The 5-Year-Old Japanese Hybrid Sedan That You Should Buy Used
The automotive market can sometimes feel like a kid entering a candy store for the first time. There are so many options and models that you'd want, with most car enthusiasts building and changing their fantasy dream garages at an early age. You'll sometimes run into those individuals who throw a curveball and add a model such as the Toyota Prius onto the list, with the main explanation being, "Well, you have to have at least one dependable and reliable car you can rely on."
Most people know four main car platforms: non-electric (ICE), hybrids (HEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and electric vehicles (EVs). When it comes to buying used, hybrids are some of the best options. The Japanese hybrid market offers a wide array of models, and even the used models outshine the newer ones. With companies like Toyota, Lexus, and Honda designing and engineering some innovative hybrids, one specific hybrid sedan from one of these car brands ticks off all the boxes and more.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Toyota and other authoritative sources, including EPA and Kelly Blue Book.
The-Hidden-Reliability-Gem-In-The-Used-Hybrid-Market
The Hidden Reliability Gem In The Used Hybrid Market
This practical and efficient hybrid hatchback makes for a dependable used purchase.
The 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Is Still Worth Purchasing
2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Limited Exterior Front Fascia
The 2020 Toyota Avalon sits among the top hybrid sedans that are super underrated. You may have forgotten about the Avalon and that's because the Japanese manufacturer discontinued it in 2022. This was because it did not meet or match the success of some of its other siblings in terms of sales. Toyota's vehicles are known for several iconic traits, such as affordability, reliability, robust standard features, class-leading fuel economy, and more, and the Avalon was possibly ahead of the game. This premium hybrid sedan was listed for $37,100 to $43,400 back in 2020, and that's pretty pricey for a Toyota, but nowadays, it's lowered in price and might be the right time to scoop one up.
A Hybrid Powertrain That's Still Relevant
Toyota
The Avalon has been around since the mid-1990s and ended things off with its fifth generation (2019-2022). It's powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine, producing 215 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. Like many of Toyota's throughout the years, the Avalon Hybrid shared this powertrain system with a popular model in the same lineup: the Toyota Camry.
The Camry just debuted its new generation in 2025, the ninth gen, but from 2018 to 2024, the Avalon's hybrid engine was one available option on the Camry. You may be wondering why this is important, and that's because the eighth-generation Camry Hybrid was one of the more reliable and successful models from Toyota in the last ten years. It's nice to know that this premium hybrid carries the same heart as a well-sought-after model.
2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Specifications
Powertrain | 2.5-Liter Four-Cylinder Hybrid Engine |
Horsepower | 215 Horsepower |
Torque | 163 LB-FT |
Transmission | ECVT |
Driveline | Front-Wheel Drive |
Fuel Economy That's Still Competitive In 2025
Toyota
Much like any field within the automotive world, the hybrid industry is constantly evolving, most of the time for the better. This can be seen as a pro or a con due to fields like the electric automotive world pushing the boundaries and continuously finding new ways to be more efficient and provide longer ranges. This is the case for many older models who get left in time with non-optimized fuel economies, but for the 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid, it isn't the case.
The 2020 Avalon Hybrid provides a combined fuel economy of 43 to 44 MPG, depending on what trim you opt for. For its overall driving range, you get between 568 to 581 miles. This is quite impressive, especially with it still being capable of landing itself on the list of best gas-mileage hybrid cars for 2025.
2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Fuel Economy
XSE and Limited | XLE | |
Fuel Economy (City) | 43 MPG | 43 MPG |
Fuel Economy (Highway) | 43 MPG | 44 MPG |
Fuel Economy (Combined) | 43 MPG | 44 MPG |
Range | 568 Miles | 581 Miles |
If that didn't sell you enough, the Avalon Hybrid is Toyota's premium sedan, which is an important note. One of Toyota's current premium sedans that matches many characteristics of the Avalon is the 2025 Toyota Crown. It's available with two hybrid powertrains and currently sits on the list of best gas-mileage hybrid cars in 2025, but the interesting part is that the 2020 Avalon Hybrid blows it out of the park. A modern-day premium hybrid, such as the Toyota Crown, offers a combined fuel economy of 30 to 41 MPG and an overall driving range of 435 to 594 miles. Putting all the specifications together, the 2020 Avalon Hybrid performs better overall.
