Used Toyota Avensis buying guide
There were many options with the Toyota Avensis, with used models having a petrol or diesel engine, an automatic or a manual gearbox, and front-wheel drive.
Engines and transmissions
Petrol
- 1.6-litre Valvematic generates 130bhp for a 0-62mph time of 10.4 seconds and an efficiency rating of 44mpg.
- 1.8-litre increases the output to 145bhp, which reduces the 0-62mph time to 9.4 seconds, and the fuel efficiency to 42mpg.
- 2.0-litre generates 149bhp and offers a fuel efficiency rating of 40mpg.
Diesel
- 124bhp 2.0 D-4D (130) is rated at 55mpg, with the 140bhp variant achieving 62mpg.
- An earlier 110bhp 1.6-litre was the most efficient at 67.2mpg.
- 2.2 D-4D 150 creates 148bhp with a fuel economy rating of up to 51mpg, while a 175bhp 2.2-litre variant was also available offering 47mpg.
Practicality
The Toyota Avensis has a premium feel and a well-appointed cabin, making it a practical car for everyday driving.
Interior space
- Driver's seat adjustments can help the driver find the perfect positioning.
- Three adults can fit in the rear seat, but it's best to put a child in the middle.
- Touring model has more interior space, and is a better option if adults need to travel in the back.
Boot space
- 509-litre boot is larger than the Honda Accord and Volkswagen Passat.
- Touring Sports has 34 extra litres of boot space, giving it 543 litres in total.
- Rear seats fold down offering up to 1,609 litres of space, depending on the bodystyle.
Bodystyles
- Five-door hatchback gives the Avensis a sporty appearance.
- Saloon provides a more executive style for business professionals.
- Tourer estate offers slightly more interior room.
Safety
- Expired Euro NCAP rating (2015) was a perfect five stars.
- 93% rating given to adult occupant.
- Standard kit includes seven airbags and electronic stability control.
Technology
- Available Touch 2 infotainment and Go navigation system pairs to an 8.0-inch touchscreen.
- High-tech infotainment system could be used with voice recognition and 3D maps.
- Premium 10-speaker sound system offers great sound in the car.
Different generations of used Toyota Avensis
The Toyota Avensis first arrived in 1997 as a saloon that was poised to go up against some popular models. It was designed as a replacement for the Carina, but with a more modern touch. While it was discontinued in 2018, the Avensis had seen four generations and several updates that kept it desirable and functional.
Fourth Generation
At the start of this generation, nearly 90% of all sales were to business and fleet customers, so improvements were made to its style. Even the model structure was upgraded to ensure that the names appealed to businesses. LED lamps were added and the cabin's comfort level increased.
Several powertrains were also dropped during this time, leaving more compliant diesel engines and one petrol option. Emissions were improved upon with the lighter engine designs, making it cheaper to run the Avensis.
Third generation (2009 - 2018)
Even though some upgrades were made to the third-generation Avensis, the majority of changes were small and amounted to a mild refresh. The front of the car was made to look narrower, giving the Avensis a sportier appeal to younger drivers. Toyota made bi-Xenon HID lamps available and the three-door hatchback model was discontinued.
Inside the cabin, some of the materials were upgraded and a new centre stack was released. With the same wheelbase as the previous generation, the rear seat legroom remains roughly the same.
