This makes total sense, @Woodman911 and it’s a bit surprising that it didn’t happen for 2021. Toyota wants to reinforce its safety message, and that change would’ve helped. I think I said this before, but the IIHS info on headlights and crash protection were among the top reasons why I chose my 2020 Limited.

 

Having grown up and learned to drive in the early 70's, the "safety" issue of headlights never crossed my mind. However, when we test drive our 2020 limited, it was in the late evening in winter and it was dark. I will say the first thing I noticed was how well I could see with the headlights and how cool the heads up display was. There is no doubt that engineers can "aim" the headlights now precisely and put the light where it helps the most and not where it is not needed. The low beams took some getting used to as the top lit edge is a pretty flat line, but again you don't necessarily need to see the top of utility poles when driving. The high beams are incredible. My wife doesn't care to much for the lights, but she is also old school but has gotten used to them. The only benefit I can see of the old style reflector lights is that if you take a stone chip and knock one out, you can easily stop at a store and for $7 get you a new headlight and replace it in the parking lot! 😎

 

Remember that when Woodman talks about “reflectors,” he’s talking about the LED Reflector design that’s on all 2019-2022 Avalon models that aren’t Limited or Touring trims. Only those top trims have LED Projectors. Obviously LED Reflectors aren’t like those ancient sealed-beam headlights that were readily replaced with off-the-shelf, cheap parts-store headlights.

 

Judging by the how far the high beam shines on the IIHS test with the base reflectors, it's 'poor' rating probably has more to do with the aim of the low beams rather than the reflectors just being a bad headlight. There are multiple articles, even from the IIHS, that talk about headlight aim being a common issue from OEMs. Since most people don't make adjustments after purchase, they of course test the headlights as they are from the factory.

Look at the 2020 Highlander's base reflectors rating. They shine far, but they create excessive glare. Those reflectors were probably aimed too high.

The only area I see consistent advantage with projectors over reflectors in IIHS ratings are curves/cornering.

 

If reflector beams are aimed too high, what happens to the distance it can shine when aimed lower? Naturally, it goes lower. That’s why I don’t quite get what you’re saying, you acknowledge reflectors can shine far, at the same time, you also acknowledge they’re aimed too high to cause issues with glare. Ok, point them lower, but then the distance they can shine also goes lower, right? That’s the weakness of reflectors: there is no distinct beam cutoff, so to get maximum distance, there would be surrounding glare that can get into peoples eyes. This issue is minimized on projectors where there is a clearer beam cutoff, aim it right below most driver’s eyes, with minimal glare outside of the cutoff line.

 

I’ll bet dollars to donuts that if this was a simple aiming issue, Toyota would’ve corrected it right away. But who knows? Maybe you’re right.

 

I have no issues with my '21 XSE.
This is on low beam.
Just got back from a road trip to Austin... Drove 12 hours a day, never used the high beams.

 

Rich, I see yours is equipped with the optional Streetlight Assist feature. (Just teasin’) 😎

 

Better????

Yes, that is a deer.

 

Without burying the LEDe, let’s just say we’re all more enlightened now. 😎

 

Yeah, definitely better, Rich! I was totally kidding the first time but, yeah, those LED Reflectors do look pretty bright to me.

I wonder what the LED Projectors would look like in the same spot— or if there would be any noticeable improvement (at least from the driver’s seat).

 

Yeah, definitely better, Rich! I was totally kidding the first time but, yeah, those LED Reflectors do look pretty bright to me.

I wonder what the LED Projectors would look like in the same spot— or if there would be any noticeable improvement (at least from the driver’s seat).

Agreed, would love to see a side-by-side.

 

For what it’s worth, the all new Prius and Crown are equipped with Bi-Led projectors as standard equipment, hopefully suggesting that Toyota is ditching reflectors 🥳