Toyota Avalon – Automobiles Review

New Avalon and Camry models get an exclusive AWD system!

2020 Toyota Camry AWD While others are abandoning the sedan segment, Toyota continues to double-down with new ideas and variants of its best-selling sedans. With the start of the new model year, Toyota team launches a new AWD Camry and Avalon vehicles – Let’s check ‘em out!

Both vehicles benefit from a highly-efficient 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder power unit, mated to an 8-speed Direct-Shift automatic gearbox. Most Camry AWD grades generate a total of 202hp, while Camry XSE AWD, along with Avalon AWD have 205hp and come dual exhaust. What is notable about this AWD system is that it can distribute up to 50 percent of the torque to the rear wheels, in response to acceleration form a start or slippage at the front wheels.

Also, when AWD is not needed, as on long highway stretches, the electromagnetic controlled coupling on the front of the rear drive axle can disengage the propeller shaft from the differential to prioritize fuel efficiency. This particular AWD system is designed to re-engage in an instant when needed.

Adapting the AWD drivetarain to the Camry and Avalon required floor structure modifications, along with the use of electronic parking brake and saddle-style fuel tank with an optimized capacity for AWD models rather than the flat tank in the FWD models.

2021 Toyota Avalon AWD

As for Avalon AWD, it will be available for purchase next fall. Both XLE and Limited AWD grades will be available for buyers and will also feature extended list of standard features. Some of these include:

Toyota Safety Sense-P
All 2020 Camry and Avalon models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P) a suite of cutting-edge active safety systems that includes:
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD)
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA)
Automatic High Beams (AHB).

Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) are available on Camry and standard on Avalon. Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) with Rear Cross Traffic Braking (RCTB) also are available on both models.

Source: Toyota

February 20, 2020

Toyota launches new marketing campaign in support of the new Avalon

2019 Toyota Avalon Toyota has launched a new marketing campaign, named “Serious Play” in support of the new 2019 Avalon – a vehicle that would try to incorporate utility and comfort features along with some massive power output and sporty driving spirit. Designed, engineered and assembled in USA, the Avalon also showcases sexy exterior and tons of handy technologies that would make a difference.

Two of the campaign videos are called Let’s Race and Trojan horse in which director Craig Gillespie, known for the award-winning movie “I, Tonya”, reveals the capabilities of the vehicle by using multicultural insight aimed at transcultural audience. The campaign further includes a third 30-secon sport, named Catch Me If You Can, directed by Daniel Azancot. There are also series of digital videos, including Roundabout, River Run, Scavenger Hunt, Waiting, Hybrid at play and more that are created to light the spark for an adventure.

The vehicle itself is exclusively produced in Georgetown, KY, and is the fifth-generation of Toyota vehicle that incorporates Toyota New Global Architecture platform. This system is known for featuring high quality craftsmanship and incorporating new-gen of safety and reliability goodies. Additional goodies include Available Adaptive Variable Suspension, Apple CarPlay Compatibility, Available Dynamic Auxiliary Turn Signals, Engine Sound Enhancement, Amazon Alexa connectivity and Toyota Entune 3.0 Remote Connect. Sweet!

2019 Toyota Avalon

Source: Toyota

July 10, 2018

Sometimes Bigger is Just Right: Toyota Releases Avalon Touring Sport Edition

The Avalon model marks 20 Years and for this reason the Toyota brand is releasing a special edition Avalon Touring Sport model, which is getting special wheels, trim and equipment. This model blurs the lines between mid-size, full-size and entry-luxury categories. The fourth-generation model has a coupe-like silhouette and chiseled lines, and more importantly – this exclusive trim also gives it exclusive Attitude Black paint color scheme.

The dark blue interior trim and stitching contributes for more sinister looking. Those who are keen on the Japanese creations and in particular this vehicle, will also enjoy the standard HID Quadrabeam headlights, LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and the 18-inch black-painted machine-finished wheels.

There is nothing else like an anniversary model. One gets a bunch of enhancements and features at no cost literally. The next example for this is the standard paddle shifters and the Entune multimedia audio systems as well as the Blind Spot Monitor.

