourself to drive more efficiently.

Regular maintenance is critical for optimal fuel economy in any vehicle. Ensure your Avalon’s tires are properly inflated, as underinflated tires create more rolling resistance and reduce MPG. Following the recommended maintenance schedule, including regular oil changes and air filter replacements, will help keep the engine running efficiently. Review all Toyota fuel economy data to get a sense of the typical maintenance routines.

When possible, lighten the load. Removing unnecessary items from the trunk can improve fuel economy, especially during city driving. The less weight the engine has to move, the less fuel it consumes.

Plan your trips strategically, especially for city driving. Combining multiple errands into a single trip minimizes cold starts, which are generally less fuel-efficient. Also, try to avoid peak traffic times when stop-and-go conditions significantly decrease MPG.