An Interior That Could Pass As A Lexus
2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Limited Interior Front Seating
The fuel economy alone is a great selling point, but it becomes laughable when you enter the Avalon's cabin. That's not saying that the Avalon Hybrid's fuel economy is disappointing or not worth mentioning; it's saying that the design and elevated interior are incomparable or possibly 10 times better.
Lexus is Toyota's sister brand, and its sole purpose was to design and engineer cars that were similar to Toyota but better. They're categorized as a luxury brand, whereas Toyota is just a regular car brand. The point being made is that you could put the Avalon on Lexus's lineup back in 2020, but most people wouldn't even bat an eye because it would look like it belonged.
The Avalon Is The Premium Version Of The Camry
Toyota
Some people may consider the Toyota Camry a premium sedan, but with models like the Avalon showing what deluxe and high-quality really look like, the Camry starts to look like a regular Sedan. The Avalon platform was once Toyota's flagship sedan, which means it came equipped with all the standard features. While the exterior has much to unpack with its taut lines and sleek contours, the main focus is on the interior.
It's apparent that Toyota took a lot of influence on luxury designing the Avalon Hybrid. Its spacious interior was one of its strengths, offering a suitable room in both rows. Regarding amenities, the Avalon Hybrid housed authentic materials such as Yamaha-sourced wood trim and aluminum pieces scattered throughout. Soft-touch materials and the piano-black and satin chrome-finished trim elements weren't scarce either. Depending on what trim you opt for, the Avalon Hybrid could come fitted with leather seating, available in cognac, beige, or gray. Much like any Toyota, the standard features can't be explored in a matter of minutes, but the Avalone Hybrid seems like the odd one out, being unique and more elevated among its other Toyota siblings.
Housed With Ageless Technology
Toyota
Looking at technology from five years ago, you'll see that it will likely have become outdated. This is seen in many cars, but Toyota keeps its tech ageless throughout its older models. The Avalon Hybrid Limited comes equipped with a 9-inch head-up display, which comes standard with Apple CarPlay and displays engine speeds, directions, drive modes, and more.
Located in the center of the dash is a nine-inch audio system used for displaying audio and navigation information. Below the audio system is a 12-volt plug, and a wireless phone charger can be used to keep your mobile devices charged. In the XLE and XSE trims, you'll have a standard audio-plus 8-speaker system. If you're an audiophile who loves sound systems, the Avalon Hybrid can be upgraded with the 14-speaker JBL audio system.
2025 Toyota Camry in silver parked in front of city scene
This Japanese Hybrid Outsold The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid In January 2025
This hybrid from Toyota's stable has beaten its immensely popular brethren to become the brand's best-selling HEV in the first month of 2025.
The 2020 Avalon Hybrid Can Be Bought In The $30,000 Range
Toyota
By now, you're probably wondering how much this premium hybrid sedan goes for. Toyota initially listed the 2020 Avalon Hybrid in the $40,000 range, but today it sits in the $30,000 range. Toyota offers three trims on the Avalon Hybrid, and it hasn't depreciated by that much over the last five years. Of course, a sedan with a used price of $30,000 is considered affordable; it only seems fitting that this premium and elevated sedan hasn't plummeted in price over the years. With all it offers, it seems like a steal and a bargain.
2020 Avalon Hybrid Trims And Prices
MSRP | Used Price | |
XLE | $37,100 | $28,183 |
XSE | $39,600 | $32,100 |
Limited | $43,400 | $32,105 |
One Of The More Underrated Used Hybrids Available
Toyota
In the end, the 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid is a perfect car to buy in 2025, even if it is one of the most underrated hybrid sedans on the market. The main takeaways of the Avalon Hybrid are that it houses a reliable hybrid powertrain, competes with modern-day hybrids in fuel economy and range, showcases a lavish interior with amazing standard features and technology, and lastly, sits at an affordable price. Sure, you could pick up a new Toyota for that price, but there aren't any models on the current lineup that offer this many features and will age nicely.