We must confirm that the most advantageous characteristic in this car is not its styling, but the spaciousness it offers. Its accommodations are among the roomiest in the entire midsize category. Precisely, with 103.6 cu. ft. of cabin space and a 16-cu. ft. trunk, the Avalon approaches full-size stature.

In contrast, its weight of 3,505 lbs keeps it firmly in the sports track. For this also contributes the V6 powertrain which comes for the grades XLE, XLE Premium, XLE Touring, new XLE Touring Sport Edition and Limited, and the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive available in the XLE Premium, XLE Touring and Limited grades.

Source: Toyota

October 28, 2014

Toyota Avalon Refreshed For MY 2014

2014-Toyota-Avalon-shadow 2014-Toyota-Avalon-medium The Toyota Avalon is out with a new model year with several updates and revisions in an attempt to lure even more buyers. It is now wider, lower, and more aggressive, we suppose, because of the “tighter gaps between the tires and body.” There’s also an Avalon Hybrid available.

We can’t talk in inches, but the overhangs are supposed to be shorter, the tracks wider, and the body even more aggressively sculptured. The drag coefficient will now stand at 0.28. With the slight update of the shape comes a new weight which stands at 3,461 lbs (gasoline models) – a tiny bit lighter than the previous MY. By default the ride is subtle and comfortable, but Toyota now say that the Avalon will be 12 percent more rigid than its ancestry. 17-inch wheels with 215/55R17 tires come as standard, but if you have opted for the XLE Touring or the Limited model, you’ll get the P225/45R18 tires with, naturally, 18-inch wheels. Most of the other niceties on the outside cluster around the power wing mirrors. Not only is there a turn indicator embedded in each one, but they also have heaters, memory positioning, and puddle lamps. Also, if you tick those on the option list, they can have a blind spot monitor indicator and an auto-dimming electro-chromatic glass. Would hate to have them vandalized as it usually happens in my neighbourhood. If you go for the hybrid model, the trunk’s space will be limited to 14 cu. ft. as opposed to the other models which have 16 cu. ft. of luggage space

Inside one will notice significant noise reduction due to the extensive soundproofing all-around. Unsurprisingly, there’s also a plethora of IT tech inside. The instruments hold a 3.5-inch TFT display that can display valuable driver information. The center console holds a 6.1 inch screen from which you can operate the audio system or your iPod from it if it has been plugged in one of the car’s USB ports. Another way of connectivity is via Bluetooth which can also be accessed from that screen. The third screen is the 7-inch HDD navigation that can also play DVDs (who uses DVDs still?). There’s also the optional Entune App Suite which again connects your smartphone with the car and utilizes applications such as Bing, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable and Pandora. The Premium HDD Navigation comes along with the said Entune Suite and a JBL Synthesis® 7.1 channel matrix sound system. The front seats which are heated and ventilated) can have either are electronically adjustable and can have either 8 or even 10 (Limited model) settings. Fascinating! A slightly more alluring fact is the dual-zone automatic climate control which comes as standard on every model. The one you can order optionally is a three-zone unit. If you go for the hybrid model, the trunk’s space will be limited to 14 cu. ft. as opposed to the other models which have 16 cu. ft. of luggage space.

In terms of engine, you get two choices. One is the gasoline DOHC V6 with VVT-i. It has 268 hp at its disposal and 248 lb.-ft. of torque at 4700 rpm. Acceleration from 0 to 60 is “less than seven seconds” which is OK for a server-room. Fuel ecconomy? Not too impressive at 25 mpg on the combined cycle. Normally, the transmission would be a six-speed automatic with an S mode which allows the stick to be used as a shifter. The XLE Touring and the Limited models, however, get paddle shifters behind the wheel.

The Avalon Hybrid uses Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system that can be seen on the Camry Hybrid as well. In other words, we have a special transaxle that uses a planetary-type CVT. The actual power for it comes from a 2,5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. The combined output amounts to 200 hp. Because the hybrid Avalon is not much heavier than the V6 gasoline one(3,585 lbs), 0 to 60 takes no more than 8 seconds. In order reduce internal friction as much as possible, Toyota have put in an electric water pump, a variable-output oil pump and a roller-rocker type valvetrain. And yet, the economy still stands at the unimpressive (for a hybrid) 40 mpg.

