Price
Winner: 2021 Toyota Camry
The 2021 Toyota Camry carries a base MSRP of $24,970. There are multiple trim levels above the base LE model, with starting prices ranging from $26,485 to just over $30,000. The top-tier TRD model, which comes standard with the upgraded V6 engine, starts at $32,185. If you choose the XLE or XSE trim with a V6, be prepared to spend $35,000 or more.
The 2021 Toyota Avalon starts at $35,875, which is much more expensive than most vehicles in our ranking of large cars. The range-topping TRD trim has a starting price of $42,875.
Reliability
Winner: 2021 Toyota Avalon
The 2021 Camry earns an above-average predicted reliability rating, but the 2021 Avalon slightly edges out its smaller sibling with a good predicted reliability rating.
Both Toyota sedans are covered by a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Seat Comfort
Winner: 2021 Toyota Avalon
No matter which Toyota sedan you choose, you’ll enjoy comfortable and supportive seats with ample head- and legroom in both rows. However, since the Avalon is a larger vehicle, it has more overall passenger volume – though variations in interior measurements are only marginal between these two Toyota models.
The Camry comes standard with cloth upholstery. You can opt for niceties like synthetic leather, genuine leather, heated front seats, and ventilated front seats.
The base Avalon has synthetic leather upholstery and heated front seats. Heated rear seats, heated and ventilated leather-trimmed front seats, and synthetic leather and suede front seats are available.
Cargo Space
Winner: 2021 Toyota Avalon
The Toyota Camry has a 15.1-cubic-foot trunk, which is slightly below average for the class. It also has standard split-folding rear seats, which open up space for longer items. However, since the trunk floor sits lower than the folded seatbacks, loading can be a challenge.
For a large car, the Avalon’s 16.09-cubic feet of trunk space is average. Nonetheless, it’s a bit larger than the Camry’s trunk, and it’s easier to load. As in the Camry, split-folding rear seats come standard.
Interior Quality
Winner: 2021 Toyota Avalon
The Camry’s interior is constructed with mostly high-quality materials, though lower trims could be nicer. Upper trims have luxury touches, including wood inlays and patterned metals. However, critics noted that the Camry’s cabin isn’t well-insulated from outside noise.
The Avalon has a near-luxury-grade cabin that’s filled with soft-touch surfaces. Aluminum and wood trim come standard in all models, aside from the base trim.
Interior Features
Winner: Tie
These Toyota sedans feature intuitive and responsive touch-screen infotainment systems with redundant physical buttons and knobs for ease of use. Smartphone app integration and Wi-Fi capability come standard in both cars.
The base Camry comes with a 7-inch touch screen, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, satellite radio, six speakers, and two USB ports. Available features include a 9-inch touch screen, navigation, wireless device charging, HR Radio, and a premium JBL audio system.
The Avalon comes standard with the same 9-inch touch screen that’s available in the Camry. It also has five USB ports, HD Radio, and eight speakers. Aside from these extras, the Avalon is equipped much like the Camry. In addition, it offers a similar set of optional equipment.
While the Avalon has a larger standard touch screen and a few more standard features, we declare this category a tie since these Toyotas are available with virtually the same interior tech.
Acceleration
Winner: 2021 Toyota Camry
The Camry and Avalon have the same two engine options and a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. Both also come standard with front-wheel drive, though all-wheel drive is available with each.
The Avalon’s standard 301-horsepower V6 is the optional engine in the Camry. Likewise, the Camry’s base 2.5-liter four-cylinder is available free of charge – and paired with all-wheel drive – on select Avalon trims.
The Camry’s base engine is capable enough for most daily driving, but the V6 delivers quicker acceleration and more power for freeway driving.
The Avalon feels peppy with its standard V6, but it’s not as quick to 60 mph as the Camry with the same V6 engine. If you want an Avalon with all-wheel drive, you have to choose the XLE or Limited trim and opt for the smaller, 205-horsepower four-cylinder engine. In fact, you can’t get all-wheel drive with the V6 in either Toyota sedan.
Fuel Economy
Winner: 2021 Toyota Camry
The base Camry LE returns an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 39 on the highway. Adding all-wheel drive lowers these figures to 25 mpg and 34 mpg, respectively. The most fuel-efficient Camry models with the V6 engine earn an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway.
According to the EPA, the base 2021 Avalon XLE with front-wheel drive gets an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway. With the four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive, the XLE gets 25 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway.
If saving money on fuel is one of your top priorities, both the Camry and Avalon come in fuel-efficient hybrid configurations as well. These models are ranked separately from the gas-only versions featured in this article.
