Competes with: Ford Taurus, Kia Cadenza, Hyundai Azera, Chevrolet Impala
Looks like: Toyota turned the grille from a smile to a frown
Drivetrain: 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 or 156-hp, 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder hybrid, six-speed automatic transmission or two-speed CVT (hybrid), front-wheel drive
Hits dealerships: Fall 2015
Toyota wowed crowds when it unveiled the last version of its Avalon large sedan at the New York International Auto Show in 2012, turning the big sedan from something frumpy and boring into a classy, emotionally styled cruiser. It’s time for an update, so Toyota is trotting out the refreshed 2016 Avalon at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show, giving the car a very, very mild makeover inside and out — good thing the current model already looks appealing.
Changes are limited to new front- and rear-end styling with a wider and lower front grille, new turn signals and redesigned LED taillights. The changes join updated 17- and 18-inch wheels, depending on which of five V-6 or three Hybrid trims you opt for. The look is the same for the XLE, XLE Plus, XLE Premium and Limited trims, only changing when you choose the Touring trim, when that front grille and bumper are replaced by a sportier version. There’s also a new chrome rear bumper accent that all models now wear.
Interior
Inside, all 2016 Avalons now get gray accent stitching with the light gray interior, while the XLE and XLE Plus trims get new woodgrain dashboard trim, the 7-inch Entune Audio Plus multimedia screen and a tire-specific tire-pressure monitoring system. The XLE Premium grade now adds Entune Premium audio with navigation and Toyota’s app suite, as well as Qi wireless charging as standard. Upgrading to the top-of-the-line Limited brings a lot of optional safety equipment, including automatic high-beam headlights, radar-based dynamic cruise control, a collision warning system and lane departure alert.
Under the Hood
The powertrains are unchanged from the previous Avalon, with the same 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 as standard, powering the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. For the fuel-economy minded, the Hybrid version uses Toyota’s Synergy Drive, pairing a 156-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric drive system. It employs a two-speed continuously variable transmission in place of the six-speed automatic, but still powers only the front wheels. The only mechanical differences for the 2016 model are the switch to two available suspension tunes — all models use a new tuned suspension aimed at a more comfortable ride, but the Touring trim comes with a more aggressive suspension upgrade meant to provide a sportier driving experience.
The refreshed Avalon should hit dealerships sometime this fall.
