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Toyota Avalon - Test Drive at Destination Toyota!



Fuel Economy

City
10.6
L/100K
Highway
6.8
L/100K

Vehicle Dimensions (mm)

5020
1850
2820
1470

2011 Toyota Avalon XLS

Fuel City 10.6L/100K
Fuel Highway 6.8L/100K
Transmission Automatic
Max Power 200 KW 268 HP
Body Type Sedan
Number of Doors 4
Engine 3.5l
Drive Wheels Front Wheel Drive

2011 Toyota Avalon XLS Road Test Review

Avalon, thought to be derived from the Welsh word afal, meaning apple, is a legendary island featured in Arthurian lore, renowned
2011 Toyota Avalon XLS
The new Avalon builds off of the outgoing model, with sleeker, younger looking features and a lower price. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)
for its beautiful apples. It was also a particularly beautiful song by ex-Roxy Music crooner Brian Ferry. Come to think of it, Toyota might want to give Brian a ring to see if he wants to appear in a run of Avalon ads. The Electric Lounge Lizard might not have considered being associated with Toyota’s flagship sedan before, especially that in its second generation yours truly dubbed it the automotive equivalent of a comb-over, but now in its latest 2011 form the Avalon is one impressive looking luxury car, capable of measuring up to the suave British singer’s wardrobe from King’s Road clothier Antony Price.

Now, some might be reading along rubbing your foreheads in collective contemplation, “Just what is an Avalon?” Yes, I know you remember the song, and some might even have heard about Newfoundland’s beautiful Avalon Peninsula, where Toyota’s Canadian
2011 Toyota Avalon XLS
Stylish rear end shows enough chrome for luxury and a diffuser-like rear fascia for sport. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)
division fittingly chose to introduce the latest iteration of this entry-level luxury sedan. For you head rubbers, here is an Avalon history lesson:

Toyota’s flagship Avalon model was introduced in 1994 as a 1995 model, filling the gap left by the Cressida when it departed from our market in 1992 but based on a stretched version of the Camry’s front-wheel drive architecture instead of rear-drive. While an excellent car it really didn’t take off that well, despite Toyota Americanizing this model with a full front bench seat for six-occupant accommodation as well as a column-mounted shifter, the first of its type in a Toyota since the ‘82 Corona. The second-generation Avalon, which spanned model years 2000 through 2004, grew
2011 Toyota Avalon XLS
Scenery along Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula is stunning. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)
much larger and was given more distinctive love-it-or-hate-it styling, and again was a superb luxury car that won fans from Palm Springs to Palm Beach -- retirement age fans, mind you. A revitalized Avalon surfaced in 2004 as a 2005 model, sporting a more mainstream and much more appealing design, with sleeker lines and overall better proportions. Sales picked up but price was a factor with the Avalon reaching up and beyond the Lexus ES 350, causing most in this market to purchase an ES despite its slightly smaller dimensions. Toyota has remedied the latter problem by lowering the price substantially, making the 2011 Avalon much more appealing than the outgoing model financially, as well as stylistically and dynamically.

The 2011 Avalon might not be entirely new, but truly the Camry-derived platform architecture under its skin is already extremely good.
2011 Toyota Avalon XLS
A new attractive shape incorporating the first OEM use of lightpipes in a taillight design. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)
The rest of the car, however, from the exterior body panels (other than the roof), grille and lighting clusters to the interior trim, features and upgraded drivetrain, is different. The new Avalon is similar to the old model in profile, but details give it a sportier look. The grille is bolder with more chrome, and features the Toyota emblem up higher to form the trademark push into the hood line initiated by the current Camry, while the headlight clusters are narrower and point down in a sharper, more aggressive fashion, adding to the sportier look previously mentioned. A new lower fascia adds a wider vent opening, broadening the car’s stance, while chrome fog lamp surrounds augment their shape.

The Avalon’s hood has changed too, with a more prominent centre bulge, and the car’s flanks have more shape to them. A chrome strip breaks up the slab-sided look of the old car’s monotone treatment, although the outgoing
2011 Toyota Avalon XLS
Sneaking down the dock for a better view of the water. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)
model’s chromed door handles make way for body-colour handles on the 2011 version, again adding to that sporty demeanor and updating door panels that are otherwise unchanged.

From the rear it’s an even bigger departure from 2010 to 2011, with larger, triangular LED taillight clusters that form a more modern shape. At night they glow in unique quad ovals thanks to the first OEM application of LED “light pipes” on a road car; the headlights are projector-beam, as Toyota says xenon lamps would have upped the price beyond competitiveness. A horizontal chrome appliqué across the trunk lid widens the look and adds a touch of class, while a blackened diffuser style lower fascia highlights the dual exhaust pipes carried over from the previous car.

