Toyota, a brand often synonymous with reliability and practicality, occasionally surprises us with a dash of eccentricity. Think of a Prius rally car or a Yaris packing excessive horsepower – these anomalies highlight a playful side beneath Toyota’s generally conservative veneer. The 2021 Avalon Trd is another such delightful surprise. It’s a car that might leave you scratching your head wondering “who is this for?” but simultaneously appreciating its existence.
Striking Aesthetics: Appealing to a Younger Sensibility
The first impression of the Toyota Avalon TRD is undeniably strong. “Sheesh” might indeed be the appropriate word. While the massive grille is a signature Avalon design element, it somehow feels more integrated and purposeful on the TRD, complementing the overall aggressive vibe emanating from every angle. The car sports sharp lower body lips and extensions, while the 19-inch alloy wheels fill the wheel wells with authority. Blacked-out badges and trim accentuate the TRD’s performance intentions, making the cat-back exhaust system even more noticeable. Furthermore, the entire sedan sits 0.6 inches lower, enhancing its sporty stance.
While the Avalon TRD’s appearance might evoke images of aftermarket tuning, it’s precisely this unexpected boldness that makes it appealing. It takes the typically staid Avalon and injects a dose of adrenaline. Much like the Prius rally car, the Avalon TRD thrives on defying expectations, adapting a familiar model to a surprisingly sporty persona. After all, a little bit of automotive weirdness keeps things interesting.
Interior Blend: Sporty Accents Meet Family Comfort
Stepping inside the Avalon TRD, the sporty theme is toned down, offering a more familiar Avalon experience with TRD-specific enhancements. The interior largely mirrors the standard model, but with notable sporty touches. Red contrast stitching adds a vibrant detail, TRD logos are strategically placed, and unique, attention-grabbing floor mats further distinguish the TRD trim. Bright red seatbelts, reminiscent of performance-oriented Mercedes-Benz models, add another subtle sporty cue.
Despite these boy-racer inspired elements, the Avalon TRD fundamentally remains a spacious family sedan. Practicality remains a core strength. The center armrest and door pockets offer generous storage, the flat tray ahead of the cupholders is perfect for devices or personal items, and the rear seats provide ample legroom even for taller adults. The Avalon’s substantial 16-cubic-foot trunk easily accommodates luggage, groceries, and golf clubs, surpassing the cargo capacity of the Nissan Maxima, though slightly less than the Dodge Charger.
Driving Dynamics: Sporty Aspirations with Room for Growth
The Avalon TRD delivers a commendable attempt at sport sedan dynamics without fully committing to an extreme performance transformation. It retains the standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, channeled through the same eight-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels. Power delivery is more than adequate for spirited driving on twisty roads and highway merges, and the TRD-tuned exhaust provides a satisfying engine note throughout the rev range. However, a boost of around 50 more horsepower would truly elevate the driving experience to feel genuinely exhilarating.
Underneath the surface, Toyota has implemented performance-oriented upgrades, including stiffer springs and sway bars, wider wheels, larger brakes, and revised static dampers. In everyday driving, the TRD exhibits a slightly firmer ride compared to other Avalon trims, transmitting a bit more road feedback into the cabin. Yet, it largely preserves the Avalon’s inherent comfort, prioritizing a quiet cabin and a reasonably smooth ride. The Avalon TRD displays surprising agility when pushed, maintaining composure through corners. However, the all-season Michelin tires reach their limits predictably, and the absence of all-wheel drive or a limited-slip differential means the front tires can struggle for traction under hard acceleration. The inclusion of either AWD or an LSD would significantly enhance its sporty character, while borrowing the adaptive dampers from the Avalon Touring could strike a better balance between comfort and performance.
Fuel economy for the Avalon TRD is slightly less efficient than other Avalon models, but not drastically so. EPA ratings are 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, figures that are realistically achievable and only marginally lower than the base and XLE variants.
Technology and Safety: Well-Equipped for Modern Needs
Toyota deserves praise for equipping all Avalon trims, including the TRD, with a comprehensive suite of technology features, regardless of trim level. A standard 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system integrates both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with satellite radio and four USB charging ports (USB-A and USB-C for each row). Navigation is available as part of an optional package that also includes upgraded JBL speakers. The system is user-friendly and functional, providing essential features for most drivers, even if the graphics appear somewhat dated.
On the safety front, every Avalon comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense P, a comprehensive suite of active safety and driver-assistance technologies. This includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and full-speed adaptive cruise control. These systems operate reliably and effectively, consistent with Toyota’s reputation for safety. One desirable addition for the Avalon TRD would be parking sensors, given its large size and the vulnerability of its prominent front grille. However, parking sensors are available on other Avalon trims.
Brass Tacks: Price and Market Positioning
While minor enhancements could further refine the Avalon TRD, the price point is a crucial consideration. The 2021 Toyota Avalon TRD starts at $43,870, including destination and handling fees. This positions it above all other Avalon trims, except for the top-of-the-line Limited Hybrid. When considering that a Dodge Charger with a potent 485-hp V8 and a more advanced infotainment system is available at a similar price, the Avalon TRD demands a specific type of buyer to justify the financial aspect.
However, for enthusiasts of sporty Japanese sedans, the 2021 Toyota Avalon TRD offers a unique and compelling proposition. It might not represent a radical departure from the standard Avalon in terms of outright performance, but it’s an engaging and distinctive four-door sedan that challenges the conventional image of the Avalon as a purely comfort-focused, traditional family car. The Avalon TRD injects a dose of excitement and individuality into the Avalon lineup, appealing to those seeking a blend of practicality and unexpected sportiness.
