24 MPG combined is acceptable fuel economy for the 2018 Toyota Avalon 3.5L, but it’s hardly the main reason to buy this car. This generation Avalon is for drivers who want a smooth, comfortable ride, a spacious interior, and Toyota’s reliability over fuel efficiency. This isn’t a hybrid made for hypermilers; it’s a full-size sedan designed for road trips and comfortable commuting, and the fuel economy reflects that.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2018 Toyota Avalon 3.5L will get 21 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. The city figure represents stop-and-go driving. The highway number is generated in controlled conditions simulating steady cruising. The difference between these numbers shows where the Avalon excels: it’s most efficient when racking up highway miles, a key purpose for this car. The six-cylinder engine and smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission prioritize easy acceleration and quiet operation over maximizing fuel in cities. While not best-in-class, these figures are reasonable for a car of this size and power.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Toyota Avalon 3.5L is $1,800. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using national average fuel prices. This is an estimate, and your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving, fuel type, and local prices. Someone who mainly drives in city traffic and accelerates quickly will likely exceed this, while someone who does a lot of steady highway driving may spend less. This is simply a baseline for comparison, acknowledging assumptions that may not reflect individual experiences.

Real-world expectations

Drivers of the 2018 Avalon 3.5L should expect real-world fuel economy to be close to the EPA estimates if they drive moderately. Hard acceleration, hard braking, and long idling will all hurt fuel economy. The Avalon isn’t a light car, and its 3.5-liter V6 engine needs fuel to move it. However, on long highway trips, getting or even slightly exceeding the EPA’s 30 MPG highway rating is possible. Consistent speed and gentle throttle inputs are key. Review all Toyota fuel economy data to see the difference driving habits can make.

How it compares

The 2018 Toyota Avalon 3.5L is in the middle of its class for fuel economy. The Nissan Maxima, for example, with its 3.5-liter V6, gets an EPA-estimated 25 MPG combined. The Chrysler 300 with the 3.6-liter V6 gets around 23 MPG combined. Some might cross-shop the Avalon with smaller, more efficient sedans; a Honda Accord 2.0T, for example gets 26 MPG combined, but has less interior space and isn’t as smooth. These comparisons matter because Avalon buyers, while not focused on fuel economy alone, still care about running costs. A small improvement in MPG saves money on fuel over time. Look at the AVALON MPG across all years to get a better view.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key to maximizing fuel economy in the 2018 Avalon 3.5L. Avoid quick starts and stops, and instead, slowly increase your speed. The car’s torque means you don’t need to floor it to get up to speed, even when merging onto a highway.

Keep a consistent speed, especially on the highway. Cruise control can help you do this, as it reduces changes in throttle input, wasting less fuel on unnecessary acceleration and slowing down. Avoid tailgating, which often causes inconsistent speeds and inefficient braking.

Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressure on the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressures regularly, especially when the temperature changes.

Minimize idling time. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines are made to restart quickly and efficiently, and idling uses fuel without moving you. This is important in city driving.