In the mid-'90s, Toyota created the Avalon to offer Detroit's full-size sedan buyers a Japanese alternative. The big Avalon, available with a front bench seat and column shift, was quite a departure for a Japanese automaker known for small cars with bucket seating. And the strategy proved quite successful with more than 70,000 sales in its first full model year.
Over the Avalon's near two decades in the market, the owner's age has crept to the late 60s and sales have slid to 25,000 for the outgoing model. Toyota executives realized that senior citizens are valuable customers, but the Avalon was quickly becoming the last vehicle purchase for many buyers. In contrast, the formerly sedate Buick had loosened its tie and was attracting a younger audience.
So the all-new Avalon enters the market with two missions. Its first duty is to become the brand's flagship, a sedan that elicits right-brain passion along with left-brain logic. And while older buyers will consider younger cars, the new Avalon cannot sacrifice form for function. Toyota's team managed to succeed with both objectives.
In addition to its dramatic fastback styling, Toyota has added an Avalon Hybrid version with 40 mpg combined fuel economy as its premium model. With today's high fuel prices, along with tough new EPA mileage rules on the horizon, Toyota is betting efficiency will trump raw performance. And with its hybrid performance tweaked to equal mid-size gasoline rivals, the strategy looks like a winner.
What is it like to drive?
Although spacious inside, the Avalon has shrunk a bit from an EPA measured full-size to a large mid-size and shed 111 pounds. So the 3.5-liter V6 with its 268 hp and 248 ft-lb of torque moves the sedan nicely, especially with a new Sport mode to adjust the throttle mapping and tighten the steering. The revised six-speed transmission has a quick-locking torque converter, and paddle shifters on the Touring and Limited models include rev-matching.
A dramatic increase in chassis rigidity allowed a thorough rework of the front MacPherson and rear dual-link suspension. Inverse-wound coil springs, larger stabilizer bars and revised bushings keep the Avalon flat without harshness. While it's a front-drive sedan, torque steer is only noticeable at low speeds and hard throttle.
There's enough sport potential in the new Avalon that Toyota commissioned three custom concepts for the SEMA show. A TRD Edition supercharges the V6, lowers and stiffens the suspension, and bolts on 19-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport rubber. DUB slams the Avalon even further, shoehorns 22-inch wheels and tires into every millimeter of well space and fills the trunk with "bone-shaking" sound. And a hybrid HV concept gives the gas sipper a TRD look.
Do I want one?
Toyota asserts that more than 100,000 "hand raisers" have expressed interest in the new Avalon from its introduction in New York last spring, so making its 70,000 sales goal is not a reach. Compared to the outgoing 2012 model, it's more than an update: The Avalon has staked out flagship status with features and finish that make it luxury level.
Unlike the former Avalon, this is a sedan that an enthusiast can press Sport, paddle shift over mountain roads and scare the whole family. Or select Eco and cruise in comfort, complete with JBL stereo.
The closer is the Avalon Hybrid, a big car with decent performance and sub-compact fuel economy. That's a trend we'll likely see more of in the near future.
2013 Toyota Avalon
ON SALE: December
BASE PRICE: $31,785
DRIVETRAIN: 3.5-liter 268-hp, 248-lb-ft V6; FWD, six-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT: 3,461 lbs.
0-60 MPH: 6.9 sec (mfr)
FUEL ECONOMY (EPA): 25 mpg
2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
ON SALE: December
BASE PRICE: $36,350
DRIVETRAIN: 2.5-liter 156 hp, 156-lb-ft I4, plus 140-hp, 199-lb-ft electric motor-generator, combined output 200 hp (torque unavailable); FWD, continuously variable transmission.
CURB WEIGHT: 3,585 lbs.
0-60 MPH: 8.0 seconds (mfr)
FUEL ECONOMY (EPA): 40 mpg
More Pictures of 2013 Toyota Avalon and Avalon Hybrid
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