Toyota Avalon vs Toyota Camry

The 2021 Toyota Avalon presented a mixed bag in terms of aesthetics. While its overall design was appealing, the front-bumper styling, particularly on the XSE trim, drew criticism for resembling a mouthful of braces. This grillework was a point of contention, as it seemed to detract from the otherwise sleek and low-slung profile of the vehicle. Despite this, the Avalon offered a choice between comfort and sportiness, with the Limited model focusing on luxury and the XSE variant providing a sportier experience. The interior, however, was a highlight, featuring artfully stitched leather seats and a dramatic centre control panel, lending the cabin a sophisticated ambiance that was more special than a Camry but not quite as luxurious as a Lexus ES.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Camry, particularly in its TRD trim, turned heads with its eye-catching Cavalry Blue paint and aggressive styling. This model year introduced a few updates, including standard heated side mirrors and a new Nightshade Edition package for the SE Hybrid trim. The Camry TRD stood out with its aerodynamic body kit, matte-black wheels, and red accents, making it a visually striking option. Inside, the Camry TRD featured a sporty driving position and a driver-oriented centre console. However, some interior elements, like the red gauge illumination and seatbelt embroidery, were considered tacky. Despite these quirks, the Camry TRD's design was a departure from the traditionally conservative Camry styling, offering a more dynamic and youthful appearance.

The 2021 Toyota Avalon offered two powertrain options in Canada. The Limited trim featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 205 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque, paired with an all-wheel-drive system. While this setup provided decent performance, it lacked the excitement of the standard 301-horsepower 3.5-litre V6 engine available in other trims. The Avalon delivered a smooth and comfortable ride, thanks to its TNGA platform, which ensured predictable handling and a stable driving experience. The eight-speed automatic transmission facilitated quick launches and safe freeway merges, although the AWD system was limited to the Limited trim. The Avalon achieved a fuel efficiency rating of 8.4 L/100 km in combined driving, with our test averaging 8.0 L/100 km.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD, on the other hand, boasted a robust 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. This power was harnessed through an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The Camry TRD's performance was further enhanced by a Sport transmission mode, paddle shifters, and a Sport driving mode that adjusted throttle response and steering effort. Despite its sporty nature, the Camry TRD achieved a fuel consumption rating of 9.4 L/100 km in combined driving, with our test averaging 9.5 L/100 km. The TRD model featured track-tuned driving dynamics, including stiffer suspension components, larger brakes, and performance tires, resulting in a solid and engaging driving experience. However, the lack of all-wheel drive was a notable omission, as the front-wheel-drive setup occasionally led to tire squeal during spirited driving.

The 2021 Toyota Avalon, being a large sedan, offered a spacious interior that felt comparable to a Honda Accord. The Avalon Limited featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats with genuine leather upholstery, heated and ventilated cushions, and a heated steering wheel. While initial comfort was high, some issues arose over time, such as the need for improved side bolstering and a more comfortable head restraint angle. Rear-seat space was generous, with heated rear-seat cushions adding to passenger comfort. The Avalon provided ample storage space in the centre console and a roomy 456-litre trunk, although it lacked a grab handle for easy trunk closure.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Camry TRD featured a low-slung, sporty driving position with fabric seat inserts and a tall centre console. Despite the lack of additional bolstering, the Camry TRD's seats were comfortable, and the car's handling minimized body roll. The back seat accommodated two adults comfortably, although the TRD model lacked rear-seat air vents and a folding rear seatback. The Camry's trunk offered 428 litres of cargo space, which was smaller than some competitors. However, the Camry compensated with generous in-cabin storage, including a large bin under the centre armrest.

The 2021 Toyota Avalon came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. It also included Toyota connected services like Safety Connect and Remote Connect. The upgrade infotainment system added dynamic navigation and voice recognition, along with a 14-speaker JBL premium sound system. The user interface was intuitive, although the JBL system required fine-tuning for optimal sound quality. The Avalon also featured a 10-inch colour head-up display, although it was faint when viewed through polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Toyota Camry featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Camry XSE and TRD models received a 9-inch touchscreen display with additional subscription services and a 9-speaker JBL audio system. While the JBL system was bass-heavy, it provided decent sound quality for the price. The Camry TRD lacked dynamic navigation and voice recognition technology, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered alternative solutions. Other Camry models offered a 10-inch head-up display and a 360-degree surround-view monitoring system, but these were not available on the TRD.

The 2021 Toyota Avalon came standard with Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a surround-view camera system, parking assist sonar, and rear automatic braking. The Avalon earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and top scores from the IIHS, although it was ineligible for a "Top Safety Pick" award due to poor headlight performance on lower trims.

The 2022 Toyota Camry featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, and other advanced safety features. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was standard on the Camry TRD and XSE, with Safety Connect providing additional emergency assistance services. The Camry received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, ensuring a high level of safety for occupants.