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2019 Toyota Avalon – Test Drive, Review, Specs

Luxury Perks Without the Luxury Price

The Toyota Avalon is essentially a direct offspring of the more prestigious Lexus ES300. While subtle differences are there (mostly cosmetics) the fundamental luxury principles are nearly are there.

That means the Avalon’s got the same peppy 3.5L V6, an 8-speed direct-shift transmission, Toyota Safety Sense P, a luxurious interior, but most importantly, what Lexus does best – an exceptionally smooth ride.

Two trims are available with the more sports-inspired XSE trim that gets you stiffer tuned suspension, larger 19″ alloy wheels, quad-tip exhaust and paddle shifters for sequential control of the 8-speed automatic. The Limited trim favors a more luxury and comfort ride with smaller 18″ wheels while amping up the interior quality with real-wood trimming, added suede leather seating that are both heated and cooled and premium LED headlights up front. The XSE trim starts at a lower $42,790 while the more luxurious Limited trim comes in at a more pricier $$47,790.

With the near-identical Lexus ES350 sharing the same chassis, the XSE trim costs $3,000 less for a less-prestigious brand tag and an older set of exterior color choices to choose from. That also means the quality of materials are of lower grade than the ES350 such as a plastic front grille pattern and a less-detailed interior. But the ergonomics and overall quality feel remains intact with the same Nuluxe perforated synthetic leather seats, Entune 3.0 media system.

Pristine Road Practice

Power and torque is capable thanks to the 3.5L V6 producing a luscious 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The 8-speed automatic helps with quick access to the engine’s power band, but we were expecting quicker gear shifts with Direct-Shift technology built into the transmission.

Where the Avalon really shines is a well-balanced comfort to performance ratio. Perhaps what Lexus does best, the ride quality is exceptionally smooth with minimal wind shear and tire rolling noise, keeping the cabin space quiet and comfortable.

Final Thoughts

Despite a larger V6 engine and heavier components used to deliver a smoother ride, the EPA rating still fall within acceptable norms even in today’s strict standards of 26/37/30 mpg city/highway and combined.

At the sub $40k price point, the Toyota Avalon sits in the lower price band on the luxury scale. But sharing the same chassis and opting for a lower-cost exterior and interior cosmetic treatment, the Avalon can be seen as a bargain entry-level choice for those seeking a luxury ride.

There is also the ongoing stigma of the more preferred cross-over SUV that most people are opting for, but truth be told, the smooth sailing and ground-effect of the sedan simply can’t be replaced with that of a conventional cross-over with a higher center of gravity. That said; while it may be perceived as less practical, the classical sedan will always offer a more comfortable ride.

Specifications

  • Vehicle : 2019 Toyota Avalon
  • Model : Avalon XSE
  • Price as Tested : $44,662 (Including Freight and other Fees)
  • Vehicle Type : Luxury Sedan
  • Seating Capacity : 2+3
  • Powertrain Configuration : FWD
  • Engine : 3.5L V6
  • Transmission : 8-speed Automatic with Direct Shift
  • 26/37/30 mpg city/highway and combined
  • Horsepower : 301
  • Torque: 267

Pros

  • Built on the same luxury Lexus ES350 Chassis with a lower price-tag
  • Luxury interior quality and exterior looks
  • Smooth and comfortable ride with respectable handling performance
  • Exceptional interior comfort

Cons

  • Feels heavy and long
  • Exterior design feels dated