2019 Toyota Avalon: Looks weird, but it’s better across the board
It's no secret that I loved the previous generation Toyota Avalon. The new model is objectively better in almost every way. It's more spacious, more comfortable and more pleasing to drive, whether you're looking for comfort from the Limited model or a more engaged Touring model's ride.
Toyota has even overhauled its Entune infotainment and made most of its advanced safety technology standard across the lineup. If you're in the market for a large-mid size sedan, the 2019 Toyota Avalon is an excellent choice.
Subjectively speaking, this new generation debuts an exterior design that's just… well, it's mostly terrible. That new grille is simply too big for the even a car of this size and too aggressive, I think, for the sedan's target audience. The the profile and rear end look alright and the headlamp and taillight designs are interesting. But that front end is a lot to take in.
Fortunately, it looks a hell of a lot better from the inside.
V6 Touring performance
The new Avalon is available with two powertrain options. There's a hybrid model, we'll get back to this momentarily, and the conventional 3.5-liter V6, which will likely make up the bulk of the Avalon's sales volume. The V6 makes 301 horsepower (33 more ponies than the outgoing model) and 267 pound-feet of torque (19 pound-feet more). It's mated to a single-option 8-speed automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels; a setup that's good for an estimated 31 highway mpg, 22 city mpg and 25 mpg combined. (The base XLE model is rated at 32 highway mpg due to its slightly lighter curb weight.)
Passing power is passable. The 2019 Avalon feels like it has the right amount of power for a vehicle of this size -- not enough to overwhelm, but enough to get the job done. Acceleration is good and, more importantly, smooth. The 8-speed automatic and the V6 work well together with imperceptibly smooth shifts and whisper-quiet operation at highway speeds.
Conventional or hybrid, the new Avalon is longer, wider and lower than before, freeing up additional room in the cabin and giving the sedan a more planted stance on the road. Underpinning that stance is is a suspension that varies between the different trim levels. XLE and Limited models do great job of soaking up bumps with a ride that compliments the Avalon's more quiet cabin. XSE and Touring models are more engaging with firmer springs, dampers and suspension bushing that allow just a bit more road feel and slightly more responsive handling.
The Touring model is also available with an optional adaptive suspension that constantly monitors and changes the firmness of the dampers every 20ms. With the touch of a button, it's also able to toggle between compliant and firm presets. With weightier steering and active sound enhancements piping engine noise into the normally quiet cabin (and simulating exhaust sounds with the JBL surround speakers), the Touring model can feel d
It's no secret that I loved the previous generation Toyota Avalon. The new model is objectively better in almost every way. It's more spacious, more comfortable and more pleasing to drive, whether you're looking for comfort from the Limited model or a more engaged Touring model's ride.
Toyota has even overhauled its Entune infotainment and made most of its advanced safety technology standard across the lineup. If you're in the market for a large-mid size sedan, the 2019 Toyota Avalon is an excellent choice.
Subjectively speaking, this new generation debuts an exterior design that's just… well, it's mostly terrible. That new grille is simply too big for the even a car of this size and too aggressive, I think, for the sedan's target audience. The the profile and rear end look alright and the headlamp and taillight designs are interesting. But that front end is a lot to take in.
Fortunately, it looks a hell of a lot better from the inside.
V6 Touring performance
The new Avalon is available with two powertrain options. There's a hybrid model, we'll get back to this momentarily, and the conventional 3.5-liter V6, which will likely make up the bulk of the Avalon's sales volume. The V6 makes 301 horsepower (33 more ponies than the outgoing model) and 267 pound-feet of torque (19 pound-feet more). It's mated to a single-option 8-speed automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels; a setup that's good for an estimated 31 highway mpg, 22 city mpg and 25 mpg combined. (The base XLE model is rated at 32 highway mpg due to its slightly lighter curb weight.)
Passing power is passable. The 2019 Avalon feels like it has the right amount of power for a vehicle of this size -- not enough to overwhelm, but enough to get the job done. Acceleration is good and, more importantly, smooth. The 8-speed automatic and the V6 work well together with imperceptibly smooth shifts and whisper-quiet operation at highway speeds.
Conventional or hybrid, the new Avalon is longer, wider and lower than before, freeing up additional room in the cabin and giving the sedan a more planted stance on the road. Underpinning that stance is is a suspension that varies between the different trim levels. XLE and Limited models do great job of soaking up bumps with a ride that compliments the Avalon's more quiet cabin. XSE and Touring models are more engaging with firmer springs, dampers and suspension bushing that allow just a bit more road feel and slightly more responsive handling.
The Touring model is also available with an optional adaptive suspension that constantly monitors and changes the firmness of the dampers every 20ms. With the touch of a button, it's also able to toggle between compliant and firm presets. With weightier steering and active sound enhancements piping engine noise into the normally quiet cabin (and simulating exhaust sounds with the JBL surround speakers), the Touring model can feel d
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