As consumers have embraced crossovers, sedans have fallen by the wayside.
That’s especially true in the large sedan segment, which has seen the elimination of the Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Impala, Ford Taurus, Hyundai Azera and Kia Cadenza in the past few years.
The tide continues to turn against large sedans as Automotive News is reporting Toyota notified suppliers the Avalon will be discontinued after the 2022 model year. We’ve reached out for confirmation, but a spokesperson told the publication: “While Avalon will be discontinued after the 2022 model year, Toyota remains committed to the sedan segment and we encourage customers to stay tuned for future developments.”
Also Read: 2021 Toyota Avalon Gains AWD, New Nightshade Edition And Android Auto
The automaker went on to say production capacity and employment at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky will not be impacted by the Avalon’s death. The plant employs over 7,000 people and produces the Lexus ES as well as the Toyota Camry and RAV4 Hybrid.
Needless to say, the Avalon’s death will leave a large hole in a once popular segment. However, that segment has been declining and Toyota only sold 18,421 Avalons in the United States last year. Even before the pandemic, sales had fallen pretty steadily since 2013 when 70,990 were sold. That number dropped to 48,079 in 2016 and fell to 27,767 in 2019.
While the Avalon will be sticking around a little longer, its death will mean the large sedan segment will be reduced to the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Nissan Maxima. Sales of the 300 and Maxima have fallen significantly in the past few years, but the Charger continues to be popular as Dodge moved 96,935 units in 2019.
