For the longest time the full-size automobile was a mainstay of automobile manufacturers. As years passed tastes in size, configurations and options evolved. This was sometimes based on consumer tastes, safety regulations or concerns over the environment. The full-size sedan in the early 21st Century is still with us although no longer enjoying the popularity it had with our parents or grandparents.
Toyota hasn’t given up on this segment and continues to offer the Avalon as step up from the Camry and a nice alternative at a lower price point than a similar Lexus model. I did drive the previous generation Avalon and remember it didn’t make a positive impression. The 2016 model on the other hand is a better automobile. Strange as it sounds having once owned a well-preserved 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis, it’s hard not to make some comparisons between the two. The Avalon has a somewhat eighties feel, but tightened up and buttoned down for the 21st Century.
The Avalon is quietly refined, with a touch of elegance that sets it apart from the more ordinary Camry. My tester was a 2015 Avalon Limited designed with sharp creases, flared fenders, a swooping roofline and discreet chrome bright work. However, that’s still not enough to set the Avalon apart from the Camry in terms of looks. More than once people were surprised when they asked about my “Camry” only to be told it was the bigger, pricier Avalon. A little more bling or dramatic styling seems to be needed.
Settling into the driver’s seat I’m impressed with the cushy leather which is both heated and cooled. The instrument panel design is very good now, including soft switches and knobs, real wood trim and a wireless charger for a cellphone. Surprisingly, there is no heated steering wheel. Really odd when there are so many other features including a rear window shade. This is after all a $45,000 plus sedan and we’ve grown accustomed to heated steering wheels in less expensive vehicles. No gripes with the infotainment system, it’s a breeze to select what you want and offers a clear font for easy reading.
Space abounds in the passenger compartment. Front passenger and driver have plenty of stretch out space. Legroom for adult rear seat passengers is plentiful as you would expect in a car this size. Behind the rear seat the Avalon offers a long trunk, but not a deep one. Even so, a lot can be stuffed inside the carpeted area for long road trips. For smaller items, the interior has plenty of spaces to hide away snacks, small toys, etc.
The almost silent V6 engine is linked to a buttery smooth 6-speed electronic automatic transmission. The combo offers strong acceleration, near silent cruising at highway speed and very good fuel consumption at 10.8L /100km in combined city/highway driving. The engine is 3.5 litres in size with DOHC and 24 valves putting out a respectable 268 horsepower and 248 lb.ft. of torque. This is plenty to get up to highway speed and for quick passing around slower vehicles.
As large as the Avalon is, the more time I spent wheeling around city streets the smaller it began to feel. Handling is very good and suspension settings are such that bumps are firmly absorbed but not jarring. Where I thought there might be more body roll in tight curves, there was composure. I certainly wasn’t expecting any kind of sporting character from the car, but it’s good to know when you do push, it will confidently handle whatever road surface and curves quietly and without drama.
Your investment in an Avalon also gets you a long list of safety features that contribute to the overall good value in this car; blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, backup camera, a pre-collision system and adaptive cruise control. If you really prefer a full-size sedan that will coddle you with a long list of features, the Avalon is worth looking at. There are only two models; Avalon Touring starting at $38,990 and the Limited starting at $44,170. Pricing that is competitive with some other luxury sedans but with a lot more in standard features.
After spending a week enjoying the Avalon Limited, I thought with a Toyota model this good why would anyone pay more for a Lexus?
