Overview Full-size premium sedan thinks it’s a Lexus
Pros Comfortable, refined and quiet
Cons Pricey, less trunk space than competitors
What would I change? Nothing
How would I spec it? It’s pricey, but the LTD is a nice place to spend time
It’s only when I hear by chance, the haunting, languid melody of Avalon by Bryan Ferry, that I remember just how much I like the song. It’s not one of those favourites that leap instantly to my mind, but lies hidden in its murky recesses until the next chance encounter.
And so it goes with its automotive namesake, the Toyota Avalon. It’s been so long since I’d last driven one, that I forgot that Toyota’s sedan lineup didn’t end at the Camry. It’s funny, because calling the Avalon “forgettable” would be doing it a disservice. It’s really quite a lovely car.
The 2015 Toyota Avalon.
Lesley Wimbush, Driving
There was a time when Toyota’s full-size sedans, much like Buick and Cadillac, appealed mostly to the grey-haired set, dynamically stodgy and as exciting as a blue-plate special. Redesigned in 2013, the Avalon is quietly refined, with a touch of elegance that sets it apart from the more ordinary Camry. My tester, a 2015 Avalon LTD wears the ubiquitous silver of the majority of today’s four-doors, but sharp creases, flared fenders, a swooping roofline and discreet chrome brightwork give it a sense of quiet distinction.
Settling into the plump, leather seats, I’m struck by the modern design and level of craftsmanship surrounding me. The Avalon’s interior is beautifully built with first-rate materials. The steering wheel, dashboard and centre console are handsomely covered in stitched leather, and trimmed with shiny chrome and real wood accents.
The centre stack is refreshingly modern and features just a few flush capacitive touch switches and cleanly rendered steel knobs instead of the dizzying array of buttons so common on many of today’s premium sedans.
The Avalon’s cabin is well-insulated and the materials are first-rate, making it a very nice place to spend time.
Lesley Wimbush, Driving
By the time I’d reached home two hours later, the Avalon had completely won me over. The well-insulated cabin boasts the level of acoustic hush that is expected from one of the premium luxury brands, not from a volume builder of reliable, budget vehicles. There are plenty of cubbies and storage spaces, and all are thoughtfully lined to reduce any rattles that might intrude upon the serenity of the quiet interior.
The touchscreen infotainment system is blessedly simple. I’ve been driven to teeth-gnashing frustration by some of the modern interfaces, but the system of simple sliders for volume or climate is easily grasped. With a Toyota this good, who needs a Lexus?
The Toyota Avalon has some refreshingly simple touches inside, such as a tried-and-true volume knob.
Lesley Wimbush, Driving
Expecting a ride character on the soft and plushy side, I was pleasantly surprised by the Avalon’s composed handling and firm absorption of bumpy pavement. Where I’d anticipated body roll, there was composure and a chassis rigidity that was truly impressive.
Power is delivered smoothly from a 3.5-litre V6 that puts out 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. There are also three drive modes to choose from: Eco, Normal and Sport – which re-map throttle, shifting and steering responses. Although it seems almost sacrilegious to flog such a respectable sedan, it’s surprisingly fun to select “Sport” and use the paddle shifters when negotiating a tight off-ramp. It also adds a nice amount of weight to the steering, which is unfortunately a bit on the numb side.
It’s a stretch to call the Avalon “sporty”, but selecting ‘Sport’ throttle mapping and using the paddle-shifters makes it’s surprisingly fun.
Lesley Wimbush, Driving
Calling the Avalon “sporty” however, is a stretch. Still, the composed assurance with which it handles curves and lane changes is confidence-instilling. There’s a sense of serenity that comes with piloting a vehicle this quiet and drama-free, and like the song, the Avalon invokes a zen-like calm. There’s a long list of safety features onboard that contribute to this feeling of well-being: blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, backup camera, a pre-collision system and adaptive cruise control.
During a stretch of miserably cold weather, I achieved an overall fuel consumption rating of 9.8 litres per 100 km – using “Eco” mode would probably return more impressive ratings. While I wouldn’t rank the Avalon with the most exciting cars I’ve driven in recent memory, it’s certainly one of the most surprising. And, like its namesake, it’s one worth remembering.
The 2015 Toyota Avalon.
Lesley Wimbush, Driving
The Specs
Type of Vehicle Front-wheel-drive full-sized sedan
Engine 3.5-litre V6
Power 268 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm; 248 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,700 rpm
Brakes Four-wheel disc with ABS
Tires P225/45R18
Fuel Economy (L/100 km) 11.3 city, 7.5 highway
Price (base/as tested) $37,785/$42,980
Destination Charge $1,620
Standard Features Backup camera, leather upholstery, heated-and-ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, 3-zone automatic climate control, rear sunshade, 785-watt JBL Audio, HID headlamps, LED daytime running lamps and more
