Toyota is not ready to put its traditional saloons aside, unveiling the
fifth generation Avalon during the 2018 Detroit Auto Show. Underpinned by the
TNGA architecture, the car is now longer, wider, and lower than before, with 4,978 mm in length, 1,849 mm in width, 1,435 mm) in
height, and a 2,870 mm long wheelbase.
It features new styling, with a very large grille at
the front flanked by slim headlights with incorporated DRLs, a muscular yet
sporty profile, and a redesigned rear end, with new taillights connected by a
prominent strip.
Toyota's new Entune 3.0 infotainment system
dominates the central console and provides access to connected services, Wi-Fi
hotspot, and sound system, among others. Audiophiles can go ahead and get the
optional JBL 7.1-channel system, which boasts 1,200-watt. Qi wireless mobile
device charger, Toyota Remote Connect with Smartwatch, Amazon Alexa
Connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (no Android Auto) are also part of
the offerings, along with up to 5 USB ports, and a selection of wood and
leather trims.
There's a new 7-inch display in the instrument
cluster as well, which allows users to see the vehicle information, safety
settings, navigation, and other functions, while the addition of a 10-inch
head-up display, said to be the largest in the segment, should earn extra
points for the car.
Powering the 2019 Toyota Avalon are two engines: an
upgraded version of the 3.5-liter V6, with an 8-speed automatic gearbox, and a
2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid, with a 650-volt electric motor and CVT.
No power figures have been released yet, but these
appear to be very similar to the units that power the Camry, and in the latter,
the V6 makes 301 Hp and 362 Nm of torque, whereas the smaller
one is rated at 203 Hp and 249 Nm of torque.
Other changes made to the new Avalon include the
active variable suspension with adaptive damping, shock absorbers at each
corner with solenoid control valves for independent wheel control, front and
rear G sensors, and a multilink setup at the rear.
Users will get to choose between one of three
driving modes on all trim levels - Eco, Normal, and Sport, while those that sit
behind the wheel of the Touring grades will get a fourth one, called Sport+.
Elsewhere, the 2019 Toyota Avalon benefits from active noise control, engine
sound enhancement, a new exhaust system, and intake sound generator.
A suite of safety systems equip the car, including
the standard Toyota Safety Sense P, which offers Pre-Collision System with
Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane
Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Automatic High Beams.
Other driving assistance features available are the
Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Back Guide Monitor, Panoramic
View Monitor with Alert, and Intelligence Clearance Sonar with Rear Cross
Traffic Braking system.
Toyota will start taking orders for the 2019 Avalon
in late spring, with pricing to be announced at a later date.
