'A Reliable Diva with Amazing Fuel Economy:' New York Man Swears by This Toyota Hybrid. It's Not Just Him

• Toyota

In a sea of Teslas and turbocharged SUVs, one TikTok creator has declared a surprising winner: a humble Toyota Avalon Hybrid. So what makes this discontinued full-size sedan the “nicest car” they’ve ever owned, and why are viewers suddenly obsessed with it too?

TikTokker Dutch (@dutchdeccc) happily shares the many pros of the Avalon in the viral clip that’s been viewed more than 256,000 times.

“We love her. Got her about a year ago. She goes by many names: Principal Ava, Avanista, Avalicious,” Dutch said.

“We wanted a sedan because we're basically two little old ladies. But we needed a full-size sedan because I'm six foot, he's six foot three, so it needed to have some space. And they don't even make Avalons anymore, which is such a bummer,” he added.

For Dutch and his partner, the Avalon Hybrid represents a symbol of comfort, practicality, and progress. He recounts their earlier driving days in a duct-tape-repaired 2002 Chevy Cavalier with a cassette player. The Avalon, in contrast, offers heated seats, Bluetooth connectivity, and a surprisingly refined cabin experience, even without the latest tech frills, such as Apple CarPlay. 

“She’s a reliable diva with amazing fuel economy who always shows up to work,” he said, in a nod to both performance and personality.

An Early Hybrid Favorite

That blend of reliability and refinement has always been the Avalon’s niche. Produced from 1995 through 2022, the Avalon stood as Toyota’s flagship sedan: a spacious, quiet, and comfortable alternative to the more youthful Camry or the entry-level Lexus ES, with which it shared a platform in later years.

The hybrid variant, first introduced in the 2013 model year, gained particular popularity among full-size sedan buyers who valued fuel economy without compromising on cabin space or ride quality. According to EPA estimates, a 2021 Avalon Hybrid achieves an impressive 43 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway. That economy rivaled much smaller cars and even some plug-in hybrids.

But the Avalon was quietly discontinued after the 2022 model year as Toyota shifted its focus to SUVs and crossovers. Sales of the Avalon had declined sharply in the years leading up to its end, from nearly 71,000 units in 2013 to fewer than 19,000 in its final year, according to Toyota’s own data. In its place, Toyota introduced the more rugged-looking Crown, a lifted sedan-like hybrid that blends crossover height with fastback styling.

That hasn’t stopped Avalon loyalists like Dutch from singing its praises. In fact, the TikTok post aligns with a growing trend among car owners who celebrate older or underappreciated vehicles that prioritize function over flash. While social media often skews toward hypercars, lifted trucks, or EVs with cutting-edge tech, there’s a parallel wave of drivers expressing genuine affection for cars that simply fit their lives.

Slim Pickings in Sedans

Current sedan shoppers still have some hybrid options, though full-size choices are dwindling. Toyota continues to offer the Camry Hybrid, which is slightly smaller than the Avalon but boasts similar fuel economy and a familiar powertrain. The Honda Accord Hybrid also remains a strong competitor, praised for its responsive handling and advanced interior technology. Hyundai’s Sonata Hybrid also offers value and design flair, though Hyundai has announced it too will discontinue the Sonata in the U.S. after 2025.

For used buyers, however, the Avalon Hybrid might be a hidden gem. According to data from iSeeCars, the Avalon is among the longest-lasting cars on the road, with many examples surpassing 200,000 miles with minimal issues. Its relatively low production volume in recent years also means good-condition hybrid models can command a premium on the used market, particularly in regions where full-size sedans remain popular among rideshare drivers or those seeking comfort over cargo space.

What makes Dutch’s video so compelling is the way the Avalon fits seamlessly into his life. He jokes about buying too many accessories online, turning bumper stickers into magnets, and customizing the car with love. There’s something charmingly analog about celebrating a touch screen or heated seats in a world dominated by over-the-air updates and biometric driver profiles.

It’s also a gentle reminder that not every car needs to break the mold to be special. For Dutch, the Avalon Hybrid is a culmination of practicality, affordability, comfort, and a little flair.

Motor1 reached out to Dutch via direct message. We’ll be sure to update this if they respond.