28 MPG combined is respectable for the 2021 Toyota Avalon AWD 2.5L 4-cylinder, especially considering it’s a large, comfortable sedan designed for long highway trips. While it’s not a race car, this Avalon offers ample space, a smooth ride, and the added security of all-wheel drive, features that are more important than outright fuel efficiency for its target buyer.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2021 Toyota Avalon AWD are 25 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. This difference is larger than some other vehicles, partly because of the car’s weight and the tuning of its 2.5L engine. Frequent stop-and-go traffic in urban environments will affect fuel consumption. However, on the open road, the Avalon’s efficient 8-speed automatic transmission and aerodynamic design help it achieve that impressive highway number. Avalon owners who take long trips often will notice the benefit to their wallets.

Annual fuel cost

Based on the EPA’s estimates, the 2021 Toyota Avalon AWD 2.5L 4-cylinder will cost $1,550 per year in fuel. This assumes 15,000 miles of driving annually, using the national average fuel prices at the time of testing. This number can change based on your driving habits, the roads you use, and gasoline prices. Drivers who drive more miles or mostly drive in the city should expect a higher annual fuel cost, while those with shorter commutes or who mainly drive on the highway may find their actual fuel costs are lower.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a standard for comparison, but real-world fuel economy can vary. The Avalon’s AWD system, helpful in bad weather, adds weight and complexity, which can slightly reduce MPG, especially in city driving. Driver behavior also matters. If you accelerate quickly and brake hard, that will hurt your fuel efficiency. But if you drive smoothly and deliberately, you may get close to, or even exceed, the EPA’s estimates. Some owners have said they’ve gotten more than 34 MPG on the highway on long, flat roads.

How it compares

The AWD Avalon’s 28 MPG combined puts it in an interesting spot in its class. The Nissan Maxima, which is FWD only, gets around 24 MPG combined. The Kia Cadenza, another FWD option, offers similar fuel economy. Some smaller sedans like the Toyota Camry, especially the hybrid version, get much better mileage (over 50 MPG in the Camry Hybrid), but they don’t have as much space and comfort. For those who want all-weather capability in a full-size sedan, the Avalon’s fuel economy is a good compromise. The Chrysler 300 has powerful engine choices, but its fuel economy of around 19-21 MPG is much lower than the Avalon. You can find all Toyota fuel economy data here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. The correct tire pressure, which you can find on a sticker in the driver’s side door jamb, reduces rolling resistance and improves fuel economy. This is especially important given the Avalon’s weight. Checking and keeping your tires at the right pressure will help you get the most MPG from your car.

Avoid aggressive driving. Rapid acceleration and hard braking use more fuel. Accelerate smoothly and gradually, and anticipate traffic flow to improve your MPG. Keep an eye on the traffic ahead, and drive at a speed that does not involve quick acceleration.

Minimize idling. Letting your engine idle for a long time wastes fuel. If you’ll be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. This is relevant in city driving, where idling at traffic lights can quickly add up.

Use cruise control on the highway. Keeping a consistent speed on long highway drives improves fuel efficiency. Cruise control helps you avoid accidentally accelerating and decelerating, which uses more fuel. While driving on hills can sometimes lower MPG when using cruise, it shines on flat highway stretches.

Keep your car properly maintained. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance all help the engine perform well and use less fuel. See your owner’s manual for the recommended maintenance schedule. Over time, poor engine maintenance will reduce the Avalon’s MPG. You can also view the AVALON MPG across all years to get an idea of average fuel consumption over time.