2013 Toyota Avalon Test Drive

On Sale Date: December 1

Price: $31,750 to $42,160

Competitors: Buick LaCrosse, Chrysler 300, Ford Taurus, Hyundai Azera

Powertrains: 3.5-liter V-6, 268 hp, 248 lb. ft., 6-speed automatic; 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, 156 hp, 156 lb. ft., plus AC synchronous electric motor, 141 hp, 199 lb. ft. (combined system hp: 200), CVT.

EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy): V-6, 21/31; Hybrid, 40/39

What's New: Like the three generations that came before it, this latest Avalon shares architectural and powertrain elements with the midsize Camry. But that's where the similarities to its predecessors end. Despite a grille that looks like it was lifted straight from the 2013 Ford Fusion and a sloping roofline that looks like any number of new models, the exterior is sleek and eclipses the forgettable styling of previous generations, upstaging the Camry in the process. Body dimensions have been tightened, reducing front and rear overhangs. The track is wider front and rear, the roofline is down an inch, the beltline is lower, and bold front-to-rear character creases lend an aura of action-readiness.

Suspension tuning vindicates the swoopy promise of the sheet metal, there's plenty of room fore and aft, and a hybrid joins the lineup for the first time, using the same Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive offered in the Camry. The design, engineering, and development all happened in the U.S. Assembly is underway at Toyota's Georgetown, Ky., facility.

Tech Tidbit: The Avalon Hybrid transaxle is officially a continuously variable type, according to Toyota. However, while its operation is similar, the transaxle case houses a planetary gearset, for combining engine power with the electric motor. The hybrid can run on electric power, but only for a mile, at low speed.

Driving Character: Previous Avalons appealed primarily to drivers who thought cornering should be preceded by an environmental impact statement. With improved chassis and firmer suspension, the new Avalon attacks corners, changes direction readily, and limits rock and roll body motions?in contrast to the lifeboat dynamics of earlier generations. The V6 provides brisk acceleration?Toyota forecasts 6.7 seconds to 60 mph. And with paddle shifters, the six-speed automatic delivers prompt gear changes. The hybrid, for its part, isn't slow (0 to 60 in 8.2, according to Toyota) and its operation is absolutely transparent.

Favorite Detail: The interior appointments of the new Avalon lineup qualify as both tasteful and sumptuous, with soft materials, two grades of leather upholstery, and designer color combinations. A subtle but distinctive element is the beautiful done-by-hand stitching that distinguishes the dashboard and seats. It's the kind of thoughtful touch that reinforces the owner's purchase decision every time he or she opens the door.

Driver's Grievance: Because it enhances fuel economy, electric assist power steering will soon be universal. The road feel it conveys, however, varies widely from one vehicle to another. That's true of the new Avalon. In V-6 models, steering effort increases with speed, but remains numb. The hybrid version is a little more informative, and Toyota engineers admit that there's a difference in system electronic tuning. But both versions leave something to be desired.

The Bottom Line: After three generations of soft anonymity, the Avalon got some serious styling for 2013 and athletic moves to go with it. The engineering team claims an overall gain of 12 percent in torsional rigidity, and curb weight reductions of up to 150 pounds, a laudable achievement in view of steadily escalating crash standards. The addition of a hybrid version gives the Avalon bragging rights thanks to its 40 city/39 highway EPA fuel economy, and a potential range of 680 miles that exceeds the endurance of most human bladders.

Like its predecessors, the latest Avalon was designed around Camry architectural elements, but it's bigger?based on interior volume, the EPA classifies it as a large car?with adult-size roominess front and rear. Add handsome interior treatments plus quiet operation and attractive pricing, and the Avalon's appeal expands well beyond its previous limits.

Source: http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/reviews/drives/2013-toyota-avalon-test-drive-14309508?src=rss

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