The Toyota Avalon has long been recognized as a comfortable and dependable full-size sedan, but “exciting” isn’t typically a word associated with it. Enter the 2020 Toyota Avalon Trd, a model designed to inject some adrenaline into the lineup. Upon first glance, it begs the question: Does this TRD variant successfully blend sporty flair with the Avalon’s inherent qualities, or is it simply a case of aesthetics overshadowing substance?
Under the hood, the 2020 Avalon TRD boasts Toyota’s tried-and-true 3.5-liter V6 engine. This powerplant delivers a robust 301 horsepower, channeled to the front wheels through a smooth and responsive direct-shift eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine is a familiar workhorse in Toyota’s stable, renowned for its reliability and ample power. It feels perfectly at home in the Avalon TRD, providing confident acceleration and effortless highway cruising. The shifts are indeed crisp, negating any desire for manual intervention, although the sport mode does enhance responsiveness for more spirited driving scenarios, particularly when merging onto highways or tackling on-ramps.
Moving to the exterior, the Avalon TRD takes a decidedly bolder approach. This is where opinions may diverge. While the intention is clearly to project a sporty and aggressive image, the execution might be perceived as somewhat polarizing. The front fascia is undeniably more assertive, and the addition of unique wheels contributes to a more dynamic stance. However, the side skirts and prominent rear wing arguably push the design into territory that some might find excessive for a refined sedan like the Avalon. It gives the impression of sporty components being grafted onto a car that wasn’t inherently designed for such overt visual aggression. Perhaps a more subtle approach, focusing on suspension enhancements, distinctive wheels, and understated blacked-out trim, could have resulted in a more cohesive and sophisticated “sleeper” aesthetic. Nevertheless, the dual exhaust pipes at the rear are a strong visual element, emitting a satisfyingly deep and throaty note under acceleration.
Stepping inside the 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD reveals a cabin that leans heavily into the sporty theme. Black leather upholstery with red stitching dominates the interior, creating a striking and performance-oriented ambiance. Glossy piano black accents and soft-touch leather surfaces contribute to a sense of sporty luxury. The standard Avalon interior is already a pleasant space, but the TRD treatment amplifies the sporty character with its black and red color scheme.
Notable interior touches include the eye-catching red seatbelts, a detail that immediately grabs attention and adds to the sporty persona. Aluminum pedals further enhance the performance-oriented feel. For audiophiles, the optional JBL sound system, often exceeding $1,000 in value, transforms the cabin into a concert hall, delivering a rich and immersive audio experience. Practicality remains a strong suit of the Avalon. The rear cabin offers generous space for passengers, easily accommodating child seats and adult occupants alike. Trunk space is also ample, aligning with expectations for a full-size sedan, providing plenty of room for luggage and cargo.
In conclusion, the 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD presents a mixed bag. It undeniably delivers a more engaging driving experience compared to the standard Avalon, with sharper handling and a firmer ride. The interior is a standout feature, successfully blending sporty aesthetics with comfort and technology. However, the exterior styling is likely to be the most divisive aspect, potentially alienating buyers who prefer a more understated appearance. While the Avalon TRD is undoubtedly fun to drive and handles surprisingly well for its size, its target audience remains somewhat unclear. Considering the availability of the more luxurious Avalon Limited, some buyers might find the latter’s refined elegance a more compelling proposition. Fuel economy during testing averaged around 21 mpg, slightly below Toyota’s claimed 25 mpg. The MSRP for the 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD starts at $45,410.
The Good: Impressive interior, robust and reliable V6 engine.
The Bad: Exterior styling may not appeal to everyone.
