The 2020 Toyota Avalon V6 gets a combined fuel economy rating of 25 MPG. For a large sedan that focuses on comfort, space, and a smooth driving experience more than sportiness, this MPG is what you’d expect. Buyers who want very good fuel efficiency usually aren’t looking at the Avalon; its appeal is in how it combines the usual qualities of a full-size sedan with Toyota’s well-known reliability.

City and highway performance

The EPA says the 2020 Avalon gets 22 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. The city number shows how much gas it takes to move a vehicle this size from a stop, and the effect of stop-and-go driving. The highway number shows how the Avalon’s well-tuned 3.5L V6 engine and smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission help at cruising speeds. The engine’s strong torque helps it run efficiently at lower RPMs on the open road, which helps with the highway rating. This difference suggests that drivers who mostly use their Avalons for longer commutes or highway travel will see fuel economy close to, or even better than, the EPA’s estimate.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Toyota Avalon V6 at $1,750. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will change depending on your driving habits, the fuel you use, and gas prices where you live. Someone who drives mostly in the city, with a lot of idling and acceleration, will probably spend more than $1,750, while someone who mostly drives on the highway could spend less. The $1,750 figure is a useful way to compare how much the Avalon costs to run compared to other vehicles in its class, and against the AVALON MPG across all years.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates are a standard way to compare vehicles. But real-world fuel economy is often different. Many Avalon owners say they get numbers close to the EPA estimates, but it varies. How you drive, the road conditions, and even tire pressure can change fuel efficiency. Accelerating and braking hard will lower MPG, and so will driving in hilly areas or carrying heavy loads often. A smooth, steady driving style on flat highways can give you better results than expected. Regular maintenance, like keeping tires inflated and making sure the engine runs well, is important for keeping the best possible fuel economy.

How it compares

The 2020 Avalon’s fuel economy is competitive for a large sedan. The Nissan Maxima, for example, often gets slightly better numbers, around 24 MPG city and 30 MPG highway. The Chrysler 300 with its V6 engine gets around 19 MPG city and 30 MPG highway, so the Avalon is a more efficient choice. Some competitors have hybrid powertrains for much better fuel economy. The Avalon Hybrid itself gets around 43 MPG city and 44 MPG highway, which is a big improvement over the standard V6. This comparison is important because Avalon buyers often want a smooth, powerful V6 engine more than ultimate fuel efficiency, and are willing to compromise.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Avalon’s 3.5L V6 is made for reliable performance, but getting the best gas mileage takes some effort. Avoid accelerating and braking hard, because these habits really change fuel economy. Keep a steady speed and watch the traffic to use less gas.

Check your tire pressure often and make sure it’s at the recommended level on the doorjamb. Tires that aren’t inflated enough increase rolling resistance. This makes the engine work harder and lowers fuel efficiency. Checking tire pressure every few weeks can make a difference.

Don’t idle, especially when the engine is cold. Modern engines warm up fast while driving, so idling for a long time is unnecessary and wastes gas. If you’ll be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. It will save more gas.

Use cruise control on long highway trips. Cruise control keeps a steady speed, which can improve fuel economy by keeping you from using the gas pedal too much. Don’t use cruise control in hilly areas, because the system might downshift often, which uses more gas.

Take care of your Avalon. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance help the engine run well and improve fuel efficiency. Check your owner’s manual for the maintenance schedule and follow it closely. Review all Toyota fuel economy data to see other high MPG options.