2020 Toyota Avalon Restricted Quick Info |
3.5-liter V6 (301 hp @ 6,600 rpm, 267 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm) Eight-speed automated transmission, front-wheel drive 22 metropolis / 31 freeway / 25 mixed (EPA Estimated Ranking, MPG) 10.9 metropolis, 7.6 freeway, 9.Four mixed (NRCan Ranking, L/100km) Base Value: $42,100 (U.S) / $48,450 (Canada) As Examined: $44,818 (U.S.) / $48,450 (Canada) Costs embody $930 vacation spot cost in america and $1,870 for freight, PDI, and A/C tax in Canada and, due to cross-border tools variations, can’t be immediately in contrast. |
As I wrote in April, the Toyota Avalon has taken nice strides in shifting from being a snoozer to a touring sedan with a little bit of boost its sleeve.
That was in reference to the hybrid. Attempt the gas-engine Avalon for a very reworked expertise.
A lot of the general hybrid expertise stays true in fashions carrying the gas-only powertrain – the Avalon is sportier and rides extra stiffly, although it stays extra of a freeway cruiser than a real sports activities sedan – but the trade-off of a bit extra energy for a bit much less gasoline economic system livens the automotive up much more.
The three.5-liter V6 provides over 100 lb-ft of torque over the hybrid, and whereas 267 lb-ft of torque isn’t a ton, it’s sufficient to make an appreciative distinction. The hybrid has sufficient guts for merging efficiently, so add 104 lb-ft, and the additional grunt received’t go unnoticed. All instructed, the facility numbers are 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, and the engine mates with an eight-speed automated transmission. The Avalon is front-wheel drive.
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In any other case, it feels just like the hybrid, simply stiffened and tightened barely for only a bit extra of a sporty response. It’s not so stiffly sprung that it turns into a chore to pilot throughout commuting responsibility.
Others on workers have carped about misbehavior from the eight-speed transmission, but it surely was typically well-behaved throughout my time with the automotive.
Toyota has responded properly to criticism of each the Avalon and the Camry as being “too delicate.” The final Camry I drove was a well-balanced machine that gave up some fun-to-drive issue to its Honda and Mazda rivals, whereas this model of the Avalon additionally strikes a pleasant stability between consolation and pleasant engagement.
That’s the excellent news. The unhealthy information is that the inside design, like many Toyota merchandise as of late, disappoints. Whereas most touchpoints are class-appropriate, the infotainment switchgear feels low-cost for a automotive priced within the mid-$40Ks, and the display screen itself appears to be like so outdated that when you have an iPhone, you’ll be racing to plug it in and launch Apple CarPlay ASAP. The middle stack simply appears to be like cheesy.
Consolation isn’t any situation, at the least, though the quantity of passenger area felt a bit tight for such a big automotive. Cargo area is, predictably, not a priority.
Outdoors, the Avalon’s appears to be like are much more aggressive than in years previous, though not a lot that the automotive received’t mix into site visitors, even with its massive, gaping maw of a grille.
Security is taken care of, because of a regular suite of driver’s security aids equivalent to pre-collision with pedestrian detection, radar cruise management, lane-departure alert, automated excessive beams, blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Different normal options included 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and DRLs, twin chrome exhaust suggestions, navigation, Bluetooth, premium audio, USB, satellite tv for pc radio, Apple CarPlay, heated and cooled entrance seats, wi-fi cellphone charging, and a head-up show.
Choices included a security bundle with sonar, 360-degree birds-eye-view digicam, and rear cross-traffic braking, carpeted flooring mats, and illuminated door sills.
All instructed, the value tag was almost $45Okay.
I nonetheless can’t work out who the Avalon purchaser is – not when the Camry is cheaper and doesn’t hand over a lot in measurement, and when the Lexus ES is only a bit pricier and presents extra luxurious.
That stated, those that do purchase this automobile will discover a good stability between consolation and sport, in a sleekly styled bundle that sheds the old-man stigma of earlier than.
Toyota’s Avalon is lastly a well-rounded massive sedan. Simply in time for crossovers to dominate the market.
[Images © 2020 Tim Healey/TTAC]
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