Review: 2016 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Limited
15 December 2017, Neil Parkhi
Introduction
The Toyota Avalon is Toyota’s flagship car for the United States, and it is Toyota's full size sedan. This particular model is the facelift version based off the 2013 model, which is when the Hybrid model was introduced for the first time.
Heritage
The first generation Avalon was introduced in 1994 for the 1995 model year. The Avalon was meant to be a reliable and comfortable car. The first generation had only a V6 engine and a 4-speed automatic gearbox. The first generation was also sold in Japan, but made in the U.S. and exported to Japan and it was exclusive to Toyopet store locations. In 1999, Toyota improved a lot on the Avalon, adding more and more features to the vehicle. The only thing Toyota never changed on the second generation Avalon was the wheelbase, and that was it. The engine did not change either. In 2003, the Avalon received a mid-cycle facelift, so it had minor changes. The second generation Avalon also was the first car to feature an AC power outlet. The third generation Avalon was introduced at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It was not sold in Europe nor Japan. The third generation Avalon also dropped the Front Bench Seat option which used to come common in American full size sedans such as Buicks and Cadillacs. It even had a semi-flat rear floor to increase comfort. Within that time, more and more modernized features were added, including the SmartKey system, push-button start, bluetooth connectivity, and navigation. The third generation Avalon had 4 trim levels, XL, Touring, XLS, and Limited, and in 2009, the Touring option was removed, and in 2011, only XLS and Limited was available. The fourth generation was introduced at the 2012 New York International Auto Show. Lot of the parts were similar to the Camry at the time and for the first time came an Avalon Hybrid, and the XLS trim level was replaced with an XLE model. At SEMA 2012 there was an Avalon TRD Edition Concept which had a Supercharged V6 engine, which was not for sale. The 2013 Avalon had a 3.5 Liter V6 engine, or for the Hybrid Model had a 2.5 Liter Hybrid 4 Cylinder engine. There is a facelift starting for the 2016 cars.
Review
The Avalon is a nice and comfortable sedan out there. It is most definitely worth the price, and it has good ride comfort for a sedan. It also is loaded with features and the seating is nice.
Specifications
| Steering and Transmission | |
|---|---|
| Steering Type | Speed Proportional, Electric Assist Variable Flow Control, Rack and Pinion Power Steering |
| Transmission Type | Contunuous Variable Automatic (CVT) |
| Wheels and Tires | |
| Front Wheel Type | 17 inch 5 twin spoke, with 5 additional spokes in between each twin spoke, chrome alloys |
| Rear Wheel Type | 17 inch 5 twin spoke, with 5 additional spokes in between each twin spoke, chrome alloys |
| Front Tire Type | 215/55R17 |
| Rear Tire Type | 215/55R17 |
| Front Brake Type | Disc |
| Rear Brake Type | Disc |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension Type | Independent MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension Type | Dual-Link Independent MacPherson Strut |
| Suspension Features | Stabilizer Bars, Coil Springs, Gas Pressurised Shock Absorbers |
| Dimensions | |
| Length (in, mm) | 195.3in, 4961mm |
| Width (in, mm) | 72.2in, 1834mm |
| Height (in, mm) | 57.5in, 1461mm |
| Wheelbase (in, mm) | 111in, 2819mm |
| Weight (lb, kg) | 3638lb, 1650kg |
| Engine Specifications | |
| Engine Type | 2.5 litre Double Overhead Cam 16 valve Hybrid Synergy Drive inline 4 cylinder |
| Power (bhp, PS, kW) | 156bhp, 158PS, 116kW @ 5700RPM |
| Torque (lb-ft, Nm) | 156lb-ft, 212Nm @ 4500RPM |
| 0-60 mph (0-97 kmph) | 7.5 seconds |
| Drivetrain | Front Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Tank Size (gal, L) | 17 gallons, 64L |
| Fuel Type (AKI, RON) | 87 Octane/AKI Petrol (92 RON) |
| City Fuel Economy (mpg, kmpL) | 40mpg, 17kmpL |
| City Fuel Economy (mpg, kmpL) | 39mpg, 17kmpL |
| Cargo Specifications | |
| Cargo Space (ft3, L) | 14ft3, 396L |
| Max. Cargo Space (ft3, L) | 14ft3, 396L |
| Price Range | |
| U.S. Dollars | $41,950 |
| Canadian Dollars | $53,908 |