Vehicle Overview
Toyota has redesigned its full-size flagship sedan, the Avalon, for 2013. The new car features distinctive exterior design, a restyled interior and an assortment of available multimedia and safety features. Competitors include the Ford Taurus, Buick LaCrosse and Hyundai Azera. An Avalon Hybrid, which is rated at an EPA-estimated 40 mpg in combined city and highway driving, is also offered.
(Skip to details on the: Avalon Hybrid)
ExteriorFor 2013, the Avalon gets a whole new look. The new front end is unique, with a large lower grille in the bumper. Available high-intensity-discharge headlights feature LED daytime running lights. A gradually sloping rear roofline results in a short trunklid. Large LED taillamps wrap around the rear of the car while a black lower valence houses the chrome exhaust tips. Exterior features include:
- Standard 17-inch alloy wheels; 18-inch alloy wheels optional
- Standard heated side mirrors with turn-signal indicators
- Optional power moonroof
- Optional automatic high-beam headlights
InteriorInside, the new Avalon features a blend of sporty black surfaces and luxury-influenced cues like stitching on the dashboard. The center control panel mixes knobs, physical buttons and capacitive-touch “buttons” like those on some GM and Ford models. A 6.1-inch touch-screen is standard and a 7-inch screen comes with the available premium navigation system. A unique eBin storage area in the center console makes storing devices and connecting them to the Avalon’s entertainment system easier. Interior features include:
- Trunk measures 16 cubic feet
- Standard leather upholstery; perforated leather available
- Heated front seats standard; heated rear seats available
- Ventilated front seats available
- Standard CD stereo with MP3 jack, USB port and Bluetooth streaming audio
- Standard dual-zone automatic climate control; tri-zone climate control available
- Available power rear sunshade
- Available Entune entertainment apps
Under the HoodThe 3.5-liter V-6 engine from the previous-generation Avalon carries over unchanged to the 2013 model year. It makes 268 horsepower and teams with a six-speed automatic transmission. Mechanical features include:
- Engine uses regular gas
- Front-wheel drive
- Four-wheel independent suspension
SafetySafety features include:
- 10 standard airbags
- Antilock brakes
- Electronic stability system
- Available backup camera
- Available adaptive cruise control
- Available pre-collision system cinches seat belts and optimizes braking force
- Available blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert
Avalon Hybrid
For the very first time, the full-size Avalon sedan is offered as a hybrid. Powered by a hybrid system that features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motor/generators, the Avalon Hybrid’s combined output is 200 hp and the car gets an EPA-estimated 40/39 mpg city/highway. There are three driving modes: Eco, Sport and EV, the latter of which allows for all-electric driving at low speeds for up to a mile, conditions permitting. Subtle changes to the inside and outside of the car include blue-tinted badges, unique wheels and a slightly smaller, 14-cubic-foot trunk due to the hybrid battery pack behind the rear seats. Back to top
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