Toyota refreshed the first generation of the Avensis in 2000 and offered new technical upgrades, but the carmaker didn’t add too many visual improvements.
The Japanese carmaker was already known for its reliable products, and it tried to get into the mid-size sedan market with the introduction of the Avensis lineup. In Europe, it had to fight against better-known vehicles such as Volkswagen Passat, Renault Laguna, Peugeot 406, or Ford Mondeo. Even the Honda Accord was a better-known nameplate.

Some chrome trims enhanced its bland styling on the grille and clear-lens headlights. It was designed more for fleet users, where the total cost of ownership was more valued than the car’s look. Toyota replaced the formerly used smiling grille from the front lower bumper area with a straight design at the front. In the back, Toyota changed the taillights and installed wider reversing lights.

The biggest aesthetic change was inside, where the carmaker installed a new center stack with a stereo mounted on the top. Also, the instrument cluster looked more refined than on the non-facelifted version.

Under the hood, Toyota installed a new engine generation fitted with variable valve timing. Unfortunately, the base version was powered by a 1.6-liter gasoline unit that provided a mere 110 hp, way less than its competitors. Besides, the fuel efficiency was not as good as expected.