Toyota unveiled their fifth-generation Avalon, promising to deliver a more
premium and high tech approach to the segment. The starting MSRP for the entry-level
XLE V6 model is US$ 35,500. The 2019 Avalon is longer, wider and lower than ever
before, and is underpinned by the automaker’s TNGA platform (Toyota New Global
Architecture).
With sales scheduled to commence next month, future
buyers can look forward to enjoying a wide array of Toyota-firsts such as
standard Apple CarPlay, available Dynamic Auxiliary Turn Signals, available
Yamaha wood and aluminum cabin accents and Engine Sound Enhancement.
In XLE trim, the hybrid model kicks off from US$ 36,500, whereas XSE versions cost US$ 38,000 (gasoline) and US$ 39,000 (HV)
respectively. Opt for the Limited trim instead and you’ll pay upwards of US$ 41,800 (gasoline) and US$ 42,800 (HV), whereas the flagship Touring spec is
available with the gasoline V6 only, and costs US$ 42,200.
Both XLE and
Limited versions get a dark grey front grille with a chrome border, as well as
machined-silver LED headlight bezels, body-color rearview mirror housings,
chrome badge letters and the dual exhaust with chrome tips. Meanwhile, XSE and
Touring models utilize a piano black mesh grille, machine-finish and Gloss
Black wheels, black outer mirror housings, black trunk lid spoiler and badging
and a grade-specific lower diffuser.
The 2019 Avalon’s available LED
Vision Tech headlights are their most advanced lighting units yet. XLE and XSE
grades utilize a cluster of three reflectors for DRLs, while with Limited and
Touring models, each headlamp is comprised of thin lighting modules. XLE spec models use engineered wood trim, Limited features real wood
trim and aluminum pieces adorm Touring’s and XSE’s cabins.
Among the 2019 Avalon’s most impressive on-board
features, we count the 9-inch multimedia system with integrated climate
control, standard wireless Qi mobile charger (available on XLE), a total of
five USB ports and a 7-inch Multi-Information Display showing you various
active safety settings, and more. Then there’s also the 10-inch color Head-Up
Display and the JBL performance audio system, both standard on Limited and
Touring versions.
The Avalon also gets Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P)
suite of safety systems as standard. This rounds up features such as the
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar
Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Automatic High
Beams. Additional safety tech includes Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross
Traffic Alert and the Back Guide Monitor.
Customers can
choose between two powertrains. First, there’s an updated 3.5-liter V6, with
301 horsepower and 362 Nm of torque, and a 215 horsepower 2.5-liter
hybrid unit with a 650-volt electric motor and a CVT.
Toyota estimates the following fuel economy figures
for city/highway/combined cycles: XLE V6 – 22/32/26 (10.6/7.3/9.0 l/100km);
XSE V6, Limited V6, Touring V6 – 22/31/25 (10.6/7.5/9.4 l/100km) ; XLE HV –
43/44/44 (5.4/5.3/5.3 l/100km); XSE HV, Limited HV – 43/43/43 (5.4/5.4/5.4
l/100km).
