Vehicle Overview Updated with fresh styling and a new dashboard, the full-size 2011 Avalon tops off Toyota’s sedan lineup. Its 3.5-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission carry over, but thanks mostly to transmission tuning, gas mileage is up 1 mpg overall. Avalon competitors include the Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Impala and Hyundai Azera.
Last year’s XL, XLS and Limited trim levels have been narrowed to two: the base Avalon and uplevel Limited.
Exterior Toyota says the Avalon’s headlights, side mirrors and taillights are new. A wider grille connects the headlights, while the front bumper has a wider, more bottom-heavy air dam. The side mirrors include turn-signal indicators. They now fold in — last year’s did not — and, on the Avalon Limited, include puddle lamps. In back, the taillights gain LED light pipes, a styling cue the Cadillac CTS and several other cars employ.
Fog lights and 17-inch alloy wheels are standard; Limited models add rain-sensing wipers, chrome door handles and xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights.
Interior The outgoing Avalon’s dashboard — which had hinged doors over the navigation system, stereo and climate controls — is gone, replaced by a more conventional design that leaves them out in the open. The navigation system has improved graphics that fall in line with the systems in other Toyotas; the 2010 Avalon offered a dated, older navigation display. The gauges are also new.
The base Avalon grade is fairly well equipped, with standard leather upholstery, power front seats, reclining rear seats, a moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control and a CD stereo with USB/iPod compatibility. Limited models add heated, ventilated seats, a keyless access system with push-button start, an upgraded JBL stereo and a power rear sunshade. Many of those features are optional on the base Avalon. The navigation system, which includes a backup camera, is optional.
Under the Hood Toyota’s 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 remains standard, as does a six-speed automatic transmission. Thanks mostly to transmission tuning, the Avalon is now EPA-rated at 20/29 mpg city/highway — a 1 mpg improvement over last year. Those figures are at the top of the large-car segment.
Safety Standard safety features include seven airbags: the required dual front ones plus a driver’s knee airbag, side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for both rows. Antilock brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system are also standard.
