Is the Toyota Avalon headed to retirement?

The Orlando Toyota Avalon has been a much-loved car over the decades because of its sleek sophistication and unbeatable performance, both of which were taken to an all-new level during the 2018 redesign. However, it looks like it might be the end of the road for this classic Toyota – rumor has it that it’s being retired after the 2022 model year, and our Orlando Toyota dealership is here to take a look into why that rumor just may be true.

Is next year the last we’ll see of the Toyota Avalon?

Over the past few years, there’s been a shift in the automotive market. Drivers have been leaning more toward SUVs of all sizes when it comes down to signing the dotted line; while favorites like the Orlando Toyota Camry and Corolla are still popular options, other sedans – like the Toyota Avalon – have lost a bit of their luster. They’re just not as popular anymore, and when you couple that with the fact that the Toyota Avalon is a more expensive luxury option, it leads to a drop in demand. While sales for 2020 were higher than expected, the need for a large luxury sedan is waning.

On top of that, the plant in Georgetown, Kentucky is reportedly planning on ending its production and assembly of this Orlando Toyota. And while Toyota has confirmed nothing about the fate of the Toyota Avalon, they also left it until the last minute to announce the retirement of the Toyota Land Cruiser so we’ve got a gut feeling that this new Toyota sedan is about to be put out to pasture. Rumor also has it that similar to the Toyota Land Cruiser, this Toyota sedan will be discontinued in the US but still sold overseas (specifically in China) after 2022.

This new Toyota has come a long way

It’s been a good run, though. Here are some of the highlights from the history of this iconic Orlando Toyota car:

• The Toyota Avalon was first introduced to the market back in 1994; it was meant to replace the Toyota Cressida, which was retired around the same time. The Cressida had a straight 6 cylinder engine and the new Toyota Avalon was introduced with a 4-cylinder, offering drivers a more fuel-efficient option.
• It’s named as such because of the legend of King Arthur – in this tale, “Avalon” was a land of enchantment where everything was perfect and dreamlike.
• There have been five generations in total of this classic sedan; over time, hybrid models were introduced to the lineup and even an edgy new TRD edition in the past few years. It’s safe to say that while the initial design was somewhat basic, this Orlando Toyota quickly became a solid luxury option with sophisticated style and the best technology out there.

If you’re reading into the rumors like we are, now would be a good time to get your hands on this 2021 Toyota. Test drive it and see it in person at Toyota of Orlando! We’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. You can call ahead of time to learn more and schedule your appointment at (407) 298-4500.

 

 

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