This is a remarkably polished powerplant that always seems to have something in reserve when asked to step it up. It runs effortlessly in near silence unless pushed hard, at which point it speaks with refined authority. It is also the same engine found in the Lexus ES350. A multi-mode shifting, five-speed autobox connects this sweet mill with the Avalon's front wheels. Shifts are creamy smooth and seamless unless the unit's manual mode is in use, adding a little sport to the driving experience.
Style and packaging.
The Avalon is, in my oft under-valued opinion, the most attractive sedan ever penned by Toyota. Perhaps its, "made for America" genesis has something to do with its clean, sleek lines. The Avalon is built in Georgetown, Kentucky for the domestic market. This, the third generation of Avalon, has remained largely unchanged since its introduction in 2005.
In Canada, all Avalons benefit from XLS trim, which means they are indulgently appointed. Two option packages are available: Premium and Premium with Navigation. These packages add rain-sensing wipers, premium 12-speaker JBL audio and a leather and wood wrapped steering wheel, along with navigation when selected.
Safety not overlooked and neither is economy.
Standard safety equipment includes front seat-mounted side airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags and a driver's side knee-airbag. Hopefully the need to deploy such devices can be averted with the intervention of Toyota's Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) program and the Avalon's four-wheel antilock disc brake system featuring Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake assist (BA) technology, all of which is also standard equipment.
Given its size and performance capabilities, the spirited Avalon is kind to the pocketbook, using only 10.6/7.0 litres of fuel per/100km of city/highway driving respectively. The use of regular octane nectar is icing on the credit card.
Luxury has its price.
My tester was not replete with the Premium Package or Premium with Navigation grouping; therefore it displayed the Avalon's entry tag of $41,235CA. Yes, that opens a lot of doors in the full-size sedan market, few of which however are capable of meeting the Avalon's outstanding level of refinement and comfort.
Ride quality and performance
Roominess
Easy on the eyes
Price opens many other doors
Rear seats do not fold down for cargo
None
photo:Rob Rothwell
 |
| A well appointed refined interior that offers room aplenty. |
Style and packaging.
The Avalon is, in my oft under-valued opinion, the most attractive sedan ever penned by Toyota. Perhaps its, "made for America" genesis has something to do with its clean, sleek lines. The Avalon is built in Georgetown, Kentucky for the domestic market. This, the third generation of Avalon, has remained largely unchanged since its introduction in 2005.
In Canada, all Avalons benefit from XLS trim, which means they are indulgently appointed. Two option packages are available: Premium and Premium with Navigation. These packages add rain-sensing wipers, premium 12-speaker JBL audio and a leather and wood wrapped steering wheel, along with navigation when selected.
Safety not overlooked and neither is economy.
Standard safety equipment includes front seat-mounted side airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags and a driver's side knee-airbag. Hopefully the need to deploy such devices can be averted with the intervention of Toyota's Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) program and the Avalon's four-wheel antilock disc brake system featuring Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake assist (BA) technology, all of which is also standard equipment.
Given its size and performance capabilities, the spirited Avalon is kind to the pocketbook, using only 10.6/7.0 litres of fuel per/100km of city/highway driving respectively. The use of regular octane nectar is icing on the credit card.
Luxury has its price.
My tester was not replete with the Premium Package or Premium with Navigation grouping; therefore it displayed the Avalon's entry tag of $41,235CA. Yes, that opens a lot of doors in the full-size sedan market, few of which however are capable of meeting the Avalon's outstanding level of refinement and comfort.
 |
Roominess
Easy on the eyes
 |
Price opens many other doors
Rear seats do not fold down for cargo
 |
None
photo:Rob Rothwell
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