Ride and Handling
Winner: 2021 Toyota Camry
Regardless of which Toyota sedan you choose, you’ll enjoy composed handling and a smooth ride. Both cars do a nice job absorbing the impact of road imperfections and tackling tight corners with relative ease. Opt for a Camry or Avalon TRD model, and you’ll have a stiffer suspension and a more agile ride – though neither car is especially sporty.
With that said, the Camry is a bit smaller, lighter, and more nimble than the Avalon, so it gets the win here.
Safety
Winner: 2021 Toyota Camry
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Camry a perfect five-star overall crash test rating, earning top scores in all tests administered by the organization. The Avalon also earned five stars overall, but it received four stars in both frontal crash tests and the rollover test.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2021 Camry six out of six Good scores – the top rating – for its crash tests. It also earned a 2020 Top Safety Pick+ accolade – the organization’s highest honor. The IIHS rated the 2021 Avalon’s headlights as Poor on some trims, which kept it from getting the same honor. However, like the Camry, it received top Good scores in all six crash tests.
Like most Toyota vehicles, both the Camry and Avalon come standard with a full suite of advanced driver-assist systems.
The Winner Is …
2021 Toyota Camry
This battle of Toyota sedans was a very close race, with the Camry winning five categories, the Avalon winning four, and one category ending in a tie. No matter which Toyota you choose, you’ll likely be happy with your decision. In the end, it comes down to your budget and priorities.
The Avalon is the better option for car shoppers who need more space and comfort. It also has more standard features, a nicer interior, and a slightly higher predicted reliability rating.
The Camry is less expensive, more fuel-efficient, and safer. In addition, it offers better overall performance than its larger sibling. In terms of safety and convenience features, the Camry comes equipped much like the Avalon and offers a host of upgrades.
More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report
Are you ready to buy a Toyota Camry or Avalon? If you need to do more research, visit our midsize car and large car rankings. In addition, check out our best new car financing deals and lease deals pages to see current manufacturer-sponsored incentives on the vehicles you’re considering.
When you’re ready for your new car, use our U.S. News Best Price Program to find the lowest prices at a dealership in your area. Shoppers who use the program to buy or lease a new vehicle save an average of over $3,000 off MSRP
2021 Toyota Camry vs. 2021 Toyota Avalon: Worth the Upgrade?
- Price: 2021 Toyota Camry
- Reliability: 2021 Toyota Avalon
- Seat Comfort: 2021 Toyota Avalon
- Cargo Space: 2021 Toyota Avalon
- Interior Quality: 2021 Toyota Avalon
- Interior Features: Tie
- Acceleration: 2021 Toyota Camry
- Fuel Economy: 2021 Toyota Camry
- Ride and Handling: 2021 Toyota Camry
- Safety: 2021 Toyota Camry
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Camry vs. Avalon: Which Toyota Sedan Is Right for You?
The midsize 2021 Toyota Camry and the large 2021 Toyota Avalon are very similar in many ways. Only a few inches separate these sedans in wheelbase and overall length. Moreover, for practical purposes, they come similarly equipped – though there are a few exceptions.
The current Camry generation dates back to the 2018 model year. It’s much improved over the previous generation thanks to its stronger engines, better fuel economy, sharper handling, and up-to-date infotainment technology. In addition, every new Camry comes standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and an entire suite of advanced safety systems. Toyota also added all-wheel drive as an option beginning in 2020, and 2021 models come with a larger 9-inch touch screen as standard equipment.
The Avalon fares well in a segment with few remaining competitors. Large cars have fallen out of favor in the U.S., due in large part to the popularity of SUVs. Toyota completely redesigned the Avalon for 2019, making it more competitive and appealing with improved horsepower, better gas mileage, and long list of standard and available features. The 2021 Avalon gets Android Auto for the first time, as well as available all-wheel drive. Still, it’s suffering from dismal sales, so you may be able to find a solid bargain at your local dealership.
We’ve used the information in our individual reviews and rankings to compare the Camry and Avalon in 10 categories car shoppers prioritize most. These include price, safety, predicted reliability, fuel economy, performance, technology, and more. In the end, we declare an overall winner. Regardless of the results, you can use the information to help determine which Toyota sedan performs best in the categories you prioritize most.
Please note that we update our scores and rankings periodically as new data and expert research become available. As a result, scores and category winners shown in this article may differ from the scores in our individual reviews and rankings.
Continue reading to learn which Toyota sedan wins this head-to-head battle.