2016 Toyota Avalon in Charlotte, NC - $12,500

Already a benchmark for style and comfort in the premium midsize sedan category, the 2017 Toyota Avalon ups the ante for standard safety with the addition of Toyota Safety Sense™-P (TSS-P) for all grades. The system equips the Avalon with Automatic High Beam, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist.

The move to make TSS-P standard on all Avalon grades follows Toyota’s promise to offer TSS standard on nearly all its models by the end of 2017. That will put the automaker four years ahead of the model-year 2022 industry target announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Available in XLE, XLE Plus, XLE Premium, Touring and Limited trim levels, power for the Toyota flagship sedan is generated by a 3.5L V6 engine. Torque is delivered through the front wheels via a U 660e six-speed automatic transmission.

If the V6 gives the Avalon the heart of a sport sedan, the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and choice of Eco, Normal and Sport driving modes confirm the connection. Selecting Sport mode yields quicker throttle response and enhanced electric power steering feel, and raises transmission shift points. On downshifts, it “blips” the throttle, as the driver of a stick-shift sports car would. Selecting Eco Mode prioritizes fuel efficiency by balancing driving performance, air conditioning function and fuel efficiency. Normal mode gives the best balance of everyday performance and comfort.

With its coupe-like profile, discrete chrome trim and ample cabin room, the Avalon presents a platform for luxury. Interior design and appointments certainly underscore that premise. One of the roomiest cabins in the segment, Avalon’s cabin comes in a choice of three interior color themes including almond, light gray and black. Interior serenity is an Avalon hallmark. This is assured by strategically placed sound-absorbing and sound-insulating materials, including acoustic-type glass used for the windshield and side glass and foam injected into the A-, B- and C-pillars and rocker panels.

Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 111.0; overall length: 195.3; width: 72.2; height: 57.5
All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 3.5L V6 – 268 hp at 6200 rpm and 248 lbs-ft of torque at 4700 rpm
Transmission: six-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 21 city/30 highway
Cargo capacity: 16.0 cubic feet

Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, rear-seat mounted side airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, dual front knee airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, traction control, vehicle stability control system, smart stop technology, pre-collision system with pedestrian protection, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic headlights, daytime running lights, automatic high beams, Bluetooth hands free phone system, automatic power door locks, dynamic radar cruise control, side-impact door beams, engine immobilizer, and tire pressure monitoring system. XLE Plus adds Smart Key dsystem with push button engine start and HomeLink universal transceiver. Touring adds automatic LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert. Limited adds automatic high intensity discharge (HID) quadrabeam headlights, rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers, navigation system, and Safety Connect system.

Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile
Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 2-year/25,000 mile 24 hour

Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2017 Toyota Avalon sedan starts from $33,500 for the XLE upto $41,300 for the Limited. Destination charges add $885.