Source: Toyota

December 3, 2013

Toyota Avalon range for 2012 SEMA

Toyota will exhibit several interesting Avalon models at the 2012 SEMA Motor Show.

The first is customized by DUB Magazine and comes with a complete body kit and a Brilliant Black paint. The ride is lowered and rolls 22” TIS alloy wheels with ultra-low profile tires. The interior boasts black leather / suede seats, a black suede headliner and a JBL audio system.

The TRD Avalon comes with a supercharged 3.5-liter V6. It comes with a set of lowering springs, high-performance brakes and 19” alloy wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires as well.

The Avalon HV Edition also comes with some of TRD’s equipment, but the drivetrain is a hybrid.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine

3.5-liter DOHC V6

Drivetrain

Six-speed automatic

Suspension

Custom lowered

Interior

Black leather seats with black ultra-suede inserts with diamond pattern
Black suede headliner
JBL sound system
Custom fiberglass audio installation in trunk with suede and paint accents

Exterior

22-inch TIS wheels in matte black
245/30 22 Pirelli tires
Paint – Custom Brilliant Black
Exterior plastics color matched
Custom body kit
Mesh grille
Tinted taillights
Tinted windows
De-chromed body/trim

Source: Toyota

October 26, 2012

Toyota Avalon Revealed at New York

Let the mid-sized sedan showdown begin! As promised, the 2013 Toyota Avalon makes its debut at the New York International Auto Show…in its own way. What we mean is that everything is official, the car will go on sale before the end of the year, there’s a lot of talk about where on the center console the USB port is and how the stitching inside is hand-sewn but…where’s the good stuff? Other than the fact that it will be powered by a V6, we know nothing. Is Toyota embarrassed about it or is there a surprise coming? Keeping in mind that the Avalon is pretty much an intentional jab in face of Nissan’s Altima, one must assume that whatever’s inside the Toyota’s engine bay, must be at least 3-liters.

Let’s talk about the things that have been revealed. Designed at the Calty Design Research Inc centers in California and Michigan, engineered at the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich and set to be assembled at Toyota’s plant in Georgetown, Ky, the 2013 Avalon is a pure American-bred sedan. To set itself apart from its ancestors, this one is a bit shorter, a bit narrower and a bit lower. Essentially, the wheelbase remains the same. It’s the overhangs that have been trimmed. As a result it’s also lighter – 3,497 lbs as opposed to 3,616 lbs. Some neat design features include those LED lights at the back, the sloping roofline and the flaring wheel arches. At the front, the headlights are described as “square Double-eyed” that use a “Projector Ellipsoid System” (sounds like a bad day in geometry class). Then there’s the lower front grille which to us, looks big enough to suck in orangutangs.

The more technical stuff that we know about is the suspension. MacPherson struts and rebound springs. Less body roll is the result of stiffer sway bars and an overall increased rigidity of the body thanks to additional and strategically placed welds. The power steering is electric which goes easy on the fuel economy and yet it supposedly provides crisp feedback

As we have established, the 2013 Avalon is a bit more compact from the outside but does not prevent it from being, or feeling, more roomy inside. Due to some clever design tricks the occupants actually get some more headroom. Also the luggage space has been increased to 16.0 cubic feet – a 1.6 mark more voluminous when compared to the old one. Leather wrapped around the steering wheel, shift knob and seats creates a justified sense of luxury while the center console and instruments are treated with some chrome. In terms of equipment you get three color screens that read out the multi-information display, the audio/navigation interface and the climate control panel. By the way, the climate control, as an option, can be three zoned. Who needs three different temperatures in the same car?! Other options include the JBL Synthesis Premium Audio system, a 7-inch HDD Premium Navigation, a clever cruise control and heated seats that can cool themselves as well.

Much like the Altima, the Avalon also gets a Blind Spot Monitoring system along with a rear view camera. Then there’s the standard stuff you’d find in every car these days – ABS, traction control, stability control, brake assist etc. You know the story.