10 Toyota Avalon Competitors to Consider

2019 Toyota Avalon ・ Photo by Toyota

In an automotive market dominated by crossover SUVs, the full-size passenger car may seem like a relic of a bygone era. Yet the fact is that buyers still choose bigger sedans in large numbers. Large sedans are some of the most comfortable and efficient cars on the road today.

Among the market leaders is the 2019 Toyota Avalon. Toyota completely refreshed the Avalon for this model year, and the investment paid off. With a new look and a powerful 301-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine, the Avalon offers a tremendous value for its $35,500 starting price. Standard features like a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay support and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts make the Avalon a compelling choice. If you’re considering buying the Toyota Avalon or any full-size sedan as your next ride, here are 10 competitors to evaluate before you make your decision.

2019 Nissan Maxima

One of the most boldly designed sedans on the market is the 2019 Nissan Maxima. The Maxima is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 making 300 hp, paired with Nissan’s advanced Xtronic continuously variable transmission. The driveline powers the front wheels, and will send the Maxima from 0-60 in just 5.9 seconds. For the ultimate in presence, take a look at the Maxima SR trim with sport suspension and 19-inch wheels.

Inside, the Maxima provides a high-quality near-premium driving experience. Nissan’s “zero gravity” seats are wonderfully comfortable. On the dash, Nissan’s 8-inch touchscreen display supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Upgrade options include a Bose premium audio system, navigation, 360-degree camera system, and advanced safety and convenience features like adaptive cruise control.

Photo by Nissan

2019 Ford Taurus

Ford has been building big cars as long as any automaker, and they know what they’re doing. The 2019 Ford Taurus is adaptable to any needs, from the high-powered SHO model to available all-wheel drive. The standard 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers 288 hp, and if you buy the SHO you can expect 365 hp from the EcoBoost V6. All-wheel drive is standard on the SHO, making it an extremely attractive option.

There’s another reason to think of the Taurus this year, and that’s the fact that Ford will not produce this vehicle in 2020. If you want to enjoy the comfort of Ford’s heated and cooled front seats, and the well-designed interior, this could be your last chance.

Photo by Ford

2019 Kia Cadenza

Kia has two offerings in the large sedan category, and both the 2019 Kia Cadenza and the 2019 Kia K900 have their appeal. While the K900 is an impressive executive car, the Cadenza is more popular due to its lower price point and smaller size. The Cadenza is powered by a V6 engine rated at 290 hp, and carries an 8-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels.

The Cadenza starts at $33,100, and that price includes heated front seats and a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher trim levels bring premium features like heated and cooled leather seats, surround-view cameras, and a head-up display.

Photo by Kia

2019 Cadillac CT6

If you want to step up to a true luxury sedan, the 2019 Cadillac CT6 is an excellent candidate. You can choose between three standard engines, ranging from a basic 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder to a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 set to produce 404 hp. If power really is your thing, you can talk to Cadillac about obtaining one of the limited-production CT6-V automobiles with a 4.2-liter twin-turbo V8 engine rated at 550 hp.

When you get behind the wheel of any CT6, it’s a world-class luxury experience. Head-up display, heated and cooled leather seats, 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and Cadillac’s Super Cruise hands-free assisted driving system all are available. If you haven’t shopped Cadillac recently, it’s time to take a fresh look.

Photo by Ron Sessions

2019 Chrysler 300

Performance enthusiasts are sure to be impressed with the 2019 Chrysler 300. The standard engine is a 3.6-liter V6, but the available 5.7-liter HEMI V8 provides 363 hp right off the showroom floor. Both engines are matched with Chrysler’s TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission. Chrysler 300s powered by the V6 may be ordered with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, while the V8 cars are rear-drive only.

All 300 models use an independent rear suspension, so you’ll never feel like you’re piloting a boat. The Touring L trim is more luxury-oriented, while the S offers a performance suspension. Inside, the 300 is spacious and comfortable, offering leather on all trims except the base Touring package. An 8.4-inch touchscreen display is available on all trims, with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Photo by Chrysler

2019 Chevrolet Impala

Chevrolet has a long history with large sedans, and the 2019 Chevrolet Impala is the best expression of where this American icon is winning today. The Impala comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in the base trim, but most buyers will want to upgrade to the 3.6-liter V6 with 305 hp. A 6-speed automatic transmission complements either engine choice.

The reason to choose the Impala rests largely on Chevrolet’s tech package. All Chevrolet vehicles have an onboard receiver for 4G/LTE data, and the ability to create a Wi-Fi hot spot inside the car. That’s all controlled through a standard 8-inch touchscreen interface. On top of that, all Chevrolet products come with access to OnStar for emergencies and for general assistance on the road. A Bose Centerpoint surround sound audio system also is available.

Photo by General Motors

2019 Buick LaCrosse

Buick has cemented its status as GM’s pure luxury brand with the 2019 Buick LaCrosse. But you won’t pay more for Buick’s legendary quiet cabin, because the LaCrosse starts at $29,570. The LaCrosse comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, but the smaller powerplant is enhanced with an electric motor for a mild hybrid power boost. The LaCrosse drives very well, and achieves 35 MPG in highway driving.

Buick offers the LaCrosse with an 8-inch touchscreen and an optional Bose premium audio system, and you might want to spend the money on the good stereo because the LaCrosse is among the quietest sedans on the road. Buick has invested millions in active noise cancellation and other upgrades to make the cabin a place of serenity. Finally, luxury extras like seat massage and a head-up display are available.

Photo by Buick

2019 Acura RLX

Acura is among the most highly awarded Japanese luxury brands, and the 2019 Acura RLX sedan shows why. The RLX comes with two exciting engines that promise peak performance. The basic Acura RLX engine is a 3.5-liter V6 with 310 hp, but the RLX also is available as a Sport-Hybrid with 377 hp and an innovative all-wheel-drive system.

The Acura hybrid system includes an electric motor integrated with the V6 engine to drive the front wheels. Dual electric motors drive the rear wheels individually. The effect on handling is impressive. In the cabin, the RLX shows Acura’s obsession with details, and includes a full suite of convenience, safety, and luxury features.

Photo by Acura

2019 Volvo S90

Scandinavian design is the name of the game with the 2019 Volvo S90. Power comes from three versions of the same 2.0-liter engine. The T5 engine is turbocharged for 250 hp, while the T6 uses both a turbo and a supercharger to deliver 316 hp. Finally, the S90 is available with a T8 hybrid system good for 400 hp.

In the cabin, the S90 offers spacious seating and premium features like seat massage, heating and ventilation, and Volvo’s unique Sensus dashboard technology system. Sensus uses a large 9-inch screen with one of the most convenient interfaces on the market. There’s also a phone app that lets you control your Volvo remotely.

Photo by Volvo

2019 Lincoln MKZ

The last car in our list is the 2019 Lincoln MKZ. Together with its sibling the 2019 Lincoln Continental, the MKZ represents the resurgence of a classic American brand. Lincoln has been doing great work with design in its luxury vehicles, and that builds on the brand’s excellent mechanical underpinnings.

The 2019 MKZ comes with two exciting engine options. Choose a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 400 hp, or a 2.0-liter engine with a hybrid drivetrain. The MKZ hybrid will achieve up to 42 MPG on the highway. Lincoln also offers the MKZ with unique features like a panoramic glass roof that slides back as one piece, and special seats with imported Bridge of Weir leather upholstery. All that and more makes the 2019 Lincoln MKZ a powerful value proposition.

Photo by Lincoln