How cheap is car insurance for a Toyota Avalon?

With a spacious interior, a comfortable ride, and the right blend of value and luxury, the Toyota Avalon is an appealing choice if you’re in the market for a large sedan. Wondering what the Toyota Avalon costs to insure? Simply enter your zip code and compare quotes from some of the best car insurance companies around. In addition, why not read on to learn more about the Avalon’s features, safety equipment and average insurance costs, as well as what reviewers are saying about this flagship sedan from Toyota.

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The Toyota Avalon: Reviews and Specs

Now in its third generation, the Toyota Avalon was introduced in 1994 to replace the Cressida as Toyota’s large sedan for the American market. Reviewers praise the Avalon as an excellent choice for those wanting more legroom and cruising comfort than midsize sedans such as its platform-mate the Toyota Camry can offer. U.S. News & World Report ranks the 2011 Avalon second on its list of best Affordable Large Cars, just behind the Ford Taurus. The Taurus features tech-happy gadgetry, multiple trim levels and available options such as all-wheel drive at starting prices between $25,000 and $38,000. The 2011 Toyota Avalon, on the other hand, has a simpler menu of choices, with two generously-appointed trim levels priced at $32,595 and $35,835 respectively. U.S. News & World Report calls the Taurus and Avalon “two very good options” for large-car buyers. It singles out the Avalon’s reliability and relatively good fuel efficiency as well as its “up-scale interior and quiet, well-cushioned ride” as winning attributes.

Autoblog notes that the Toyota Avalon appeals to older buyers who value its familiar styling as well as its emphasis on comfort, safety and luxury rather than sportier suspension or gear ratios. Nonetheless, with front-wheel drive and a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 268 horsepower and 248 lb.-ft. of torque all mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift, the Avalon offers more-than-adequate power for handling its 3,572-lb. curb weight in the base model and 3,616-lb. curb weight in the Avalon Limited upgrade. While both trims share the same specs and are loaded with high-quality standard features, the Limited adds technology, styling and interior touches well worth its higher sticker price.

Safety Equipment and Design

Toyota has incorporated its comprehensive Star Safety System into the Avalon. This bundle includes Toyota’s Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, ABS brakes with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, Brake Assist and Smart Stop Technology. The last of these, Smart Stop Technology, is Toyota’s corrective solution developed in response to the sudden acceleration defect that prompted recent widespread recalls for many of its models. If you’re interested in a used Avalon, do your research to be certain any recalls have been addressed. Authorized Toyota dealers can be of assistance in checking repair records if you provide the vehicle’s VIN number, and certified pre-owned Toyota dealers correct known defects and address all recalls as a matter of course.

The Avalon’s other safety features include a comprehensive air bag system consisting of front and side air bags for the driver and front passenger, driver knee air bag and side curtain air bags for front and rear seats. Other standard safety features of the Avalon include direct tire pressure monitoring, front active headrests, advanced seatbelt features, child safe rear door locks, LATCH child safety seat tethers, and crash-absorbent design and construction elements such as front and rear crumple zones and more.

Safety Evaluation Results

Independent crash testing results for the Toyota Avalon are reassuring. In 2009 through 2011, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named it a Top Safety Pick, a designation reserved for automobiles that score top marks in all categories of crash testing. In addition to this stamp of approval from the insurance industry, the Avalon has fared well in federal government testing conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. From 2001 through 2010, the Avalon scored four or five out of a possible five stars in front, side and rollover crash evaluations. Those from 2005 through 2010 did especially well, with five stars awarded in all categories except rollover.

Beginning in 2011, the NHTSA introduced new, stricter crash evaluation standards to encourage auto manufacturers to increase safety even further. According to this new system, the 2011 Avalon has thus far received four out of five stars for rollover.

How much is car insurance for a Toyota Avalon?

The national average insurance cost for a Toyota Avalon is about $1200 to $1500 annually depending on trim level, deductibles and other variables. As is the case with many foreign cars, the Avalon is a little more expensive to insure than its American competitors such as the Ford Taurus and Buick LaCrosse. It make little difference that the Avalon is assembled in Kentucky — cars from foreign companies tend to cost as much as ten percent more to insure than domestic counterparts.

When shopping for car insurance, don’t be surprised if your insurance rate differs widely from the national average. Your specific cost is affected by where you live, your age and gender, your credit score, your driving record and other considerations such as any multi-policy discounts you may take advantage of. Some states and towns can average less than $1000 per year for insuring a Toyota Avalon, whereas others may top $2400 for the same coverage. Drivers under 25 years old are especially expensive to insure, as are those with a record of accidents and moving violations.

In addition to maintaining a good credit score and safe driving habits, your best chance to get the lowest price for insuring a Toyota Avalon in your town is to compare quotes from car insurance companies eager for your business. Enter your zip code now and begin shopping for car insurance!

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