Toyota likes to refer to its Avalon as a premium midsize sedan, which really doesn't do it justice. To our eyes, the Avalon is a stylish full-size cruiser with that can be equipped as a cost-conscious luxury car if you're so inclined.
What's New For 2015
The Avalon receives additional smartphone apps, and an XLE Sport Edition is now available.
Choosing Your Toyota Avalon
The front-drive Avalon is powered by a smooth 3.5-liter V6 engine with 268 horsepower, matched to a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Ride quality and interior room are a definite notch above your typical family sedan. We continue to be impressed by the Avalon's 25 mpg rating in combined driving and ability to hit 60 mph in 6.4 seconds.
The Avalon starts on in "base" XLE versions and advances to the more sophisticated Limited trim:
The XLEs are designed to provide a lot of car for the money -- and they succeed in that regard. The new Sport Edition, however, is on the pricey side, but that's to be expected for limited-production trim level that will probably sell out quickly. The Limited is basically a luxury sedan without the luxury badging, which makes it a bargain in its own right.