Hybrid Toyota Avalon is a Lexus-level sedan

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews also can be seen in the Northern & Central California Cruisin’ News magazine published monthly out of Folsom, California.

Sacramento, California -- I've long claimed that a top-end Toyota Avalon sedan is pretty much a luxurious Lexus in nearly every way ... the exception being the Toyota "sombrero" badge on the car.

Naturally, I've been called on this from several fronts, with critics telling me that I don't know what I'm talking about -- not a unique experience for me, by the way.

Fair enough.  But for those critics, I offer you my recent 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid XSE.  Dressed in classic Lexus silver paint and the many-spoke gray alloy wheels, this Avalon was dripping with Lexus DNA.

Not that I was complaining.  And given the bonanza of standard goodies loaded into the machine, the $42,259 bottom line on the sticker was an acceptable number to see, in my view.

Stepping into the cockpit prompted all those good feelings that go with having a luxurious ride to savor for even a short amount of time.  A spacious, comfortable cabin was thoughtfully laid out, with all the electronic technology within easy reach of the driver. Particularly special among the perks was a concert-quality JBL sound system with 14 speakers.

The Avalon on the road acted very much like a muscular sport sedan, not a hybrid.  Power comes from a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine and a highly sophisticated electric motor.  They combine for a net output of 215 horsepower.  The tester was an aggressive hill climber and a surprisingly agile performer on tight surface streets and twisty rural roadways.

And there's a bonus: "Sequential Shiftmatic" technology allows the driver to “shift” the electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. Toyota accurately points out that it "mimics a quick-shifting six-speed automatic transmission via paddle shifters or with the console-mounted shift lever."  It's a nice little extra on a hybrid sedan in this high class.

In truth, you can land hard on the accelerator often in this Avalon, and be guilt-free.  It gets 43 miles per gallon in the city and 43 mpg on the highway.

Big sport-utility vehicles still rule the market for folks looking for long-haul road trip cruisers and daily commuters, but I would put this Toyota Avalon Hybrid XSE up against just about any SUV out there.  It has luxury, comfort, a roomy trunk and outstanding gas mileage.

Oh, and it's fun to drive.