Toyota Avensis (2015 – 2019) Review
Toyota Avensis (2015 – 2019) At A Glance
The Toyota Avensis is the typical sensible saloon. It prioritises value and practicality over style and driving excitement. As a result the Avensis is spacious, well-equipped and boasts high levels of comfort and refinement. However, it does show its age, with bland interior styling and an uninspiring drive.
The third-generation Avensis was launched in 2009 and received a major update in 2015 to bring it into line with the competition - namely the Ford Mondeo, Skoda Octavia and Mazda 6. These upgrades include more efficient engines and more safety kit as standard.
Despite the raft of impressive updates, the interior retains dull and forgettable, with lots of dark plastics that look like they've been lifted from a 1980s' TV set. That said, the cabin is one of the largest in its class, with plenty of head and leg room in the front and back. The seats are also larger, more supportive and include technology to reduce whiplash injuries in the event of an accident.
Cabin storage is good with a large front console box - doubling up as a front armrest - and a cavernous glovebox that will easily hold a large water bottle. Admittedly, the 509-litre boot is not as big as the Mondeo or Octavia, but it can still hold a pair of large suitcases or a set of golf clubs. The rear seats can also be folded to offer more space.
The engine line-up consists of three options - one petrol and two diesels - with the former being a 1.8-litre four-cylinder with 147PS. Fuel economy for the petrol is not as impressive as other family saloons, with the Toyota returning 139g/km and up to 47.9mpg.
Those covering high mileages will be better off with one of the diesels, with the 1.6 and 2.0 powertrains returning a respective claimed figures of 67.3mpg and 62.8mpg. The 1.6 diesel is the most economical powertrain in the range, but again lags behind the competition on emissions and doesn't dip below the all-important 100g/km for CO2.
While the Avensis isn't anywhere near as much fun to drive as its rivals, it redeems itself on the motorway with low noise levels and impressive long distance comfort. What's more, being a Toyota, it feels relatively well-built and is backed by a comprehensive five-year warranty.
Real MPG average for a Toyota Avensis (2015 – 2019)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
73%
Real MPG
36–55 mpg
MPGs submitted
64
Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.
Satisfaction Index
What is your car like to live with?
We need your help with our latest Satisfaction Index, so that we can help others make a smarter car buying decision. What's it like to live with your car? Love it? Loath it? We want to know. Let us know about your car - it will only take a few minutes and you could be helping thousands of others.
Help us with the Honest John Satisfaction Index now