Toyota unveiled a new, fifth-generation Avalon full-sized sedan at the 2018 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The complete redesign of the car was created by Toyota’s U.S.-based entities in Michigan and Kentucky. The architecture underneath is Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) on their K Sedan platform. New TNGA powertrains will power the new 2019 Avalon.
Those powertrains include a new-generation 3.5-liter V6 and a new hybrid-electric system in the Toyota Hybrid System II family. The gasoline-electric hybrid system in the 2019 Toyota Avalon consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine from the Dynamic Force family and a 650-volt electric motor on a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The 2019 Toyota Avalon Hybrid will likely remain the only hybrid option in the full-sized sedan segment. Toyota says there will be three trim levels for the Avalon Hybrid in 2019, starting with the XLE, Limited, and sport-centric XSE.
The new 2.5-liter engine in the Avalon Hybrid steps away from previous generations of the car by adding several technologies meant to boost power output and efficiency. These include dual variable valve timing (intelligent, VVT-i) with an added VVT-iE system to integrate an electric motor to control the engine’s timing controls. Direct injection and laser-clad valve seats also lower fuel consumption and a longer stroke with a higher compression ratio improves power output. These are blended with a cooled exhaust gas recirculation system, a full variable oil pump, and multi-hole direct fuel injectors.
The electric motor in the CVT of the 2019 Avalon continues to provide power to the drivetrain. That motor, designated MG2, is for motive power only. As with previous generations of the Toyota hybrid system, another electric motor (now MG1) acts as a starter-generator for the Avalon, providing power as a regenerative brake as well as using engine turn to provide power to charge the Avalon’s on-board nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries.
Taht battery pack is more compact that it was in previous generations of the Avalon Hybrid and has been moved to sit underneath the rear passenger seating. It was in the trunk before, taking up cargo space. A new, smaller, and lighter control unit also adds to the efficiency of the 2019 Toyota Avalon Hybrid.
Aaron is an automotive journalist living in Wyoming, USA. His background includes technology, mechanics, commercial vehicles, and new vehicle evaluations. Aaron is a member of several automotive media groups and writes for many well-known publications.