Toyota introduced the 2016 Avalon in Chicago. With a boatload of advanced technology, the sedan should remain at the top of the segment.
More than 40 years ago, Robert Plant waited for “the angels of Avalon.” Well, he needn’t wait any longer as Toyota let fourth generation Avalon spread its wings at the Chicago Auto Show today.
More evolution than revolution, the new Avalon relies on a preponderance of technology and a shot of adrenaline under the hood to mix with Toyota’s good ol’ fashioned quality, durability and reliability to set it apart from competitors in the high-end midsize sedan segment.
The tweak may be coming at the right time for the Avalon. Even though it was the best-selling premium midsize sedan last year, sales were down 5.4% to just over 64,000 units. It’s had a nice rebound in January, up 7.4%, but that may be as much about the lower gas prices than some renewed appreciation for the car.
For 2016, the big news is really about what’s under the hood as Avalon aficionados get five distinct grades on the V6 models to choose from: XLE, XLE Plus, XLE Premium, Limited and Touring. Additionally, 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, the automaker said.
Avalon aficionados get five distinct grades on the V6 models to choose from: XLE, XLE Plus, XLE Premium, Limited and Touring.
In addition to the new engine options, Toyota fitted the next-gen Avalon with two unique suspension systems. Not surprisingly, one provides a softer, more comfortable ride for cruising and is available on the XLE through Limited versions while the other is a tauter, more responsive option for its Touring grade.
(Toyota rolling out three at Chicago Auto Show. For more, Click Here.)
While the old adage is that it’s what’s on the inside that counts, when it comes to cars, the outside is just as important. Again, while it’s a new look, it’s not a huge departure from its predecessor. The 2016 model gets a new front grille, redesigned turn signals, LED taillights, a chrome rear bumper accent, plus 17-inch chrome wheels. The overall look is sleeker, but it’s still an elegant midsize sedan.
(Click Here for details Mazda’s Miata concept.)
The 2016 Toyota Avalon features a new sporty front fascia and new LED headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights.
When you step up to the performance-tuned Avalon Touring grade, Toyota adds redesigned 18-inch dark gray painted alloy wheels; a new sporty front fascia; new LED headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights.
(To see more about Chevy Colorado GearOn edition, Click Here.)
The top-of-the-line Avalon Limited sports 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.
HO HUM, another platform run through the copy machine. Doesn’t every Ford grille look like this? Car design and innovation is pretty much gone. It seems what is important is that your car is just an i-phone that you can ride in. These kind of cars make you appreciate of the great cars that were once built.
Yeesh, that front end is ghastly
Current designers in general are making the front end styling as ugly as possible so their products look unique. They don’t understand the difference between attractive and unique or it’s impact on sales. The really sad part is that management has to sign off on all final designs so you know the execs have no clue.