2009 Toyota Avalon
Expert Review

The redesigned third-generation Toyota Avalon is better in most respects than its predecessor and is the first Toyota to be styled, built and engineered in America.

But the Avalon—named after an island paradise in Celtic mythology—no longer is America's only import-brand 6-passenger sedan. That's because its front bench seat has been replaced by power bucket seats. They're supportive and have a handy extendable driver seat lower cushion.

The loss of the bench seat (front buckets were offered last year) isn't a major one because the center of the bench wasn't comfortable for adults.

The roomier new Avalon still looks and drives like a Japanese car—maybe a Japanese Buick. The Avalon debuted in 1995 and always has been on the soft side, although the second-generation 2000-2004 Avalon was a big improvement over the mediocre first-generation model.

Larger and More Powerful
The almost-luxury Avalon looks more imposing partly because it's grown 5.3 inches in length, 3.9 inches in wheelbase, about an inch in width and 1.4 inches in height.

The 2005 Avalon also is more stylish, although it won't win beauty contests. It's far more powerful and faster than its predecessors because a sophisticated 3.5-liter 280-horsepower V6 replaces a 3.0-liter 210-horsepower V6.

The 24-valve engine makes the big, 3,490-pound sedan unexpectedly fast for a traditional large, front-wheel-drive car. It can sprint to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and reach 100 in only 16 seconds.

Higher Fuel Economy
Estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg in the city and 31 on highways actually tops last year's 21 and 29 figures, despite the larger engine and additional power. That's partly because the responsive automatic transmission adds a gear to become a 5-speed unit for 2005.

However, the notchy sequential, console-mounted shift gate will discourage drivers from using anything but "drive" or "reverse" gears.

Although sportier than its predecessors, the Avalon doesn't pretend to be a sports sedan—despite availability of a Touring version with a firmer suspension. That suspension should be accompanied by higher-effort steering because it doesn't go with the standard overboosted steering, which should provide more road feedback.

Good Roadability
But that's not to say that the Avalon's steering isn't sufficiently quick. The car has good road grip with only moderate lean when snaked through curves, and a stability control system is offered for higher-line Avalons.

The suspension easily soaks up road imperfections without becoming sloppy. Strong anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake force distribution can be applied smoothly for fast stops, although panic stops bring out nosedive.

Four Trim Levels
The base Avalon XL lists at $26,350. It's well equipped, but higher-line versions have leather upholstery and even more comfort and luxury features. They're the $28,600 Touring, $30,800 XLS and $33,540 top-line Limited, which has standard heated and cooled front seats and keyless ignition with a one-touch engine starting button.

All have side airbags up front, head-protecting side-curtain airbags and a driver knee airbag.

The Avalon is Toyota's flagship sedan, but the XLS and Limited trim levels seem costly for a Toyota-badged car, and options such as a navigation system can move the price needle to more than $35,000. The more prestigious ES 330 sedan from Toyota's upscale Lexus division only costs $31,975, but it's a midsize car that doesn't have the Avalon's spacious interior.

Roomy
The new Avalon provides plenty of room up front, although that area would be roomier if a large center console didn't consume arm and thigh room. The rear area has nearly limo-style legroom, although the backseat's hard center section makes it uncomfortable for a third passenger.

One thus ends up with a sedan that comfortably seats four big, tall adults—not five, although the rear seatback reclines sufficiently to enhance comfort.

The trunk has shrunk 1.5 cubic feet, but remains large. It has a rather high opening, and lid-hinge housings and sidewall bulges eat a little into cargo space. The inner trunk lid has no strap or indented area to help close it without getting hands dirty on outside sheet metal, but it has thick inner insulation material.

Hushed Interior
Indeed, the remarkably quiet Avalon is loaded with sound insulation material, which helps give it a hushed interior at high speeds.

The dashboard has average-grade plastics but looks modern, and there's a new tilt-telescopic steering wheel and illuminated gauges that can be easily read in bright sunlight.

Sound system controls are concealed by flip-up panels that provide the dashboard area with a smoother look and might discourage amateur radio thieves.

Lots of Buttons
Major controls are large and easily reached, but there are too many look-alike dashboard buttons that can cause a driver to take eyes off the road for too long. Quirky power window controls are hard to stop when they're racing up or down.

Despite its Japanese feel, the Avalon is reminiscent of upscale full-size American sedans as it glides along highways, although they lacked Toyota's outstanding fit, finish and refinement.