Toyota's Optitron (luminescent) analogue gauge cluster is remarkably clear, crisp and legible regardless of lighting conditions. A
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| No Toyota has ever had a larger, more comfortable back seat, period. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
single, wide canopy shelters the gauges and extends far enough over the centre stack to shelter the information data screen, which doubles as a navigation screen, if so equipped. Toyota has chosen to locate the Avalon's audio head behind an oil-dampened cover located mid-point in the centre stack. This nicely clears away much button clutter, somewhat akin to sweeping dirt under the rug. Fortunately, redundant audio controls are mounted on the steering wheel, opposite the steering wheel-mounted, redundant HVAC controls. Both front seats are power-adjustable, with heating and cooling available. They are firm, wide and seriously comfortable, but not deeply bolstered, which makes them more accommodating to wider torsos, but less supportive during hard cornering. Front seat head and legroom are both commendable. A tilt, telescoping wheel makes finding the perfect driving position a cinch. So we know the front seat folk are pampered in the Avalon, but what
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| According to Toyota, the Avalon will hustle from 0-to-100 km/h in a mere 6.7 seconds. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
about those relegated to the rear bench? In my experience, no Toyota has ever had a larger, more comfortable back seat, period. Not only is rear legroom sensational, but the rear seatbacks recline up to ten degrees for additional comfort. This may not be in the league of the mighty Maybach, but it's pretty darn good for a commonplace Toyota. If there is anything not worthy of bragging rights inside the Avalon, it's rear headroom, which becomes marginalized when 6-foot or larger frames climb aboard. But regardless of who's aboard, all will be conveyed in comfort, sophistication, and if necessary, speed. According to Toyota, the Avalon will hustle from 0-to-100 km/h in a mere 6.7 seconds.
