Toyota first built the first Avalon to challenge the full-size comfort of traditional American sedans. In top spec, the current Avalon is a bargain-priced challenger to the Lexus ES 350, with which it shares a platform.
What's New for 2014
The Avalon, which had gone without a major redesign since 2007, is all-new for 2014.
Choosing Your Toyota Avalon
All non-hybrid Avalons are equipped with a 3.5-liter engine that produces 268 horsepower and earns an EPA rating of 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. Buyers choose from four trim levels that become increasingly lavish.
If you have a taste for luxury sedans, but a budget for family sedans, the XLE Premium should suit you nicely. The Limited, meanwhile, is a compelling alternative to the closely related Lexus ES 350—if you can do without the Lexus badge and dealership experience, you'll get the same basic car for $10,000 less.