2019 Toyota Avalon Review

Luxury is the name of the automotive game when it comes to the
2019 Avalon. It begins with exterior design. In front, Toyota's flagship sedan
shows off its variation of the spindle grille, a common trim element on Lexus,
the company's luxury division.

Under the hood there breathes
an engine that can respectfully run with sport sedans offered by the likes of
Lexus, BMW or Mercedes-Benz. The powerplant is a 3.5-liter, 301-horsepower,
dual overhead cam, dual injection V6 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic
transmission. Shifts in the eight speed are smooth and come just at the right
time.

The Avalon test driven for a week was a
top-of-the-line $42,200 Touring model with sound enhancement technology, which
translates into a more throaty response from the emissions apparatus. The sound
in a base $35,559 XLE model is less noticeable.

The
powerplant is able to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.1 seconds.
Brakes are larger this year and more responsive. Last year it could take a
tested 122 feet to bring this 3,704-pound sedan from 60 mph to a stop. This
year, the discs with multiple calipers can do it in 116 feet.

In
the past, an Avalon was a nice, big, soft sedan. Not today. The Avalon was been
transformed into a sport sedan with a tight suspension, crisp steering and a
gasoline engine with 33 more horsepower than its immediate predecessor.

That
does not mean the Avalon lacks comforts. They abound, beginning with ample leg
and shoulder room front and rear. Six-footers and larger will be comfortable
and able to stretch out, especially in the rear seat where the official leg
room is 40.4 inches. During the test week, passengers were impressed on how
easy it was to get into the rear seat of this sedan and ride in comfort.

Avalon's
new platform is longer, lower and wider than in the past, which is an emphasis
on performance and ride quality.

Electronic damping based
on front and rear sensors is a big part of the adaptive and variable suspension
system. Toyota engineers claim adjustments can be made within 20 milliseconds.

The
Touring model not only has Eco, Normal and Sport drive modes but also Sport+.
Sport+ dramatically tightens the suspension system, puts more weight on the
steering and increases the sound enhancement possibilities. If a more cushy
rides is desired, put it in Eco or Sport. The result is a softer suspension.

The
top two Avalon models ($41,400 Limited and Touring) share most of the luxury
features but Touring, besides the Sport+ mode, has a bit more such as black
side mirrors and grille, 19-inch wheels with nine alloy spokes, rear spoiler
and colored aluminum pedals.

Otherwise standard features
include power for exterior mirrors with LED turn signal indicators, leather
heated and ventilated front and seats (rear seats also heated), tilt and slide
sunroof, door locks, express windows and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Apple
CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility, wireless charging pad, a JBL 14-speaker
sound system, an app suite with Toyota's Entune audio system, four USB
ports,  a head-up display (official speed and speed of vehicle
reflected onto windshield), smart key, pushbutton start, Siri Eyes Free (voice
commands to operate sound, mobile devices and infotainment system),
pre-collision and pedestrian detection system (brakes applied automatically or
sharp visual warnings issued) are among the standard safety, entertainment,
emergency and information technologies on board.