In 2013, Toyota introduced a third-generation effort of its largest, flagship sedan, the aspirational front-wheel-drive exclusive, five-passenger Avalon. Toyota's most opulent sedan turns 20 year old this year and never looked better.
Avalon's been a steadfast success story for Asia's largest automaker. Never intended as a volume generator, Avalon carved out a loyal following as a step-up vehicle from the popular mid-size Camry. It's also a smart choice for those who want a premium vehicle from the Toyota family without shelling out extra shillings for an up-market Lexus badged product.
Designed in Ann Arbor Michigan for the North American market, Toyota also exports this third-generation sedan to select markets outside the U.S. including South Korea and the Middle East.
Updates in 2015 remain relatively low key; steering wheel paddle shifters along with three suspension mode choices (normal, sport, eco) now come standard across the model lineup while Toyota adds a fifth trim level: Touring Sport. A larger number of refinements come next year. During Chicago Auto Show Media Preview Days this past February, Bill Fay, Toyota Group Vice President and General Manager, announced mid-cycle Avalon upgrades in the 2016 model year that include a new front-end design and available LED headlights, tail lights and daytime running lights.
Avalon's based on a streeetched Camry platform (four more inches of overall length), expanding rear-seat leg room. While considered a mid-size sedan by EPA standards, the girth tilts more full-size, similar in length to the Chevrolet Impala and Ford Taurus sedans. Avalon's hook rides with its premium pedigree in this larger-than-mid-size segment.
Toyota's success with Avalon is noteworthy when compared to its key Asian rival, the Nissan Maxima; a larger version of the stylish mid-size Altima sedan. Maxima never gained the same sales traction as Avalon, although an eighth-generation effort recently debuted at the 2015 New York Auto Show and is due out this fall. In 2014, Avalon outsold Maxima by 17,000 units in the United States.
Five trim levels in 2015 include XLE, XLE Premium, Limited, XLE Touring and low-volume, all-new XLE Touring Sport. Only 2,500 of these all-black-exteriored trims will be built. This marks the most trim levels ever from Avalon. During the second-generation ending in2012, just two trims were available.
Once choosing a trim level, engine selection remains straight-forward. Avalon's sole conventional gas engine remains unchanged from 2014, a naturally-aspirated 24-valve, 3.5-liter V-6 with 268 horses. This same engine powers the 2015 Camry (although Camry also offers a second four-cylinder engine). A six-speed automatic transmission once again comes standard. Regular, 87-octane fuel fills the 17 gallon tank.
In addition, Avalon is one of the only cars in its segment offering a gas-electric hybrid engine with an estimated fuel economy of 40 miles per gallon city and 39 mpg highway; comparing favorably to conventional V-6 numbers of 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. Toyota, the sales leader of gas-electric hybrids, introduced the higher-mileage Avalon during the 2013 model year redo.
Pricing starts at $32,285 for an entry trim XLE with conventional V-6 engine. Our tester, a mid-trim XLE Touring started at $36,080. The bottom line after $825 destination fee and $225 floor mats ended at $37,130. New to XLE Touring trims this year; standard blind-spot monitoring with flashing side mirror amber icons and rear cross traffic alerts, very handy when pulling out of tight parking spaces when rear and side views get compromised. Both remain standard in top Limited trims.
Entry XLE, XLE Touring and new-for-2015 XLE Touring Sport offer no factory options. Available in Limited trim is a Technology Package featuring radar cruise control (automatically slowing and speeding Avalon depending on the location of the car ahead) and pre-collision systems. Limited also remains the sole trim with tri-zone climate control beneficial to rear-seat travelers.
The interior is attractive and comfortable. A large, U-shaped retractable cover below ventilation controls hides items in a deep, bi-level cubby hole (eBin in Toyota talk), nicely equipped with two 12-volt power outlets and plug-in ports for iPods and portable electronics. An additional 12-volt outlet may be found in the deep-pocketed arm rest.
Three interior color schemes include our tester's almond (light grey and black the other alternatives) interweaving with black and dark-brown themes and brushed aluminum dials and pin-striping. The soft-touch theme continues on doors and surrounding inline beverage holders. Stretching the platform from Camry dimensions provides a roomy second-row allowing three adults to ride in peace.
Avalon utilizes a simplistic, straight-forward approach for interfacing with navigation, climate controls and audio tutorials; driver friendly and intuitive. Many Lexi (the official plural of 'Lexus') sedans and crossovers feature 'remote touch interface,' including a square, right-hand-operated one-inch square wiggle pad found between front bucket seats for commanding the center, multi-function screen.
Avalon takes a more direct, old-school approach with easy-touch, pressure-sensitive pads (IntelliTouch in Toyota talk) to monitor fan speed and temperature. A single button sends fan direction in multiple directions. All these functions surround a rectangular digital display window dedicated to comfort information listing outside temperature, inside setting and digital clock readouts. Above, a larger seven-inch, multi-function touch screen includes a back-up rear camera feed along with audio and navigation functions.
A circular push-button start button resides right of the steering column. Left of the leather-wrapped steering wheel is the remote trunk release button. Below, a hidden, but handy under-dash retracting storage bin. As with most Toyota products, cruise control commands from a steering wheel square appendage jetting out at 5 o'clock.
Three push buttons aft of the floor-mounted automatic transmission shifter monitor driving mode. Select 'sport' and both throttle response and electronic power steering provide enhanced feedback. "Eco" maximizes fuel efficiency though fan speed and air conditioning tweaks. To deselect either, simply choose 'Normal."
At 16.0 cubic feet, trunk cargo space measures at the top of its class. Curved, near-top goose-neck-type interior hinges don't interfere with traveling cargo thanks to surrounding thick padding. A spare tire stows under the flat floor.
Lexus, and by extension Toyota, have set benchmarks for quietness throughout the interior. While competitors creep closer to the hush-factor, Avalon keeps the peace via acoustically-insulated windshield and side window glass along with injected foam into narrow A, B and C pillars. When open roading, the ride tilts towards smooth luxury, rather than a harsh, sports-type sensation with extensive steering wheel feedback.
Avalon's sleek exterior design utilizes in-vogue cues including a large square rear window, short trunk lid, narrow side windows and narrow, wrap-around tail and head lights to create a sculpted profile. The oversized lower front air dam contrasts with the narrow 'V'-shaped grille above with circular Toyota logo front and center. Narrow headlight housing imitates an eagle eye and beak profile. Dual, chrome-tipped exhausts come standard across all trims
Across the Toyota lineup, 70 percent of vehicles sold in United States are built in North America. Avalon assembly takes place in Georgetown, Kentucky, near Lexington at the same facility churning out mid-size Camrys.
2015 Toyota Avalon
Price as tested: $37,130
Wheelbase: 111.0 inches
Length: 195.3 inches
Width: 72.2 inches
Height: 57.5 inches
Engine: 3.5-liter V-6
Horsepower: 268
Curb weight: 3,549 pounds
Powertrain Warranty: Five years/60,000 miles
City/Highway economy: 21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway
Assembly: Georgetown, Kentucky
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