NEW FOR 2015:
– No changes.
Toyota’s flagship sedan carries over into 2015 without any changes.
The full-size Avalon was fully redesigned in 2013 and is unlike any Avalon that preceded it. Yes, it still shares its platform and powertrain with the Lexus ES, and it’s as spacious and quiet as ever, but it offers buyers a much more progressive take on full-size motoring.
Behind that sleek coupe-inspired styling are sharper steering and a firmer ride that may not appeal to the Avalon’s traditional customers. On the spectrum of full-size sedans, it’s more like the Nissan Maxima or sportier variants of the Dodge Charger than the classic cushy Lexus ES, Kia Cadenza, or Chevrolet Impala. Paddles for manual shifting, selectable driving modes, a text-messaging assistant, and a smart storage bin designed to manage smartphones and their cables are all unexpected features included as standard.
There are two trims of Avalon on offer: XLE and Limited. Both use a 3.5-litre 268-hp V6 engine, and drive the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.
Standard equipment on the XLE includes 18-inch alloy wheels, selectable drive modes, acoustic windshield, power sunroof, power heated mirrors with integrated signals, variable intermittent wipers, automatic headlights, fog lamps, chrome exhaust, leather upholstery, heated front seats, power eight-way driver’s seat and four way passenger’s seat, driver memory system, rear-seat pass through, simulated leather door trim, chrome interior trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, power door locks, power windows with auto-up, electroluminescent instruments, auto-dimming rear view mirror with digital compass, illuminated vanity mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, tilt and telescoping steering column, proximity key with push-button start, cruise control, console with tech device management system, front console armrest, integrated garage door opener, courtesy door lamps, map lights, trunk cargo net, 12-volt power outlet, 6.95-inch display audio system with navigation, AM/FM/CD/MP3, satellite radio, USB, Bluetooth, text-message assistant, nine-speaker audio system, steering wheel audio and cruise controls, reverse camera, 3.5-inch TFT information display with trip computer, and alarm.
Limited adds interactive TFT colour climate control panel, perforated leather seats, ventilated front seats, 10-way adjustable driver and eight-way adjustable front passenger seat, aluminum scuff plates, auto-dimming side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, full LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights, blind-spot monitor, and cross-traffic alert.
The Premium Package adds 11-speaker JBL sound system, tri-zone climate control, heated rear seats, pre-collision warning, radar cruise control, automatic high beams, and power rear window sunshade.
