Toyota Avalon 2016

Full-size sedans compose a market niche which exists mostly in North America. For whoever lives elsewhere, they are distinguished by having essentially a family vocation. This is why they usually aren’t as stylish, trendy or fancy as what other companies offer with a similar size. Avalon’s current iteration was a surprise because not only did it create a huge exception to that rule, as it performed pretty much the same thing to the design trend Toyota had been following in that region until then. Can you believe that we’ve all been flabbergasted with that for three years now?

For those who already knew a little about this category, the names you’re probably struggling to remember must be Chevrolet Caprice and Ford Crown Victoria. Before becoming used mostly for public transportation (whether for or against people’s will), these two were “the” North-American full-size sedans for decades. Their fate would only change in the 1990s, when people started to prefer the combination of compact silhouettes, modern construction and frugal engines which foreign automakers had started to offer. This “contrast of cultures” was strong enough to affect the entire automotive market of that region, but, in order to keep focus, let’s stick to the full-size category. After all, this article’s car is one of the best representatives of its current phase.

Avalon can be defined as a modern interpretation of that category. It still offers plenty of comfort and room for five, and it still stays far enough from fancy sedans in both luxury and price. But it also manages to stay away from being as bland and conservative as the aforementioned sedans. In nowadays, you can see this formula in competitors such as Hyundai Azera and Kia Cadenza. Even the Big Three decided to follow it, with the new Chevrolet Impala, Ford Taurus, Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger. Therefore, it’s not surprising that Toyota wanted its model to stay on this path for as long as possible. The first facelift of the fourth generation, which was presented at the last Chicago Auto Show, is dedicated to enhance Avalon’s brand new qualities, rather than change them.

Up front, for instance, the main grille became even bigger and “angry”, replacing the current “smile”. The auxiliary lights are more vertical and distant from the center, and the headlights got a new internal design. The Touring trim adds dual-wing running LEDs. Going to the other end, there are refreshed lights and a chrome stripe on the bumper. The list of trim levels is now XLE, XLE Plus, XLE Premium, XLE Touring, and Limited, with the second appearing for the first time – Hybrid models won’t come in XLE and Touring. All of them bring the Entune multimedia audio system, while Premium adds trendy items like GPS and wireless charger. Limited uses “Super Chrome” 18” wheels and an optional package composed by several electronic safety systems.

The Touring trim is particularly interesting because it’s Avalon’s single attempt to be a little sporty. Its front fascia uses exclusive finishes, LED headlights, and redesigned 18” wheels in dark gray. Besides, while all the others will receive a softer suspension, this one will remain somewhat firmer. Everything else is expected to stay just the same, including the powertrain: regular Avalons use a 3.5-liter V6 good for 268 hp and 248 lb-ft, while Hybrid ones pair the electric motor to a four-cylinder 2.5-liter in order to reach a maximum of 200 hp. The first option always uses a six-speed automatic transmission with three driving modes, while the other sticks to a CVT box. The new Toyota Avalon will go on sale in the next few months.