DecodedCars2017 Toyota Avalon
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
- 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
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 40 MPG combined — 49% better than the average 2017 midsize car (26.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Few owner complaints14 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 106 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 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), 49% better than the 2017 midsize car average of 26.9 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 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2017
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2016 Avalon — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 Avalon →
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 | +49% | $1,700 | 223 |
| Avalon | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | -11% | $2,800 | 365 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2017 Toyota Avalon.
Similar 2017 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Toyota Avalon (this car) | 40 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2017 Ford Mustang | 24 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2017 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 Chevrolet Impala | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2017 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Chevrolet Camaro | 25 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 Dodge Charger | 23 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (2)
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.
Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire · May 2, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V295000 · 409 vehicles
- Problem
- Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.
- Risk
- A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spare tires, adjusting their pressure as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Toyota's number for this recall is 17R2.
Not every 2017 Toyota Avalon is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Toyota Avalon buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 6 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 3 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 17,515 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 2017 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 |
| 2016 Avalon | 40 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 25 |
| 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 →