Toyota Avalon 2013 Review and Specification

The 2013 Toyota Avalon is trimmer and more tech savvy, and it houses one of the most luxurious interiors on the market for less than $35,000. And get this: The 2013 costs $2,210 less than the outgoing model.

Cars that have traditionally appealed to older drivers are nearing extinction. Ford discontinued the Crown Victoria, there aren't any more bench seats, and easy-access flat seats are being replaced with more curvaceous sport seats intended to appeal to youthful buyers. Now, even the redesigned Toyota Avalon has diminished its geezer factor.

An Avalon Hybrid joins the lineup for 2013, with EPA-estimated gas mileage of 40/39/40 mpg city/highway/combined. Non-hybrids also get a boost in mileage. You can compare the hybrid and V-6 Avalons here, or the 2012 Avalon to the 2013 here.

The 2013 Toyota Avalon comes with a V6 engine that most test drivers say provides ample power. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, and reviewers write that it’s refined with exceptionally smooth gear changes. Fuel economy is an EPA-estimated 21/31 mpg city/highway, which is slightly better than most affordable large cars. Like the 2012 model, the redesigned Avalon offers a comfort-tuned ride that test drivers appreciate. However, most automotive critics also say that the new Avalon handles much better than the old car, which was often regarded as ponderous and floaty. While improved agility corrects one of the old Avalon’s biggest weaknesses, reviewers speak more highly about the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Ford Taurus when it comes to performance.

Inside, the 2013 Avalon wows reviewers with its finely-crafted interior. Many say that the Avalon’s solid construction and premium materials approach Lexus in terms of quality, and its spacious back seat is regarded as one of the most comfortable in the class. The all-new Avalon is priced higher than large cars like the Charger and Taurus, but it also comes with more standard features. Dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start and an eight-speaker stereo with Bluetooth phone and audio streaming and a USB port come standard on the base model. Options and features available on higher trims include tri-zone automatic climate control, an upgraded stereo with navigation and satellite radio, a backup camera and radar-based cruise control.

The exterior design seems to borrow from a number of sources, including Hyundai, Lexus, and Infiniti—and the grille placement and shape recall the second-gen Chrysler Sebring—but the net effect is a sedan that doesn’t immediately conjure images of applesauce and cribbage. That’s a good thing. On the driving front, the stiffened suspension keeps body roll in check, and the previous car’s acceleration squat and earth-plowing dive under hard braking are things of the past. The steering now requires effort, and even more weight can be dialed in by hitting the Sport button located between the seats. Jack LaLanne himself would be pleased with the Avalon’s transformation from flabby and sloppy to tight and athletic.

Power remains the same at 268 hp, but muscle was never the Avalon’s problem. The familiar 3.5-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic are standard and carry over from the outgoing car. Paddle shifters are fitted to the top two trims, the Touring and the Limited. The previous Avalon hit 60 mph in 6.6 seconds when we tested it a couple of summers ago, and the new car should easily match or beat that time, despite having a taller final-drive ratio, because weight is down by approximately 100 pounds, according to Toyota. The structure is stiffer than the previous version, too, which has helped make powertrain, suspension, and road noise even more hushed than before—and decidedly Lexus-like. We had a chance to sample new and old models back-to-back, and the latest Avalon feels more modern, more solid, quieter, and more expensive.

The redesigned interior represents a massive upgrade. Leather upholstery covers the seats in every Avalon, and a vinyl-wrapped dashboard gives the appearance of real hide. Opt for the gray or tan interior, and there are contrasting colors throughout. At night, ambient lighting glows out of the base of the dashboard, à la Mercedes-Benz S-class. The Avalon’s 111.0-inch wheelbase is unchanged, yet rear legroom is down 1.7 inches, due to the rear chairs being moved slightly forward to co-exist with the sloping, contemporary roofline. Riders will find that the rear seat remains large and comfortable, though; Toyota believes it’s spacious enough to test the waters of the livery market with the new model (orders accepted for black cars only, please).

For drivers who want to stretch each gallon of gas, Toyota is offering the Camry hybrid’s powertrain in the Avalon. The first-ever Avalon hybrid boasts estimated economy numbers of 40 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway and 40 mpg combined. The electric motor and the 2.5-liter four-cylinder combine to put out 200 hp, and under very gentle acceleration, electric-only power is available up to 20 mph. An old-school nickel-metal hydride battery pack sits behind the rear seat and reduces trunk space from 16 to 14 cubic feet—eco warriors have to sacrifice something for the extra mpg, after all. Spring rates are tailored for the hybrid, but the tuning is intended to retain the flavor of the conventional model.


Toyota Avalon 2013 : Specification
Front Seats
Multi-level heating passenger seat
4 -way power passenger seat
8 -way power driver seat
Passenger seat with power adjustable lumbar support
Multi-level heating driver seat
Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar suppor
Height adjustable driver seat
Leather
Bucket front seats

Rear seats
Folding with storage and pass-thru center armrest
Rear ventilation ducts

Power Features
Remote power door locks
Power mirrors
Heated mirrors
4 one-touch power windows

Wheel
Alloy wheels
17 x 7.0 in. wheels
Steel spare wheel
P215/55R17 tires
All season tires
Inside mounted spare tire
Temporary spare tire