China has become a crucial market for Toyota to maintain its global annual sales of over 10 million vehicles. The next two years will mark a pivotal period for Toyota to accelerate its electrification drive in China.
Recently, the 2027 FAW Toyota Avalon has completed filing with China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), kicking off the final phase before its official launch. As scheduled, this facelifted model will make its public debut at the Guangzhou Auto Show this November and go on sale in the first quarter of 2027.
Tailored exclusively for the Chinese market, the 2027 FAW Toyota Avalon is built on the platform of the previous-generation Lexus ES and integrates locally developed technologies. Positioned as a B+ segment sedan, it sits between the Toyota Camry and Toyota Crown, competing head-to-head with models such as the Honda Accord, Volkswagen Magotan and BYD Han.
Exterior design sees the most significant updates. The model's signature large front grille has been replaced with the design adopted by the 16th-generation Toyota Crown, delivering a more stately and commanding presence.
The vehicle's overall length is extended by 65 mm to 5,055 mm, while the wheelbase remains unchanged at 2,870 mm. The extra length is distributed to the front and rear ends, bringing a better visual proportion rather than noticeably enlarging the rear passenger space. The rear fascia also gets a full redesign. It features split-style taillights with a full-width upper outline and slim strip-style light strips below. The license plate bracket is relocated to the rear bumper, which is accented with large black cladding at the lower section.
Inside the cabin, major upgrades are made to fix the laggy infotainment system of the outgoing model. With a revamped interior layout, the new car is equipped with the Qualcomm 8155 automotive chip and dual 12.3-inch displays. Sport variants come with exclusive seats and interior trims. Improved sound insulation materials are also applied to reduce road noise at high speeds. It remains to be seen whether the central control screen will be the 15.6-inch large display independently developed by Toyota for China (as used on the Toyota Sienna) or a large screen powered by Huawei's HarmonyOS cockpit.
According to the filing documents, the new model will be available in three powertrain options: a 2.0L gasoline version, a 2.0L hybrid variant and a 2.5L fifth-generation Dual Hybrid system. The hybrid models boast excellent fuel economy, with a minimum fuel consumption of 4.31 L per 100 kilometers.
FAW Toyota plans to roll out next-generation powertrains and all-new models. Three brand-new engines will be introduced specifically for its upcoming plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), set to enter production in the second half of 2027. The lineup includes a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine and a 1.5T turbocharged engine manufactured at the Tianjin plant, as well as a dedicated 2.0L PHEV engine produced in both Tianjin and Changchun. There is a high chance that the new Avalon will adopt these advanced powertrains.
It is estimated that the new sedan with a more executive styling than the Toyota Crown will be priced below 150,000 RMB, which will pose strong competition to the Toyota Camry.
In terms of new vehicle roadmap, FAW Toyota will launch three fully redesigned models: the all-new Avalon, all-new Corolla and all-new Crown Kluger. Built on a brand-new platform, the next-generation Corolla will start production in the second half of 2027 and may adopt frameless doors. The all-new Crown Kluger is scheduled for production in December 2027.
