Compare the2022 Toyota Avalon HybridVS 2021 Porsche Taycan

The Avalon Hybrid has standard Whiplash Injury Lessening Seats (WIL), which use a specially designed seat to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the WIL system allows the backrest to travel backwards to cushion the occupants and the headrests move forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Taycan doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The Avalon Hybrid has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Taycan doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Avalon Hybrid Limited offers optional Rear Cross-Traffic Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The Taycan doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The Avalon Hybrid has a standard blind spot warning system which uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. A system to reveal vehicles in the Taycan’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Avalon Hybrid’s standard cross-path warning system uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The Taycan doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

Both the Avalon Hybrid and the Taycan have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and available around view monitors.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard front crash prevention system, and its headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Avalon Hybrid its highest rating: “Top Pick Plus” for 2019, a rating granted to only 103 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Taycan has not been tested, yet.

Toyota’s powertrain warranty covers the Avalon Hybrid 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Porsche covers the Taycan. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the Taycan ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 6 times as many Toyota dealers as there are Porsche dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Avalon Hybrid’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Avalon Hybrid’s reliability 30 points higher than the Taycan.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2020 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are better in initial quality than Porsche vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota 19th in initial quality. With 9 more problems per 100 vehicles, Porsche is ranked 24th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Porsche vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota second in reliability. Porsche is ranked 9th.

The Avalon Hybrid’s maximum EPA estimated driving range on a full tank of fuel is 580.8 miles, after which it can be refueled at any gas station in minutes. The Taycan’s range is only 227 miles, after which the minimum recharge time is 22 minutes for only a 80% charge at a specially configured quick charge station not available in most areas. A full recharge at a conventional charging station can take up to 11 hours.

The Avalon Hybrid has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Taycan doesn’t offer a CVT.

The Avalon Hybrid has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Taycan; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

The Toyota Avalon Hybrid may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 950 to 1500 pounds less than the Porsche Taycan.

The Avalon Hybrid is 6.1 inches narrower on average than the Taycan, making the Avalon Hybrid easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

For excellent aerodynamics, the Avalon Hybrid has standard flush composite headlights. The Taycan has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the Avalon Hybrid a Mid-size car, while the Taycan is rated a Compact.

The Avalon Hybrid has 15.8 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Taycan (103.8 vs. 88).

The Avalon Hybrid has .3 inches more front legroom, 1.9 inches more front shoulder room, .3 inches more rear headroom, 8.2 inches more rear legroom and 3.9 inches more rear shoulder room than the Taycan.

The Avalon Hybrid has a much larger trunk than the Taycan (16.1 vs. 14.3 cubic feet).

If the windows are left open on the Avalon Hybrid the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Toyota service department.) The driver of the Taycan can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

Consumer Reports rated the Avalon Hybrid’s headlight performance “Good,” a higher rating than the Taycan’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Avalon Hybrid has standard extendable sun visors. The Taycan doesn’t offer extendable visors.

Insurance will cost less for the Avalon Hybrid owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Avalon Hybrid will cost $10680 to $13430 less than the Taycan over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Toyota Avalon Hybrid will be $99715 to $122523 less than for the Porsche Taycan.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Toyota Avalon Hybrid, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Porsche Taycan isn't recommended.