Description
The Toyota Avalon received an update in 2015 for the 2016 model year. The refreshed Avalon received a wider, lower, front grille with narrow upper design, new turn signals, new LED taillights and some chrome on the rear bumper. For the Touring trim level, Toyota installed LED headlights with DRL. No longer is it stodgy and bland like the previous generation. It's styled much nicer inside and out.
Inside, there are new color stitches, woodgrain dash ornamentation and a 7” screen for the audio system, which has been upgraded to an Entune audio with navigation and an App Suite. The spacious interior remained the same, with enough legroom for the rear passengers.
For the Hybrid version, the Avalon has three trim levels, but it doesn't receive the sporty Touring version, which adds the 18” dark painted light-alloy-wheels.
Since the Avalon shares the same platform with the Lexus ES, it is considered more like e premium product than a mass-market one. Those who'll go for the Touring trim level will receive the sport shock-absorbers, for better handling.
Under the hood, there are two engine choices. The most common is the smooth 286 hp, 3.5-liter V6. It is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The other choice is the hybrid version, which is a good choice for long roads. Its total power output is 200 hp, which doesn't look too many for a 1.630 kg (3594 lbs) car, but it can get from 0 to 60 mph (97 kph) in 7.4 seconds.
Press Release
Unveiled as all-new in 2012, the fourth-generation Avalon was the first vehicle to meet Toyota President Akio Toyoda's challenge to create cars that spark people's emotions. Toyota mixed its legendary Quality, Durability and Reliability (QDR) with a strong dose of emotion through fresh new styling, improved performance, and high-tech features. They proved to be winning ingredients as Avalon quickly grabbed the attention of mid-size premium car buyers in segment leading numbers.
Five distinct grades on the V6 models will give customers a wide array of choice (XLE, XLE Plus, XLE Premium, Limited and Touring). Hybrid customers can choose from three separate grades, adding luxury features and technology options as they move up the chain from XLE Plus to XLE Premium and Limited.
Two unique suspension systems were developed for the 2016 Avalon to better align with diverse customer preferences. One retuned suspension prioritizes a comfortable ride for the XLE through Limited grades. The other, provides a more dynamic and responsive driving experience for the Touring grade.
Both of these suspension tunings are new and represent significant improvements over the current production Avalon.
The refreshed 2016 Avalon adds more refinement with an array of styling, performance and technology enhancements. New features on all Avalon grades will include:
- Wider lower front grille with narrow upper grille design
- Newly-designed turn signals (replacing fog lights)
- Refined LED taillights
- Chrome rear bumper accent
- New gray accent stitching with light gray interior
Additional new standard features on the XLE and XLE Plus grades include:
- Redesigned 17-inch alloy wheels
- 7-inch Entune Audio Plus screen
- Premium woodgrain dash ornamentation
- Tire-specific Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Technology upgrades are added to the Avalon XLE Premium grade as it receives Entune™ Premium Audio with Navigation and App Suite and the Qi Wireless Charging as standard equipment. The performance-tuned Avalon Touring grade adds to its sporty styling with new standard features that include:
- Redesigned 18-inch dark gray painted alloy wheels
- New sporty front fascia
- New LED headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
- Unique "Touring" badge
The top-of-the-line Avalon Limited rounds out the updates with the addition of new 18-inch alloy Super Chrome wheels on gas models, and new 17-inch alloy Super Chrome wheels on the Limited hybrid (also optional on gas Limited). The Limited adds optional advanced safety features including automatic high beam headlights, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System, and Lane Departure Alert.
