2013 Toyota Avalon

Sometimes, a car gets pigeonholed as being for only 1 particular age group and Toyota aims to shatter that stereotype with this more youthful, 2013 Avalon. 

            When you’ve graduated from a Camry, the next step up within the Toyota brand is the Avalon.  But for years now, the Avalon has been branded as an old person’s car and while seniors need vehicles tailored to their needs too, it’s generally an unflattering stigma.  Just ask Buick. 

            Toyota’s U.S. design team has paved the way to the fountain of youth and penned a car infused with more athleticism and sophistication.  It’s a little smaller all around and showcases more of the performance that lies within.  The V6 and 6-speed auto carryover from before with a numerically lower final drive ratio, changed for better fuel economy. Attainable gas mileage of 21mpg city/31mpg highway is 2mpg combined better than last year.  Having driven so many 4-cylinders and hybrids of late, I was reminded of just how satisfying a good ‘ole V6 can be.  This 3.5-liter engine still makes 268 horsepower and it’s more than adequate. Dropping 100 pounds, acceleration feels very strong and always willing, smoking the Avalon to 60mph in less than 7-seconds with only hints of torque steer while the automatic offers a sport mode to hasten things even further.  Steering is light but much quicker than before and the 17” Michelin all-season tires do a commendable job at gripping the road.  Though the suspension setup has changed very little, Toyota dialed up the handling significantly to appeal to more enthusiastic drivers.  And though the Avalon is markedly sharper with lateral body motions well damped, the ride quality takes a significant hit, crashing down over pot holes and other large obstructions with a lack of grace not befitting a premium sedan.  It seems odd to me that they would move the Avalon so far from its big car comfort beginnings.

            Which brings up my next point; size.  The Avalon sees a decrease in passenger volume while the trunk grows a bit bigger.  A previous generation Avalon owner who sat in the driver’s seat instantly noticed the reduction in width and shoulder room.  He also lamented the removal of the reclining rear seats he has in his car.  Rear seat leg room is quite generous but the seats don’t’ fold down, with just a small pass through from the trunk.  The EPA takes the 2013 Avalon from large car to midsize with its changes.  The distinction between it and the Camry have all but faded.  Trim levels start at XLE with a base price of $31,785 while my tester is one step up.  This XLE Premium with a few small options stickers for $34,333 and adds leather-trimmed heated front seats, a moon roof and a backup cam.  Smart key entry and ignition are standard but navigation and satellite radio are not, leaving the driver to feel to feel like he’s shopping at a bad toy store.  Large knobs, uncluttered layout and oversized displays still pay homage to the Avalon faithful and that’s not a bad thing.  It’s just not going to move the excitement meter at this level.  Avalon Touring and Limited models add in the goodies.   

            Though the 2013 Avalon definitely skews younger as intended, I and others who drove it had trouble making a case for its existence when the Camry is so very similar… far too alike in every way to bestow the Avalon the aspirational placement it’s been given.