When Toyota initially introduced its luxurious model Lexus, the roles of each individual nameplate have been obviously described: Toyota offered motor vehicles for the typical consumer, and Lexus catered to the far more upscale buyer. Now, practically 20 years later on, the traces concerning Toyota and Lexus have develop into less clear. Toyota’s Avalon, a near-luxurious, complete-measurement sedan is a ideal example of that blur.
Base-priced at $27,945 for the entry-amount Avalon XL and $35,285 for the leading-end Avalon Constrained examined here, Toyota’s flagship sedan is so capable, it is really far more than capable to cannibalize income of the ES 350 in the company’s upscale Lexus division. The Avalon functions a 111-inch wheelbase (1.7 inches for a longer time than cousin Camry), a powerful 268-horsepower 3.5-liter dual VVT-i 24-valve V6, and ample electronic enhancements to satisfy high quality potential buyers. The only position it misses correct bliss is in interior quietness, which is compromised by wind sound at increased cruising speeds and by tire noise in excess of rough surfaces.
The Avalon is extraordinary style-clever, primarily in profile exactly where its arched roofline and large beltline, and wheels pushed toward the corners, propose Lexus and even Mercedes-Benz sedans. On the other hand the inside is distinctly muted in contrast to the rich-showing ending touches of luxury autos. Doubtlessly this is to retain the Toyota’s value in check out, and to continue to keep it from demanding Lexus as well strongly.
A principal benefit of the Avalon’s stretched wheelbase is expanded rear legroom: At 40.9 inches, it is really 2.6 inches far more than the Camry and inside of millimeters of the $80,300 BMW 750i. The entrance seats are fairly at ease and aspect 8-way ability adjustments with energy-adjustable lumbar assistance, a driver’s seat cushion extension, and entrance-seat ventilation and heating. A pair of small ergonomic complaints: The driver’s knee airbag panel and the corner of the navigation-program doorway contacted our (admittedly lanky) knees in ordinary driving.
We set our luggage into the Avalon’s massive 15 cubic-foot trunk and headed from Los Angeles to Monterey, Calif. for the yearly summertime Pebble Beach front Concours d’Elegance and collector-car auctions. Managing a bit powering agenda at very first, Toyota’s navigation procedure (a $2,000 alternative that also consists of a JBL audio system) labored reassuringly behind the scenes to information us alongside with the quickest route while furnishing believed vacation time. At 70 mph the Avalon’s engine turns a peaceful 2100 rpm, its VVT-i procedure adjusting the valve timing for highest torque and effectiveness. And when booting it to squirt all around a lumbering truck, the energy create was so seamless as to be undetectable, unlike on some other competitors’ variable valve-timing systems. In reality, the Avalon’s robust overall performance, small engine NVH, and passable fuel economic system (we observed 25.3 mpg) make its powertrain a legitimate standout.
Quietly effective was the Avalon’s six-velocity automatic transmission. Working just about as smoothly as a CVT, the transmission actually has a gear for every need, and its shift algorithms are proper on goal. As effectively, a Sequential Change function will allow manual shifting for additional manage on winding roads, hills — or just for pleasurable.
Added premium features incorporate a Smart Crucial program that replaces the conventional ignition key with a transponder that doubles as a distant doorway lock/unlock fob. As a result, a person by no means wants to bodily work the fob to unlock the vehicle or start out the engine – the driver’s door unlocks when you strategy it, and just pressing the Begin button on the instrument panel (although making use of the brakes) receives you heading. Added valuable basic safety and usefulness functions include things like crisp HID headlights with vehicle-leveling, rain-sensing wipers, and a electricity rear sunshade.
When these capabilities have been in the industry for some time, the Avalon Constrained features one newer technology in its dynamic laser cruise handle (a $600 choice), which takes advantage of a laser and unique computer programming to keep rate with the car forward. Say you’re scheduling together at 75 in the rapid lane on dynamic laser cruise. As you little by little near on a slower motor vehicle, the procedure quickly cuts down motor output to preserve a protected subsequent length (a very extensive a single at that) then resumes your former tempo when the other automobile alterations lanes or speeds up. So what if anyone suddenly cuts in entrance of you? The technique goes into preserve-your-bacon mode, decreasing engine energy, making use of the brakes, and sounding an attention-grabbing beeper.
Fifty years back, American autos pretty much promised us interstellar adventure with their space-age tailfins, V8 energy and flashy interiors. The 2010 Avalon Restricted has none of these, but with functions like GPS navigation and dynamic laser cruise command, it truly is in fact a complete ton nearer to offering just that.