The all-new completely restyled Avalon full-size sedan features improved performance and a more luxurious interior, creating a new benchmark in comfort and smoothness for the company's flagship sedan.
Avalon, which first launched in 1995, is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Georgetown, KY, styled at Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, CA, and developed by U.S.-based Toyota Technical Centers. The new Avalon went from final styling approval to production, in a mere 18 months, the quickest development time of any North American-produced Toyota. The short development time allowed Toyota to provide additional standard content at a better value.
The Avalon is distinguished by a sleek grille with chrome accented horizontal bars and subtle new character lines defining a more contemporary profile. The new lower intake valence houses fog lamps on the Limited models.
From the rear, Avalon is identified by large tail lamps and an elegantly sculptured trunk. Dual rear exhaust outlets offer a sporty new touch to Avalon's substantially larger exterior dimensions. With a four-inch longer wheelbase and overall width expanded by one-inch, the new Avalon exudes a powerful stance.
The more elegant exterior appearance of the Avalon is complemented by an all-new interior. New amenities include a seven-way adjustable steering column to provide drivers the option of various vertical and telescopic adjustments as well as a sliding armrest for optimal driving comfort. Rear passengers also benefit from a flat rear floor that provides additional leg room and comfort, especially for the middle seat passenger. Rear passengers also enjoy reclining seats up to 10-degrees using a lever on either side of the seat.
All grades are powered by an all-new 3.5-litre, 24 valve, V6 engine matched to a five-speed sequential shift automatic transmission. A sequential shift feature allows the driver to enjoy a more involved driving experience by controlling gearshifts manually, when desired. Equipped with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), and a dual-stage variable intake manifold, the new V6 produces an impressive 280 horsepower and 352 Nm of torque -- a performance improvement in horsepower of more than 33 percent over the previous generation. This engine is the most powerful V6 ever offered by Toyota in the local model line-up.
The Avalon can effortlessly accelerate from zero-to-100 kph in 6.9 seconds while achieving an impressive estimated EPA fuel economy mpg rating of 22 city/31 highway. In addition to being more powerful and more fuel efficient, the Avalon is targeted to be certified as an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV).
Toyota developed many technological improvements specifically for this engine, including the introduction of a unique new roller rocker concave cam profile that provides faster opening and later closing of the valves which is a key contributor to Avalon's power increase. In addition, the dual VVT-i system optimizes intake and exhaust valve timing to increase high-speed torque, ultimately improving fuel economy.
Responsive handling contributes to Avalon's engaging drive, yet ride quality remains a benchmark of smoothness. 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels are standard on the XL and Limited grades. Michelin Energy MXV4 P215/55 R17 tires were designed exclusively for the Avalon models for improved control, responsive steering and sharpened handling.
Engineers optimized the exterior design of the Avalon for minimal wind noise and reduced cabin noise and vibration by refining the shape of the A-pillar and side mirrors and lowering the position of its aerodynamic windshield wipers. In addition, the Limited model offers a specially designed acoustic windshield.
The Avalon brings several "firsts" to the Toyota lineup. Side mirrors on the Limited grade feature Toyota's first "in-glass" LED turn signal, and a LED puddle lamp that illuminates the area along the side of the car when passengers approach the vehicle. The Limited grade also features side mirror memory.
Toyota's first low-profile wiper blade was uniquely developed for the Avalon. The wiper blade's aerodynamic, low-profile and lower sectional height results in efficient wiping and reduced wind noise. The one-piece blade assembly contributes to the reduction of frozen blades.
Compared to the previous generation Avalon, new high performance halogen headlamps light the road with a longer and wider beam and are standard on all grades. All feature high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps with dynamic auto leveling for improved visibility, while reducing glare for oncoming traffic.
The front seat-mounted side airbags have been redesigned to provide a greater coverage area, and the body structure has been strengthened to help meet the latest side impact standards. Front and rear side-curtain airbags help provide protection in certain types of severe side impacts. The Avalon also features a driver's knee airbag as standard equipment.
The standard anti-lock brake system (ABS) can help the driver maintain steering control during sudden stops by preventing brake lock-up. Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) optimizes braking pressure at each wheel to help minimize body dive or sway during hard braking and cornering.
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is available with traction control (TRAC) and Brake Assist (BA). VSC helps control side skids under demanding conditions by detecting and helping to correct loss of lateral traction during cornering. The VSC system integrates TRAC to help limit rear wheel spin on slippery road surfaces. The Brake Assist system can help the driver take full advantage of the ABS in emergency situations. Brake Assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking and, if the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to activate the ABS, it applies maximum braking pressure until pedal pressure is released.
Excellent fit-and-finish is apparent throughout the vehicle and contributes to Avalon's luxurious comfort. Standard comfort and convenience features on the XL grade includes a premium AM/FM/cassette/CD stereo system with 12 speakers, dual-zone automatic climate control with air filtration, remote keyless entry, power door locks with anti-lockout feature, power windows with driver and passenger auto up/down with jam protection and retained power, fabric front bucket seats, multi-adjustable power driver's seat and center console storage area.
Other standard features include optitron meters with chrome accents, maintenance indicator light, steering wheel mounted audio and climate controls, multi-function information display with audio, climate control, temperature and trip computer, cruise control, engine immobilizer, and tilt and telescopic steering column.
Also adding to the XL standard features, the Limited grade includes power moonroof, four-way adjustable power passenger seat and other items. The front of the driver's seat cushion length is power adjustable, resulting in improved support and a better fit between the seat surface and thigh. Not only are the driver and front passenger seats heated, but they also feature a fan in the seat cushion and seat back that blows air through the perforated leather trim to improve driver and front passenger comfort.
The Smart Key System provides convenience and enhanced security for the Limited model. With the Smart Key System, an on-board sensor recognizes the signal from a light and compact key fob when it is in close proximity, turning on the puddle lamps and interior dome lamp and unlocking the doors when touched. Once the Smart Key System is engaged, the system allows the driver to start the engine by pushing the power switch. The driver can also position the key close to the power switch and push the switch to start the engine. Smart Key users do not have a conventional key to start the engine. The Smart Key System also allows drivers to open the trunk when the key fob is near the rear bumper.
