2021 Toyota Avalon — Full Specifications
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The 2021 Toyota Avalon is a saloon/sedan offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 34 mpg (UK) / 28 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 31–52 mpg (UK) across all configurations. A hybrid version is also listed by EPA (2.5L 4-cyl), returning around 52 mpg (UK) combined. Owners often keep a Toyota Avalon workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2020 Toyota Avalon: Fuel economy improves from 31 to 34 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2.5L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2.5L 4-cyl · 3.5L 6-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S8) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 103 cu ft (2,917 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 16 cu ft (453 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 34 combined / 30 urban / 41 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 28 combined / 25 city / 34 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 196 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 5 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,400 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 3 configurations for the 2021 Toyota Avalon across 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 26 to 43 mpg (US), or 31 to 52 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl (Hybrid) | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 52 | 43 (43/43) | 126 | $1,550 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 34 | 28 (25/34) | 196 | $2,400 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (22/32) | 212 | $2,700 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 103 cubic feet (about 2,917 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 Toyota Avalon
Running Costs: 2021 Toyota Avalon
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Toyota Avalon at 34 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,070 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,400 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 Toyota Avalon Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Toyota Avalon (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (2). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Air bags — campaign 23V865000, reported 20 December 2023. Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
- Air bags — campaign 20V734000, reported 25 November 2020. Risk: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not perform as designed can increase the risk of injury.
Owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Toyota Avalon. The most-reported areas are Air bags (18), Engine (4), Vehicle speed control (3). Complaints include 2 reported crashes. That is close to the median of 30 complaints across the 13 Toyota Avalon model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Toyota Avalon
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Air bags (2 recall campaigns · 18 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Engine (4 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Throttle & cruise control (3 owner complaints) — Check throttle response and cruise control are smooth, and ask about any software or throttle recalls.
- Driver-assist sensors (2 owner complaints) — Check that driver-assist warning lights are off and sensors are clean and undamaged.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
At 34 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 34 mpg average for Toyota models in our database. Its 196 g/km CO₂ figure is 20 g/km lower than the 216 g/km Toyota average.
Of the 13 Toyota Avalon model years we cover, the 2021 is the most economical on its best configuration (34 mpg UK combined). See every Toyota Avalon year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 Toyota Avalon
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Toyota Avalon have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2021 Toyota Avalon: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2.5L 4-cyl with a automatic (s8).
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Toyota Avalon?
The most efficient configuration returns around 34 mpg (UK) combined, or 28 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 31 to 52 mpg. The hybrid version returns around 52 mpg (UK) combined.
How much does the 2021 Toyota Avalon cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,400 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2021 Toyota Avalon have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2021 Toyota Avalon have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Toyota Avalon (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (2). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Toyota Avalon?
Among the 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Air bags (18 complaints), Engine (4 complaints), Vehicle speed control (3 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2021 Toyota Avalon have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 103 cubic feet (about 2,917 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.