Why Was the Toyota Avalon Discontinued?
2 Answers
The reason for discontinuation is that the price of the Toyota Avalon overlaps with that of the Lexus ES, which shares the same platform. Introduction to the Toyota Avalon: The fifth-generation North American version of the Avalon is an entry-level luxury sedan, featuring two distinct styling designs. The hybrid model adopts a multi-horizontal slat grille, while the gasoline version comes with a black mesh-style grille. The headlights are irregular quadrilaterals. Interior Design: The fifth-generation Avalon offers a dual-tone interior design. It is equipped with a 9-inch multimedia touchscreen, and the multifunction steering wheel is wrapped in genuine leather. The instrument panel features traditional analog gauges on both sides, with a 7-inch HUD display in the center. Behind the gearshift are buttons for driving mode selection and an electronic parking brake. The vehicle dimensions are 4978x1849x1435mm, with a wheelbase of 2870mm and a drag coefficient of 0.27Cd.
From a technical perspective, the discontinuation of the Avalon is primarily due to its outdated design as a large fuel-powered sedan. SUVs are now extremely popular, with consumers favoring vehicles that offer more space and higher ground clearance. While the Avalon is comfortable, it lacks versatility. Toyota is fully committed to advancing electric vehicles, such as the bZ series, and has also upgraded its hybrid technology. The Avalon's engine and platform would likely require significant modifications to keep up with the times, but the costs would be too high. With limited production resources, Toyota must prioritize popular models like the RAV4. Additionally, global supply chain issues have led to unstable parts supply, and discontinuing the Avalon allows the factory to focus on new projects. Furthermore, its fuel consumption is higher than some newer SUVs, increasing environmental pressures. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing—Toyota is undergoing a transformation, and I’ll be keeping an eye on their more efficient future models.
