What are the reasons why the Avalon is not worth buying?
4 Answers
The specific reasons why the Avalon is not worth buying are as follows: 1. Overly exaggerated appearance, inconsistent with its positioning: The appearance of the FAW Toyota Avalon is unattractive, dominated by a large front grille that extends aggressively to the sides, even obscuring the front bumper. As the Avalon has always been a special model for the North American market, its design remains exaggerated even after entering the Chinese market, which does not align well with the more restrained mainstream aesthetics in China. In terms of power, the North American version of the Avalon is equipped with a 3.5L V6 naturally aspirated engine paired with an 8AT transmission. However, as expected, the Chinese version has been downgraded, offering only a 2.5L fuel version with an 8AT and a 2.5L hybrid version with an E-CVT. This makes the Avalon, which is positioned as a high-end model, rather mediocre in terms of performance. Additionally, all Avalon models are only front-wheel drive, and the claim that it is a replacement for the Toyota Crown is somewhat exaggerated and inconsistent with its product positioning. 2. Limited powertrain options and dull interior, with an abrupt center console: The FAW Toyota Avalon not only suffers from a downgraded powertrain but also offers no choices. The entire lineup is equipped with only a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine. The hybrid version is paired with a CVT continuously variable transmission, with a maximum power of 160 kW. Consumers have only the 2.5L option, unlike the Camry, which also offers a 2.0L version. It was initially expected that the Avalon would feature Toyota's lacking turbocharged engine, given its advantages in torque and acceleration, but this was not the case, which is somewhat disappointing. The interior of the FAW Toyota Avalon follows a T-shaped layout, but the entire center console area appears to be awkwardly placed, creating a visually abrupt experience, especially the floating central screen, which lacks aesthetic appeal. The lower part of the T-shaped center console area is identical to that of the Camry, with no improvement in quality. Moreover, the overall interior color scheme is too dull, lacking bright accents, which diminishes the sense of luxury and premium feel. 3. Low body height and excessively high rear platform: Due to its styling, the overall body height of the FAW Toyota Avalon is very low, significantly affecting headroom in the rear. The rear longitudinal space of the Avalon is only 880mm, which is below average for its class. After sitting in the rear, the headroom feels very cramped. In the FAW Toyota Avalon, the vehicle's center of gravity has been blindly lowered, but to maintain some ground clearance, the exhaust system piping encroaches on the cabin space, resulting in a high central rear platform. Passengers sitting in the middle have to tuck their legs, compromising comfort. 4. Lack of common configurations and subpar noise control: As a B+ class model, the FAW Toyota Avalon has many unsatisfactory configurations. The entire lineup lacks automatic parking, steering wheel heating and memory, and seat memory functions. The second-row seats are not standard. Even in the top trim, keyless entry is only available for the driver's side door, not the passenger side. For a car at this level, the absence of keyless entry for the right door is unacceptable. The rear does not have independent air conditioning, only air vents, and lacks sunshades. It's worth noting that even the high-end version of the Camry has rear sunshades. The noise control in the FAW Toyota Avalon is not ideal. For this type of car, ride comfort is a primary consideration. The Avalon does not use soundproof glass, so when the speed reaches 80 km/h, wind noise becomes the main source of noise. Additionally, when the engine kicks in, the hybrid version noticeably vibrates and produces noise, significantly affecting the vehicle's quiet performance. Overpriced or repeating the mistake of the 'Sima': Although the Avalon can rival the Crown in the North American market, the Chinese version, with its downgraded features, can at best be considered a high-end version of the Camry. In the C-class segment, there is also the Lexus ES as an option. Whether positioned too high or too low, if the positioning is inaccurate, the Avalon will struggle to find a place in the market. After all, the example of 'Sima' is a cautionary tale.
I don't think the Avalon is worth buying, mainly because its large size makes parking very inconvenient, especially when navigating through narrow city alleys where it's prone to scraping. The fuel consumption is also relatively high, reaching over 10L in urban driving, making refueling costs quite expensive. In terms of pricing, it starts off expensive yet comes with basic and ordinary configurations. It would be better to add a bit more budget for a hybrid model, which is more eco-friendly and cost-effective. The handling is poor, with insufficient stability during high-speed turns, making the driving experience unenjoyable. Although the space is large, its utilization is low, making it unnecessary for singles or small families. The interior design is outdated with weak technological features—small screens and slow response times—lagging far behind modern electric vehicles. While its resale value is decent, repair parts are expensive, leading to high costs if issues arise. It might be better to consider a compact SUV or domestic electric vehicles, which are more practical and economical.
My personal experience is that the Avalon isn't cost-effective, mainly because the handling feels too heavy, with poor steering feedback, making long drives exhausting. The price is on the higher side, and at the same price point, you could get a car with better tech features, such as smart driving assistance or a large infotainment system. Fuel consumption in urban settings is above average, leading to frequent refueling during daily commutes and hitting the wallet hard. While the space is spacious, the design is conservative, not appealing to younger buyers, and lacks a fresh look. It's reliable but slow in electronic system updates, lacking support for mainstream smart connectivity like CarPlay. Maintenance costs aren't low, and parts often take a long time to arrive. The ride is comfortable but lacks excitement, with smooth acceleration and no thrilling kickback. It might be better to consider switching to an energy-efficient model or a newer brand for a more relaxed and cost-effective daily drive.
My opinion is that the Avalon is not suitable for average buyers. Its long body makes parking difficult, especially for families commuting to school in heavy traffic, and its large turning radius is inconvenient. Fuel consumption is high in urban areas, with monthly fuel costs exceeding budgets. The price is steep, and the base model lacks features with outdated technology. Although spacious, the soft suspension causes body roll during turns, making rear-seat rides uncomfortable. Safety performance is mediocre, with collision protection not as robust as newer SUVs. The interior is prone to staining and hard to maintain. While reliability is good, maintenance costs are high, and common repairs are time-consuming and expensive. The design is outdated and lacks modern appeal, diminishing competitiveness. Opting for an economical and practical compact car would be a wiser choice, saving both hassle and money.
