The Toyota Avalon, Toyota’s flagship full-size sedan known for its spacious interior, smooth ride, and luxurious features, will not be returning for the 2023 model year. After nearly three decades, Toyota has decided to discontinue the Avalon, marking the end of an era for this beloved vehicle.
In its place, Toyota is introducing the all-new 2023 Toyota Crown as its new premium sedan offering. While Avalon fans may be disappointed by this news, the Crown aims to carry on the Avalon’s legacy while ushering in a new chapter of innovation and style for Toyota sedans.
So as we bid farewell to the venerable Avalon, let’s take a closer look at what made this car so special, why Toyota decided to discontinue it, and what the future holds with the introduction of the 2023 Toyota Crown.
A Look Back at the Toyota Avalon’s Impressive Run
First introduced in 1994 as a 1995 model, the Toyota Avalon quickly established itself as a spacious, well-equipped, and reliable sedan. Over the years, it underwent several redesigns and improvements, consistently offering a winning combination of comfort, quality, and value.
Some of the Avalon’s standout features and highlights over its lifespan included:
- Roomy, well-appointed interiors with high-quality materials
- Smooth, quiet ride thanks to advanced suspension and sound-deadening
- Powerful yet fuel-efficient V6 engines
- Available hybrid powertrain for enhanced fuel economy
- Abundant standard safety and convenience features
- Upscale Limited and Touring trims with premium amenities
Thanks to these attributes, the Avalon earned a loyal following and became a top choice for drivers seeking a comfortable, dependable full-size sedan. It was particularly popular among older buyers who appreciated its easy ingress/egress, relaxed driving dynamics, and overall refinement.
Avalon’s Sales Decline Amidst SUV Boom
Despite its merits, Avalon sales had been steadily declining in recent years as consumer preferences shifted heavily towards SUVs and crossovers. Even with the well-received redesign for the 2019 model year, Avalon sales struggled to gain traction.
In 2021, Toyota sold just 19,460 Avalons in the U.S., a 39% drop from the previous year. This downward trajectory, combined with Toyota’s broader strategy to optimize its lineup, ultimately sealed the Avalon’s fate.
Why Toyota Decided to Discontinue the Avalon
Toyota’s decision to discontinue the Avalon after the 2022 model year was driven by several key factors:
- Declining sedan sales: As mentioned, the growing popularity of SUVs and crossovers has significantly impacted sedan sales across the industry. The Avalon was no exception to this trend.
- Overlap with other Toyota models: With the Camry growing in size and offering similar features, there was increasing overlap between the two sedans. This made it harder to justify keeping the Avalon in the lineup.
- Shift towards electrification: Toyota is investing heavily in hybrid and electric vehicles as part of its long-term strategy. Discontinuing the Avalon frees up resources to focus on these new electrified models.
- Introduction of the Toyota Crown: The all-new 2023 Toyota Crown is poised to fill the role of Toyota’s premium sedan, offering a fresh take on the segment with innovative features and a unique lifted body style.
While saying goodbye to the Avalon is bittersweet, Toyota believes this move will allow them to better align their lineup with evolving customer needs and preferences.
The 2023 Toyota Crown: A New Era Begins
As one chapter ends with the Avalon, another begins with the introduction of the all-new 2023 Toyota Crown. This reimagined sedan aims to blend the best aspects of the Avalon with a more modern, distinctive design and advanced technologies.
Key Features of the 2023 Toyota Crown
- Elevated stance: The Crown features a unique lifted body style that blurs the line between sedan and crossover, offering a higher seating position and easier entry/exit.
- Hybrid powertrains: Two hybrid options are available, including the fourth-generation Toyota Hybrid System and the HYBRID MAX performance setup with a combined 340 horsepower.
- Premium interior: The Crown’s cabin is appointed with high-quality materials, advanced infotainment, and ample space for passengers and cargo.
- Distinctive styling: With its bold front grille, sleek lines, and available 21-inch wheels, the Crown makes a strong visual statement.
- Advanced safety tech: Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, the latest suite of driver-assist features, comes standard on all Crown models.
While the Crown may not be a direct replacement for the Avalon, it represents Toyota’s vision for the future of premium sedans, blending style, performance, and innovation in a unique package.
Carrying on the Avalon’s Legacy
As Toyota Avalon fans mourn the loss of this beloved sedan, they can take comfort in knowing that its spirit lives on in the new Crown. With its emphasis on comfort, refinement, and advanced features, the Crown aims to attract many of the same buyers who made the Avalon a success.
Of course, only time will tell if the Crown can truly fill the void left by the Avalon. But with Toyota’s track record of producing high-quality, reliable vehicles, there’s reason to be optimistic about this new chapter in the brand’s history.
The End of an Era, But a Bright Future Ahead
The discontinuation of the Toyota Avalon marks the end of an era for this impressive sedan that provided comfort, reliability, and value to countless drivers over the years. Its spacious interior, smooth ride, and upscale features made it a favorite among those seeking a premium driving experience without the premium price tag.
While it’s always sad to see a beloved model ride off into the sunset, Toyota’s decision to focus on the future with the introduction of the 2023 Toyota Crown is an exciting development. By combining the best aspects of the Avalon with a fresh, innovative approach, the Crown represents a new beginning for Toyota’s premium sedan lineup.
As we bid a fond farewell to the Toyota Avalon, we can look back with appreciation on its remarkable run and look forward with anticipation to what the future holds. The automotive landscape may be changing, but with models like the Crown leading the way, Toyota remains committed to delivering the quality, performance, and value that drivers have come to expect from this iconic brand.
