DecodedCars2016 Toyota Avalon
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 268 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 40 combined · 40 city / 39 hwy
- Length
- 195.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,549 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 40 MPG combined — 53% better than the average 2016 midsize car (26.2 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Few owner complaints25 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 141 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Toyota Avalon is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 195 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,549 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 40 MPG combined (40 city / 39 highway), 53% better than the 2016 midsize car average of 26.2 MPG, for an estimated $1,700 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Avalon — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Avalon →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Georgetown, Kentucky
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2016 Avalon configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 195.3 in | 72.4 in | 57.5 in | 111 in | 62.6 / 62.2 in | 3,549 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avalon Hybrid Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 40 / 39 / 40 | +53% | $1,700 | 223 |
| Avalon | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | -8% | $2,800 | 365 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Toyota Avalon.
Similar 2016 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Toyota Avalon (this car) | 40 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 Ford Mustang | 25 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2016 Honda Accord | 30 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 Chevrolet Impala | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Chevrolet Camaro | 25 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Dodge Charger | 23 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
Recalls (4)
Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module · Jan 17, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V024000 · 2,891,976 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended may increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the air bag control module and its wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk beginning March 2, 2020. A second letter notifying owners of the remedy repair will be mailed between March 16, 2020 and June 27, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB03, 20TA03 and 20TA05.
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft · Jul 20, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V462000 · 671 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016 Camry Hybrid and Avalon Hybrid vehicles. The front drive shaft may separate.
- Risk
- A front driveshaft separation would result in a loss of propulsion while driving, and if the driver exits the vehicle without applying the parking brake, the vehicle may roll. Both scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will check the serial number of the vehicle's drive shaft, replacing any that are affected, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0M.
Air Bags › Knee Bolster · Dec 16, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V906000 · 12 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Avalon, and 2017 Camry vehicles manufactured August 3, 2016, to September 12, 2016. The front passenger knee air bag module may have been attached to the lower instrument panel with incorrect fasteners.
- Risk
- If the air bag was installed with incorrect fasteners, the fasteners may become loose over time, affecting the air bag deployment and increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fasteners, and if necessary, replace the instrument panel brace and body bracket and reattach the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 8, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G05.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Apr 14, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V215000 · 58,515 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Avalon and Camry vehicles manufactured November 30, 2015 to March 4, 2016. The occupant classification system (OCS) that activates or deactivates the front passenger seat air bag system may have been improperly calibrated. As a result, the front passenger air bag and the front passenger knee air bag may not deploy as intended in certain crash scenarios. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- Air bags that do not deploy as intended during a crash increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will recalibrate the OCS, free of charge. The recall began by May 13, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is G0J.
Not every 2016 Toyota Avalon is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Toyota Avalon buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 4 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Air Bags — 4 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Electrical System — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 31,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Toyota Avalon. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Avalon years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Avalon | 44 | 196.1 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 8 |
| 2021 Avalon | 44 | 196.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 27 |
| 2020 Avalon | 44 | 196.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 10 |
| 2019 Avalon | 44 | 196.1 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 72 |
| 2018 Avalon | 40 | 195.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 25 |
| 2017 Avalon | 40 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 14 |
| 2015 Avalon | 40 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 54 |
| 2014 Avalon | 40 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 100 |
| 2013 Avalon | 40 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 103 |
| 2012 Avalon | 22 | 197.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 23 |
| 2011 Avalon | 23 | 197.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 62 |
| 2010 Avalon | 23 | 197.2 in | Not rated | 6 | 16 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →