Overview
Toyota has long been a brand synonymous with affordable, long-lasting vehicles, and the latest version of the Avalon is no different. It continues with the modest price tag common to Toyota vehicles and remains near the top of the full-size luxury sedan class thanks to its smooth and balanced ride, large comfortable cabin, a long list of standard features, and a number of advanced safety systems.
The Avalon displays an attractive though conservative exterior design. A jutting nose, slatted grille, slim headlights, and chrome accents (all introduced in 2016) give the Avalon a bold, fresh look. But where the Avalon shines is on the inside.
The Avalon’s long wheelbase and overall length result in a roomy cabin and large trunk that can seat five with plenty of legroom. Buyers will find this spacious, comfortable, and quiet cabin hard to beat.
Starting at $33,500,* the Avalon provides all of the expected luxuries of a full-sized flagship sedan. Toyota offers the 2018 Avalon in five trims—the XLE, XLE Plus, XLE Premium, Touring, and Limited—and even the base XLE trim comes with standard leather upholstery, heated power-adjustable front seats, wood-grain trim, dual-zone climate control, and Toyota’s Entune® infotainment system.
The Perfect Ride for…
Those in the market for a classic-looking luxury vehicle that prioritizes comfort and safety over design. The 2018 Avalon delivers a smooth, stable ride with responsive handling thanks to well-tuned suspension, 111-inch wheelbase, and 195.3-inch overall length. With standard safety features including 10 airbags, including knee airbags for both front seats, and the Toyota Safety Sense™ P suite, you get a car that resembles a modest yacht that matches luxury with safety.
Drive & Handling
The 2018 Toyota Avalon is available with your choice of a gas-powered V6 or hybrid powertrain.
The regular gas-powered Avalon trims come equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, capable of 268 horsepower and 248 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. With the V6, the Avalon can go from 0-to-60 in under 7 seconds. In addition, drivers can choose between Eco, Normal, and Sport drive modes, which adjust transmission shift points and throttle response. Eco mode helps to improve fuel efficiency, while Sport mode allows for more aggressive driving and better handling. Fuel economy is rated at 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 30 mpg highway).**
Avalon Hybrid trims receive Toyota’s trusted Hybrid Synergy Drive System, which is also found in the RAV4 Hybrid, Camry Hybrid, and Prius. The hybrid engine combines a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine and a high-torque electric engine for a total of 200 horsepower. The Avalon Hybrid can run on electric power alone for short distances at speeds up to 20 mph, and the hybrid’s regenerative brakes are to thank for that. They help charge the battery located under the trunk’s floor. Fuel economy numbers check in at 40 mpg combined (40 mpg city, 39 mpg highway).**
Key Features
Standard Toyota Safety Sense™ P (TSS-P)
This safety system comes equipped with an entire host of features, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, and automatic high beams. These features work together to create a high-quality safety system that delivers peace of mind in any setting.
Console Tech: HD Radio™ and Entune® App Suite
The Avalon’s available HD Radio™ Predictive Traffic helps you avoid traffic jams before others can see them. You can now get real-time traffic updates on accidents, traffic, and construction, all available on this available navigation system. The Avalon’s available Entune® App Suite lets you access music; make reservations; and buy movie tickets with the help of the latest apps, like Pandora® and OpenTable®. You’ll also get access to sports scores, stocks, weather, and fuel prices.
Alternative Options
Toyota’s smaller, completely redesigned 2018 Camry is a great option if you want a smaller vehicle with a more updated exterior design. From a safety system you can feel to standard tech features you’ll appreciate, the Camry makes for a fantastic family car (or new college grad car, or Sweet 16 car…). If you’re willing to sacrifice some of the Avalon’s luxury for utility, the Highlander is a great option that boasts both size and space. This sleek vehicle offers plenty of legroom, like the Avalon, with the performance and design you crave.
Gallery
* MSRP excludes the Delivery, Processing, and Handling Fee of $920 for Cars (Yaris, Yaris iA, 86, Corolla, Corolla HB, Camry, Camry HV, Prius LB, Prius, Prius Prime, Mirai, Avalon, Avalon HV), $1045 for Small/Medium Trucks, SUVs and Van (C-HR, RAV4, RAV4 HV, Highlander, Highlander HV, 4Runner, Sienna, Tacoma), $1,295 for Large SUVs (Sequoia, Land Cruiser), and $1,395 for Large Truck (Tundra). (Historically, vehicle manufacturers and distributors have charged a separate fee for processing, handling and delivering vehicles to dealerships. Toyota's charge for these services is called the "Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee" and is based on the value of the processing, handling and delivery services Toyota provides as well as Toyota's overall pricing structure. Toyota may make a profit on the Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee.) Excludes taxes, license, title and available or regionally required equipment. The Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee in AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC and TX will be higher. The published prices do not apply to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Actual dealer price will vary.
**2018 EPA-estimated mpg. Actual mileage will vary.
Image Credit: [OEM]
