980 Fairystone Park Hwy
Stanleytown, VA 24168
Actual rating will vary with options, driving conditions, habits and vehicle condition.
The standard features of the Toyota Avalon XLE include 3.5L V-6 268hp engine, 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), side seat mounted airbags, curtain 1st and 2nd row overhead airbags, rear side-impact airbag, driver and passenger knee airbag, airbag occupancy sensor, automatic air conditioning, 17" aluminum wheels, cruise control, distance pacing, ABS and driveline traction control, electronic stability.
Starting at: $33,500
| MSRP | Engine | Transmission | City/Hwy mpg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
XLE
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$33,500 | 268-hp 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-spd auto | 21 / 30 |
XLE Plus
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$35,250 | 268-hp 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-spd auto | 21 / 30 |
XLE Premium
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$36,700 | 268-hp 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-spd auto | 21 / 30 |
Touring
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$37,900 | 268-hp 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-spd auto | 21 / 30 |
Limited
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$41,300 | 268-hp 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-spd auto | 21 / 30 |
Avalon’s supple ride is accompanied by an admirable level of control. No hints remain of the floatiness that prevailed in early Avalons. Though the ride is firm, far removed from pillowy-soft, it’s rarely harsh.
Solid powertrains yield capable performance. Nothing about the gasoline V6 is overpowering, but it delivers plenty of passing power, while comparatively easy on fuel. All V6 versions include paddle shifters, and acceleration to 60 mph takes only 6.7 seconds. Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes can alter steering effort, throttle operation, and shifting feel.
As for quietness, the Avalon’s hushed ride compares favorably with that of any sedan, including far more costly models. Credit goes largely to use of acoustic glass in the windshield and side windows. Both versions are quiet while cruising, without observable engine sound. Only when accelerating hard can the Hybrid’s coarse engine sound be heard. Sport mode in the Hybrid reveals slight electric-motor whine.
Fuel economy in the regular Avalon is EPA-rated at 21/31 mpg City/Highway, or 24 mpg Combined. The Hybrid scores near the top of the gas-mileage scale, EPA-rated at 40/39 mpg City/Highway, or 40 mpg Combined.
Avalons used to be related to the Toyota Camry, but those days of equivalence are long gone. Today’s Avalon benefits from a contemporary, refreshing appearance.
Little, if any, trace of Camry styling can be seen, especially since the Camry’s recent redesign. Avalons boast gracefully shaped sheetmetal, even if overall presence isn’t as stirring as some European-brand competitors.
Curiously, the wide, deep front end looks overly aggressive for a sedan that aims toward family motoring. Vertically oriented daytime running lights enhance that effect, looking a bit out of place.
Simple and straightforward, the Avalon cabin isn’t as enticing as its exterior, lacking the posh details of European luxury models. Price aside, though, the Avalon ranks among the quietest, most comfortable sedans to be found.
It’s also one of the few that offers space for five adults, along with a full load of luggage. Avalons offer 16 cubic feet of trunk space, but Hybrid trunks are smaller by 2 cubic feet.
Though comfortable, front seats lack the level of lateral support that some drivers prefer. Still, they’re wide and flat, easy to get in an out, and seem solidly built. Soft leather boasts commendable stitching.
Rear seats are suitably contoured. Three average-size adults can occupy the back bench without troublesome squeezing. Slight head-ducking is needed to enter, due to the low roofline. But once inside, expect plenty of clearance for heads and legs.
Interior fittings are carefully installed, down to the small details. Even the graining of the leather upholstery seems to match neatly.
A two-tone treatment helps separate the amply-sized dashboard. Climate controls are operated via an attractive screen, but touch-sensitive controls have done away with the tactile feel of traditional buttons and knobs. Also unfortunately, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities are absent.
The Toyota Avalon is safe and comfortable, a premium model that’s roomy and easy to with. On the road, the Avalon is smooth yet controlled and quite quiet. The Limited trim is luxurious.
Driving impressions by Aaron Cole, The Car Connection. James M. Flammang contributed to this report.
The 2018 Toyota Avalon XLE V6 ($33,500) is equipped with a V6 engine, 6-speed automatic, leather-trimmed seat upholstery, heated front seats, pushbutton start, rearview camera, a 7.0-inch touchscreen, 17-inch wheels, and the Safety Sense group. (Prices are MSRP and do not include $895 destination charge.)
Avalon XLE Plus V6 ($35,250) adds a moonroof and auto-dimming inside mirror. XLE Premium V6 ($36,700) comes with navigation, 9-speaker audio, driver’s memory, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and wireless charging.
Avalon Touring V6 ($37,900) gets a slightly revised suspension, 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, and LED daytime running lights.
Avalon Limited V6 ($41,300) includes heated/cooled front seats, three-zone climate control, heated rear seats, HID headlights, power rear-window sunshade, JBL 11-speaker audio, and softer perforated leather.
Avalon Hybrid XLE Plus ($37,500), Hybrid XLE Premium ($38,950), and Hybrid Limited ($42,800) come with the gasoline/electric powertrain and CVT.
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* MSRP is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the vehicle. Unless specifically indicated in the advertisement, MSRP does not include taxes, fees or other charges. Actual dealer pricing may vary. Consult your dealer for more information and complete details.
* The dealer advertised price may not reflect specific dealer offers, and may be subject to certain terms and conditions as indicated in the advertisement. Consult your dealer for more information and complete details.
* Images and options shown are examples, only, and may not reflect exact vehicle color, trim, options, pricing or other specifications.
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