Inside, there
2011 Toyota Avalon XLS
Steering wheel is the same, but the dash and centre stack design is all new. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)
are obvious differentiators and some identical components too. Starting with the latter, the column stocks and steering wheel are carryover, and no one should complain about either, as the stocks are high-quality and the wheel is thick-rimmed plus wood and leather-wrapped with nicely finished switchgear mounted on each side-spoke. The lower centre console is more or less the same as last year’s model as well, with an identical shift knob and chrome edged gate. Likewise the ultra-comfortable and supportive seats appear unchanged, as does the large leather-covered armrest. The instrument cluster, dash and centre stack, on the other hand, are all-new and should be much more appealing to the younger buyer Toyota is hoping to attract. The Avalon’s twinned primary gauges are sportier, while sweeping curves in soft-touch plastics plus wood-like trim, chrome detailing and real aluminum appliqués
2011 Toyota Avalon XLS
Getting acclimatized is never difficult in a Toyota. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)
join up with revised interior door panels, all tied together with a more conventional upper stack that adds functionality and new features.

Much of last year’s standard features list is carryover for 2011. Dual-zone automatic climate control, heated leather seats with eight-way power adjustment for the driver plus driver's side memory, power locks with keyless entry, power windows with auto up/down all-round, tilt and telescopic steering column, cruise control, a garage door opener, heated mirrors with auto-dimming driver's side, fog lights, and a full array of airbags including one for the driver's knees all remain standard gear. New standard features for 2011 include variable intermittent wipers (the rain sensing ones that never
2011 Toyota Avalon XLS
Lots of woodgrain and metal accents add to the luxury theme. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)
really worked properly in our drizzly weather– as if any actually do – are gone), an eight-way power passenger seat with a power lumbar support (a dealmaker for me), more attractive and highly visible Optitron primary gauges, a 12-speaker 660-watt JBL audio system with a 12-channel digital amplifier and audio music streaming, Bluetooth, and a touch-screen navigation system with integrated backup camera. A USB port joins the audio input for external devices, while XM Satellite Radio is also part of the 2011 package. New foldable side mirrors integrate LED turn signals for a top-tier look as well as greater visibility to surrounding motorists. And interestingly, performance oriented drivers will appreciate that the standard electronic stability control system can now be switched off, showing that Toyota is serious about the new Avalon’s sporting credentials.

Sporting
2011 Toyota Avalon XLS
A luxurious and accommodating rear seat belies the Avalon's sporting" credentials." (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)
credentials and Avalon sharing the same sentence? Well, actually, yes. The new “Av” is not a sport sedan, to be clear, but it’s not an old-school luxury liner either thanks to new suspension tuning. Rear and all-wheel drive luxury cars might out-handle Toyota’s flagship at high speeds, but these don’t offer the flat rear floor for more comfortable three-abreast seating, something Toyota wanted to maintain when moving forward with the upgraded model. The Japanese automaker says that its Avalon architecture could incorporate all-wheel drive, but has no plans to add it because the increased cost and complexity isn’t needed to achieve the model’s purpose. After all, Toyota doesn’t want to forget all about its loyal Avalon buyers during the transformation needed to lure in younger buyers, and to that end the big car continues to iron out road imperfections without fault. It’s firmer than the outgoing model, necessary for improved handling, but it’s still fabulous at soaking up bumps, dips and otherwise uneven pavement.
2011 Toyota Avalon XLS
While clearly not a sport sedan, the Avalon handles quite well. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)
What’s more, when the occasional stone gets picked up and thrown into the wheel well it will be effectively absorbed by felt liners to eliminate noise, a feature that carries forward from the previous generation.

Yes, the 2011 Avalon is one refined luxury car, made more than apparent when turning over the key. Ok, let me take that back for a minute, because I for one was disappointed that the automaker’s namesake flagship can’t be had with Toyota’s Smart Key proximity sensing keyless remote access or a push-button start, something you can get in a lowly Corolla, especially since this feature, amongst others, can be had by its U.S. counterpart. But let’s look at the positive. You’ll never swap cars with your significant other to have her/him call you from across the city
2011 Toyota Avalon XLS
There's more than adequate power under the hood. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)
with news that the car’s key fob is still in your pocket – been there done that. Twisting the conventional key brings to life Toyota’s venerable 3.5-litre six-cylinder engine with VVT-i electronic valve-control, tuned to 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic with console actuated manual mode, it provides plenty of power for quick getaways and was more than adequate for our tour of Newfoundland’s twisting, undulating rocky coastline. The transmission is as smooth as any in its class, and shifts without hesitation, but more importantly its tall final gear provides reduced engine revs to improve highway fuel economy.

