We drive the 2021 Toyota Avalon TRD

The fifth generation Toyota Avalon was introduced last year using the advanced Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA). Much more than a new body structure, TNGA brings together new approaches to engineering, design, production and materials. The mechanical manifestation of that process is the TNGA platform, which forms the basis for Avalon and several other new-generation Toyota models.

The high-strength TNGA is shared with many other models such as the Camry, RAV4, Highlander and more. Toyota wanted to introduce a bit more pizzaz into the Avalon by adding a new sporty version. This result is the Avalon TRD, and before you get too excited, this is a very mild package, but it works well.

That’s not to say the new-generation Avalon has sacrificed any of its renowned comfort and luxury. On the contrary, the Avalon remains Toyota’s flagship sedan and the Avalon has the reputation of being a quiet and smooth car.  So the TRD package adds some sporty touches, but it remains a very smooth and comfortable car.

The Avalon TRD is powered exclusively by Toyota’s direct-injected, 301-horsepower DOHC 3.5-liter V6 teamed with an eight-speed automatic transmission featuring sport mode and paddle shifters. A specially TRD-tuned cat-back dual exhaust system conveys a more aggressive idle and acceleration sound. The exhaust sounds good, but the Avalon TRD gains zero horsepower over the regular Avalon.

TRD went through the Avalon chassis to sharpen agility while preserving ride compliance. They call the suspension Track Tuned, and they are not kidding. The engineers developed this Avalon’s dynamic characteristics through extensive testing at Toyota Arizona Proving Ground, TMC Higashi-Fuji Proving Ground (Japan), and MotorSport Ranch (Texas).

Thicker underbody braces increase torsional rigidity, and unique coil springs lower the Avalon TRD by 0.6 inches for a reduced center of gravity. The chassis is further enhanced with stiffer coil springs and stabilizer bars for increased roll stiffness of 44% in the front and 67% in the rear. A unique set of TRD shock absorbers complete a chassis enhancement that adds to body control, handling agility, and steering precision. The 19 x 8.5-inch matte-black alloy wheels reduce unsprung mass by 18 pounds compared to the 19-inch wheels on the Avalon XSE grade.

The front brakes are larger with 12.9-inch diameter rotors and dual-piston calipers, compared to 12.0-inch rotors and single piston calipers on the Avalon XSE. Brake performance is also tuned to provide more direct feedback.

Outside cosmetic changes include an exclusive aerodynamic body kit, which includes the front splitter, side aero skirts, trunk lid spoiler, and rear diffuser. Inside, Avalon TRD features black SofTex-trimmed heated front seats with suede inserts and red accents. It also gets red-stitched TRD embroidered headrests, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching, red seatbelts, a shift knob with an embossed TRD logo, and unique TRD floor and trunk mats.

We would call the package a success. The result is a car that will not offend the traditional Avalon buyer, but it is fun to drive daily. It is not as harsh as a sports sedan yet is fun to toss around and the 235/40-19 tires provide good grip around the tight curves. You will not confuse this car with a BMW M3, but it is not supposed to be an M3. It is much better as a daily driving family sedan. It is good enough that all Avalons should have this suspension.

The new Avalon has a 0.27 drag coefficient, which translates into good fuel economy and low wind noise. The EPA rates it as 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, which is not bad at all for a 301 hp car that has to haul around 3700 pounds.

The only issue we have with the Avalon TRD is pricing. The Avalon TRD is very similar to the Camry TRD but while the Camry TRD starts out at $31,170 the Avalon TRD starts out at $42,375. That is a lot more money to get some extra room, but if you need the extra room, the Avalon is hard to beat.

Specifications