Toyota Avalon production to end after 2022

According to a new report, theToyotaAvalon won't outlive the 2022 model year.The Avalon is the largest sedan and the flagshippiest model inToyota's lineup (we're not including Lexus here), but it appears to be another victim of crossover takeovers.

The report comes from Automotive News, which says the Avalon was due for a mid-cycle refresh next year.Instead,Toyota's purchasing department sent a letter to suppliers sayingAvalonproduction would end at the automaker's Kentucky plant.AN was able to confirm the decision with a Toyota spokesman.

The Avalonwas introduced in 1994 (for MY 1995) as the full-size successor to the rear-wheel-drive inline-six Cressida, which was discontinued in 1992.However, theAvalondoes this by offering front-wheel drive and a V6 in larger sedans.While it gets good reviews as a comfortable cruiser, it lives up to Buick's reputation as a big, boat-sized sedan for pensioners.

Later generations got fairly powerful engines and made great long-distance road tourers.The most recent update, just for the 2021 model year, offers all-wheel drive.There was even a TRD version in 2019.

Despite its solid foundation, the Camry's increasing size and better visibility make the Avalon redundant in many ways.Combined with a shrinking sedan market, it's no surprise that Toyota decided to axe the Avalon after 27 years and 5 generations.

Large SUVs can be better flagships no matter what these days, and Toyota has no shortage of capable and true ladder-frame SUVs for that purpose (even if it kills the Land Cruiser for the market, too).With Avalon's departure, Toyota followed Ford, GM and Hyundai out of the large sedan market.Only the Nissan Maxima, Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger remain.