The new Avalon is rated at a staggering 6.8 L/100km on the highway and 10.6 L/100km in the city, both impressive estimated numbers that
2011 Toyota Avalon XLS
The trunk will be large enough for most peoples' needs. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)
should be improved yet more if/when a hybrid model is introduced. Yes, it’s purely speculative, but Toyota is on record saying it will provide a hybrid model for every segment it competes in, which translates into an Avalon Hybrid at some point in the future. It makes sense, of course, being the car is derived from the Camry that comes in hybrid guise, and therefore would be a simple and cost-effective upgrade.

Cost in mind, what’s the price for all this luxury goodness? As mentioned, Toyota addressed the pricing issue to the point that some Camry buyers might want to step up to the Avalon if they’re looking to load up their midsize model. Last year’s Avalon didn’t offer the same opportunity, as its $39,285 base price needed the addition of the Premium Package to get some of the same features included in the top-line Camry,
2011 Toyota Avalon XLS
A new 2011 Toyota Avalon XLS can be had for as little as $39,285. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)
effectively bumping the final sticker to $45,845 before freight, PDI and taxes. And while the equivalent of a Premium Package is available south of the border in the Limited model, some of its features such as the JBL audio system, eight-way powered passenger seat with lumbar, and woodgrain and leather-wrapped steering wheel, already mentioned, are now included in the base Canadian-spec Avalon XLS, simplifying the Canadian offering and lowering the price to $41,100. What’s not included? The aforementioned Smart Key access and push-button start, HID headlamps, chrome door handles, rain-sensing wipers, perforated leather seats with ventilation, a power-sliding driver’s seat cushion extension, and a power rear sunshade. Rather, Toyota Canada only offers one option with its 2011 Avalon: pearl finish paint for $220. Just the same, the increased feature list for a lower
2011 Toyota Avalon XLS
A lot of Toyota luxury goodness for the money. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)
overall price should be more attractive to Camry buyers looking for something with a lot more style and luxury plus much better interior refinement and quality. Truly, the new Avalon should also attract those Lexus ES 350 buyers who don’t need the premium badge yet are looking for more size and almost as many features for a significantly lower price.

There’s not much to complain about with the new 2011 Avalon, except possibly a smaller than average trunk, and therefore I for one can understand why Toyota is bullish about selling a lot more of the new 2011 cars than the 280 it pushed out the doors in 2009. Toyota remains conservative, however, expecting between 300 and 500 units sold this year. Could they sell more with a big marketing push featuring a demographically targeted jingle and top-level spokesperson? It’s possible. The car is good enough, for sure… maybe good enough to become the apple of Brian Ferry’s eye. “Yes the picture's changing… every moment… and your destination… you don't know it… Avalon…”

Interior

  • Fuel consumption: city=
    10.6 (L/100km); highway=
    6.8 (L/100km); combined=
    8.9 (L/100km); vehicle
    range: 787 km / 489 miles
  • Dashboard
  • Tachometer
  • Clock
  • Luxury trim: wood &
    leather on shifter,
    wood/woodgrain on doors
    and wood/woodgrain on
    dashboard
  • Load restraint: net
  • Front seat center armrest
  • Front seat: driver heated
    bucket with 5 power
    adjustments ; details:
    memorized height adj.,
    memorized lumbar adj. and
    memorized tilt adj.,
    front seat: passenger
    heated bucket with 5
    power adjustments ;
    details: power height
    adj., power lumbar adj.
    and power tilt adj.
  • Wood & leather steering
    wheel ; includes tilting
    adjustment and telescopic
    adjustment
  • Cupholders in front row
    and rear seats
  • Passenger seat secondary
    ventilation controls
  • Electrochromic rear view
    mirror
  • Front power windows with
    2 express, rear power
    windows
  • Compass
  • Entertainment display
    screen located in front
  • 4-disc CD changer in
    dashboard
  • 12 JBL speakers
  • Remote audio controls:
    steering wheel mounted
  • Memorized adjustment:
    includes 2 driver
    settings and door mirror
    position
  • Delayed/fade courtesy
    lights
  • Illuminated driver and
    passenger vanity mirror
  • Audio Connectivity: AUX
    jack and USB
  • Service interval
    indicator
  • External temperature
  • Trip computer: includes
    average fuel consumption
    and range for remaining
    fuel
  • Floor mats
  • Seat upholstery: leather
  • Rear seat center armrest
    with trunk access
  • Rear seats: non-folding
    bench with seating for
    three ; details: manual
    recline
  • Power steering
  • Ventilation system with
    cabin filter
  • Air conditioning with
    auto, dual-zone fully
    automated climate control
  • Fixed rear window with
    defroster
  • DVD-integrated navigation
    system: 3D and voice info
    ; includes 6.5-in. colour
    screen
  • Floor and overhead
    console
  • Garage door opener
  • Seating: 5 seats
  • Audio system with
    AM/FM/satellite radio, 4
    CDs (reads MP3) ;
    includes RDS
  • 12V in front
  • Cruise control
  • Front and rear reading
    lights

