One way Toyota is hoping to gain more interest in the Avalon is by offering a hybrid version, and that’s what I recently tested. Here’s my report on what the Avalon has to offer.

LOOKS

While not fancy-looking by anyone’s definition -- the Avalon is basically a stretched-out Camry -- it’s not unattractive either. It wouldn’t make the final round of Miss America, but wouldn’t get cut in the first round either.

Once you get inside, you’ll see why this vehicle can rightfully be called a full-size sedan. Even tall drivers can stretch their legs comfortably, as can the folks riding in the back seat. Likewise, you’ll get a large storage space in the trunk. And materials throughout the vehicle are higher-end; not quite at the Lexus/luxury car level but nothing in the way of cheap plastic.

ENGINE, HORSEPOWER

The Avalon hybrid runs on the same powertrain that is used in the Camry hybrid. Start off with a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine; add to that an electric motor; and you get a grand total of 200 horsepower.

So how does this feel as a driver?

Well -- not too powerful, let’s just say. So folks looking for a sporty, speedy feel should look elsewhere. But it’s not weak either, and will get you moving adequately. Just don’t expect a racecar -- know what you’re getting into when you choose a ride like this. It’s all about what matters most to you -- fuel economy or speed/power.

The ride is dead quiet, almost eerily quiet, when in EV mode -- you could hear a pin drop. This is one of the things folks switching to hybrids have to get used to -- the lack of an engine roaring when you turn the car on or drive at slow speeds.

MPG
This is where the Avalon hybrid impresses: Official numbers are 40 mpg city/39 highway/40 combined; I averaged over 40 mpg during my time in the car (as high as 43 mpg as a matter of fact), and with a large gas tank you’ll get between 600 and 700 miles out of a single tank.

Did I mention this was a full-size vehicle? That puts these numbers in perspective. Smaller Toyota hybrids will get you 50 or more mpg, but you don’t get the room most people need in their vehicle. The Avalon offers a “best of both worlds” scenario; space and fuel mileage.

TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY

My test vehicle featured Toyota’s Entune system, which is serviceable but not nearly as up-to-date and helpful as the systems rival manufacturers offer on the tech side of things. There are apps connected to the system, but the setup process is cumbersome and requires you downloading the app to your phone.

Voice commands worked well, and controls are well-placed on the steering wheel, but the look and workflow of the Entune interface disappoint (they haven’t been changed for a while, and it’s about time for a refresh).

At some of the Avalon’s trim levels, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert is offered and is a very helpful feature to have to avoid accidents. Adaptive cruise control is another potentially life-saving feature (slowing you down automatically if a car drives into your line while on cruise control).

PRICE
The Toyota Avalon hybrid I tested started out just over $36K, and topped off at $38.455 once some options were added.That’s a bit pricey for a car in this class, but the amount of money you’ll save down the road via fuel cost savings is substantial (estimated at nearly $1,000 saved per year).

BOTTOM LINE

For those considering a full-size sedan, there are more powerful options (i.e. the Chrysler 300), but the difference in mpg ratings is night and day. If you are focused on saving gas, you will find few vehicles at the level of the 2015 Toyota Avalon hybrid to consider. You won’t be flying by anyone in traffic in this car, so speed demons need not apply, but if you go with the Avalon hybrid you’ll be riding in comfort and can wave to the other cars as they stop at the gas station.

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Matt Myftiu can be found on Twitter @MattMyftiu.