The 2018 Toyota Avalon is available in XLE, XLE Plus, XLE Premium, Touring and Limited models, with Avalon Hybrid versions available for all but the base XLE.

Standard versions of the Toyota Avalon are powered by a 268-horsepower, 3.5L V6 that has variable valve timing for smooth response across the entire rev range. It's hooked up to a 6-speed automatic transmission that has Eco, Normal and Sport modes as well as steering-wheel paddle shifters for manual control.

Avalon Hybrid models get a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine and a 105-kW electric motor system as part of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive-- the same as used in the Camry Hybrid. The electric motor system adds to the powertrain's output when needed and recovers energy when decelerating or braking. The powertrain makes 200 horsepower altogether. Fuel efficiency for the Hybrid is estimated at 40 mpg city, 39 highway.

The Avalon has ride and handling characteristics help bridge some of the difference between a plush luxury car and a sporty premium sedan. With MacPherson struts in front and dual-path dampers, plus a dual-link rear suspension, anti-roll bars front and rear and pillow ball joints in back, the Avalon has been tuned to be agile yet refined. Electric power steering provides less boost at higher speeds and is weighted to for good centering in tight corners.

While the Avalon is more enjoyable to drive than the previous models, it's still one of the quietest sedans without a full-fledged luxury badge. Thanks to measures such as an acoustic windshield and special sound-absorbing materials throughout, road and wind noise are especially well-masked.

All models are neatly finished on the outside with LED tail lamps and a chrome-tipped exhaust; but it's inside that the new Avalon is most noteworthy. The Avalon's instrument panel uses special IntelliTouch capacitive switches under a grained surface; they're designed to be used with gloves, and by those with long fingernails.

Equipment is comparable between normal V6 and Hybrid versions of the Avalon. The base XLE includes heated exterior mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, a backup camera, cruise control, leather upholstery, woodgrain interior trim, heated power front seats, a Smart Key system, Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming and a Display Audio sound system with a 7-inch touch screen, eight speakers and auxiliary and iPod/USB inputs.

XLE Premium models add push-button start, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a compass and a blind-spot monitor/warning, while the Touring model adds 18-inch painted alloy wheels, LED headlamps/fog lamps and premium leather upholstery. It also gets an upgraded sound system with nine speakers, a navigation system and Entune services and Bing search, iHeartRadio, Pandora and OpenTable apps.

The Limited and Hybrid Limited models are at the top of the model line and include HID headlamps, heated exterior mirrors, 3-zone automatic climate control, premium heated/ventilated leather upholstery, a 10-way adjustable driver's seat (8-way for passenger), heated rear seats and LED daytime running lamps, A Premium Navigation system is included, as well as that steps up to an 11-speaker JBL setup plus subwoofer and separate amplifier, as well as HD Radio with iTunes tagging. The system also allows access to customizable vehicle settings.

Smooth Powertrains

40-mpg Hybrid Model

Excellent Ride And Handling

Quiet, Spacious Interior

Stunning Touchscreen-style Dash Controls

Active-safety Features

The Avalon remains essentially unchanged for 2018, however Toyota's Safety Sense System, previously only available as an option on Limited trims, is now a standard feature on all Avalons. Toyota's Safety Sense System includes automatic high beams, dynamic radar controlled cruise control, a pre-collision system and a lane departure warning system.

With the current Avalon, Toyota worked to modernize its personality, remaking it from a model that was comfort-oriented and conservative to one that feels like other modern luxury sedans, with a more sophisticated, well-detailed look and feel. These updates included much-improved handling, some noteworthy in-cabin technology and a fuel-efficient Avalon Hybrid model.

The resulting Avalon is a standout, and when compared against comfort-oriented mainstream large sedans or even against luxury-brand models, the Avalon has a competitive look, feel and feature set. Plus, the Avalon Hybrid's smooth hybrid powertrain and its 40-mpg city rating make it a package that's hard to beat.

Navigation System

11 Speakers

AM/FM radio: SiriusXM

CD player

DVD-Audio

Radio data system

Radio: Entune Premium JBL Audio w/Integrated Nav

Air Conditioning

Automatic temperature control

Front dual zone A/C

Rear air conditioning

Rear window defroster

Memory seat

Power driver seat

Power steering

Power windows

Remote keyless entry

Steering wheel mounted audio controls

Four wheel independent suspension

Speed-sensing steering

Traction control

4-Wheel Disc Brakes

ABS brakes

Dual front impact airbags

Dual front side impact airbags

Emergency communication system: Safety Connect

Front anti-roll bar

Knee airbag

Low tire pressure warning

Occupant sensing airbag

Overhead airbag

Rear anti-roll bar

Rear side impact airbag

Power moonroof

Brake assist

Electronic Stability Control

Exterior Parking Camera Rear

Auto High-beam Headlights

Delay-off headlights

Fully automatic headlights

High-Intensity Discharge Headlights

Panic alarm

Security system

Active Cruise Control

Speed control

Auto-dimming door mirrors

Bumpers: body-color

Heated door mirrors

Power door mirrors

Turn signal indicator mirrors

Auto-dimming Rear-View mirror

Compass

Driver door bin

Driver vanity mirror

Front reading lights

Garage door transmitter

Illuminated entry

Leather steering wheel

Multi-Stage Heated & Ventilated Front Bucket Seats

Outside temperature display

Overhead console

Passenger vanity mirror

Rear reading lights

Rear seat center armrest

Tachometer

Telescoping steering wheel

Tilt steering wheel

Trip computer

Front Bucket Seats

Front Center Armrest

Heated front seats

Heated rear seats

Power passenger seat

Premium Perforated Leather Seat Trim

Ventilated front seats

Passenger door bin

Alloy wheels

Chrome wheels

Wheels: 17" x 7.0" Super Chrome Alloy

Rear Window Blind

Rain sensing wipers

Speed-Sensitive Wipers

Variably intermittent wipers

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