Exterior

  • Doors: driver, rear
    driver, passenger and
    rear passenger : front
    hinged
  • Mica paint
  • Driver door mirror:
    heated, body colour,
    power adjustable with
    automatic operation and
    indicator lights,
    passenger door mirror:
    heated, body colour,
    power adjustable with
    indicator lights
  • Spare wheel: fullsize
    with alloy rim
  • Front fog lights
  • Power glass sunroof
  • Windshield wipers with
    variable intermittent
    wipe
  • Diversity antenna

Mechanical

  • Powertrain type :
    combustion
  • Electronic traction
    control (via ABS & engine
    management)
  • Fuel system: multi-point
    injection
  • Independent front strut
    suspension with
    stabilizer bar and coil
    springs, independent rear
    multi-link suspension
    with stabilizer bar and
    coil springs
  • Remote control
    trunk/hatch release
  • Front-wheel drive
  • Emissions data: CO2:
    4,267 kg/yr
  • Fuel: unleaded ( 87
    octane)
  • Transmission: 6-speed
    automatic w/ manual mode
    ; incl. shifter on floor

Safety

  • Driver knee airbags
  • Headlights: halogen with
    projector beam lens
  • Daytime running lights
  • Remote keyless power
    locks ; speed sensing
  • Intelligent driver front
    airbag, intelligent
    passenger front airbag
    with occupant sensors
  • 2 active height
    adjustable head
    restraints for front
    seats, 3 height
    adjustable head
    restraints for rear seats
  • 3-point rear seat belts
    for driver, passenger and
    center
  • Electronic brake
    distribution
  • Low tire pressure
    indicator
  • ABS
  • Immobilizer
  • Parking assistance:
    guidance display for rear
    parking
  • Headlight control with
    dusk sensor
  • Front to rear side
    curtain airbag
  • Anti-theft protection:
  • Front side airbag
  • 3-point height adjustable
    front seat belts with
    pre-tensioners for driver
    and passenger
  • Stability control
  • Brake assist system
  • 4 disc brakes (2
    ventilated)
  • Painted front and rear
    bumpers
  • Rear camera parking
    distance sensors

Dimensions

  • External dimensions:
    overall length (mm):
    5,020, overall width
    (mm): 1,850, overall
    height (mm): 1,470,
    wheelbase (mm): 2,820,
    front track (mm): 1,580,
    rear track (mm): 1,565
    and curb to curb turning
    circle (mm): 11,250
  • Cargo capacity: all seats
    in place (litres): 408
  • 70 litre fuel tank
  • Power: 268 HP @ 6,200
    rpm; 248 ft lb of torque
    @ 4,700 rpm
  • Front and rear alloy
    wheels: 17"x 7.0"
  • Internal dimensions:
    front headroom (mm): 986,
    rear headroom (mm): 953,
    front hip room (mm):
    1,417, rear hip room
    (mm): 1,427, front leg
    room (mm): 1,049, rear
    leg room (mm): 1,037,
    front shoulder room (mm):
    1,510, rear shoulder room
    (mm): 1,479 and interior
    volume (litres): 3,027
  • Engine: 3.5L V 6 DOHC
    with VVT ( 10.8 :1
    compression ratio ; 4
    valves per cylinder)
  • Front and rear all-season
    tires with black sidewall
    : 215/ 55/ " V " rated
  • Weights: curb weight
    (kg): 1,620

Misc

  • Wireless connection:
    Bluetooth
  • Voice activating system
    includes phone
  • Charges: Air Conditioning
    Tax $ 100.00
  • Coming home device
  • Telematics
  • Delivery/freight charge:
    $ 1,490.00

(J003) Standard Metallic Paint

Metallic paint

Excludes: [J004] Standard Black Paint And [0070.] Blizzard Pearl Paint


(J004) Standard Black Paint

Black paint

Excludes: [J003] Standard Metallic Paint And [0070.] Blizzard Pearl Paint


(0070.) Blizzard Pearl Paint

Pearl paint

Excludes: [J003] Standard Metallic Paint And [J004] Standard Black Paint


*Disclaimer: Pricing is subject to change without notice, actual price may vary; installed options may also vary by dealer. Price does not include applicable license fees, insurance, registration, tax, freight / delivery, PDI or administration fees. See dealership for final pricing and availability.


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