When it comes to a full-sized sedan, Toyota's Avalon could be the best. At least it has the qualities one associates with a winner.
Available in five distinct grades on the V-6 models include XLE, XLE Plus, XLE Premium, Limited, and Touring. For Hybrid customers, there are three separate grades, XLE Plus to XLE Premium and Limited, each a step up in added luxury and technology options.
The refreshed 2016 Avalon grades include a wider lower front grille with narrow upper grille design, newly-designed turn signals (replacing fog lights), refined LED taillamps, and chrome rear bumper accent.
Depending on trim level, there are redesigned 17- and 18-inch Super Chrome alloy rims, LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, seven-inch Entune Audio Plus screen with navigation, App Suite, Qi wireless charging, premium woodgrain dash ornamentation, tire-specific tire pressure monitoring system and unique badging.
As in the past, the 2016 has great leg room in front and rear seats, a commodious trunk, plenty of engine power, a host of safety features and comfort amenities plus a price reflecting that of an entry-luxury vehicle.
Pricing starts at $32,650 for a base XLE model and can reach $40,450 for the Limited. In between are the $34,400 XLE Plus, $35,850 XLE Premium and the $37,050 Touring. The Touring model was tested recently and it shared, with the others, a 3.5-liter, 268-horsepower, dual overhead cam V6 engine mated to a shiftable six-speed automatic transmission. It is capable of powering the sedan from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.4 seconds. This is above average for the full-size sedan segment of the market. It can brake back to 0 in a distance of 127 feet, which is not terrific for a car of this size, but is not bad either.
Toyota upgraded the suspension into two unique suspension systems. One retuned suspension prioritizes a comfortable ride for the XLE through Limited grades. The other provides a more dynamic and responsive driving experience for the Touring grade. Both are significant improvements over the previous Avalon.
Since the Avalon is Toyota's top-of-the-line sedan expect luxury, which begins on the XLE with leather interior trim including seating surfaces, power front and heated seats as well as power and heated exterior mirrors.
Power door locks and four express windows, remote keyless entry, pushbutton start, rear view camera, cruise control, zoned heat and air conditioning plus a sound system that includes Bluetooth, high definition satellite as well as AM-FM radio, compact disc player, USB and auxiliary audio inputs are standard.
The XLE Plus adds a power sunroof and automatically dimming rearview mirrors.
Additions continue with upgrade models to include power tilt and slide moonroof with sliding sunshade, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel and rear power sunshade, exterior mirrors with turn-signal insets, puddle lamps, ambient cabin lighting, sport tuned suspension, LED headlamps and taillights, and an 11-speaker JBL sound system. The Touring model had most, but not all, of those additions such as JBL sound and the puddle lamps. Dealers have details.
All Avalon models come with a backup camera as standard.
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