Review
Introduction
Toyota’s Avalon is a full-size car for those who have graduated from the Camry. In fact, the Avalon is basically a stretched version of the previous Camry and uses that car’s 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. No other powertrain choices are offered. For 2009, the Avalon lineup consists of three trim levels: XL, XLS, and Limited, listed in order of increasing luxury and price.
When the current-generation car debuted for 2005, it placed first in our comparo of six $30,000 family sedans. We praised it for its comfortable interior, ample power, and good fuel mileage. It has since been slightly refreshed and seen its gear count rise by one.
Verdict
The Avalon is a good car to go unnoticed in. The styling and the driving dynamics won’t get anyone too excited, but that’s okay for many folks. Interior and cargo room are copious. Back-seat occupants are treated to an adjustable backrest and plenty of room to stretch out. The car is most at home on long straight highways—just don’t fall asleep. The Avalon was recently announced as one of our Editors Choice picks in the Large Sedan category.
Whereas the V-6 Camry could be described as overpowered, its 3.5-liter V-6 engine works well in the larger Avalon, providing plenty of power for passing. Don’t let the gray-hairs fool you; the Avalon is no slowpoke. The last one we tested made the run to 60 mph in a tidy 6.0 seconds, although that was before it got the six-speed automatic.
Click here to read our full review of the Toyota Avalon.
Click here to read our latest comparison test involving the Toyota Avalon.
What’s New for 2009
Stability and traction control were made standard on all Avalons for 2009. The Touring trim has been dropped.
Highlights and Recommendations
The base Avalon model is the XL, which comes equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, cloth seats, a nine-speaker stereo with XM satellite capability, dual-zone automatic climate control, and silver-metallic-look trim. Pricing starts around $29,000.
The XLS, which starts at about $33,000, adds a good amount of standard equipment, and we think it provides the best value. The wheels are upgraded to 17s, and fog lamps, leather seating surfaces, and a power tilting-and-sliding sunroof are standard. A voice-activated navigation system is optional, as are heated front seats.
Several Lexus-like features are only available on the Limited, including laser cruise control, high-intensity-discharge headlights, an acoustic-noise-reducing front windshield (no joke), ventilated front seats, and keyless start. Prices for the Limited start at $36,000 and can climb past $39,000 with options, at which point you’re well into actual Lexus territory.
Safety
Stability and traction control, front-seatbelt pretensioners, a tire-pressure monitoring system, active front headrests, and anti-lock brakes are standard. Front, front-side, driver’s-knee, and curtain airbags are also standard.
