2011 Toyota Avalon: The Automaker's Answer to the Big American Family Sedan

What’s New:

Toyota’s large, front-wheel drive luxury family sedan, the Avalon, has been reworked for the 2011 model year. As opposed to Toyota offering three trim levels in the Avalon this model-year, the line up has been simplified to two. In addition to dropping down to two trims, a laser cruise control system is no longer an available option on the Avalon.

In addition to a modification in the trim levels, the Avalon includes a new grille and tail lamps, a new six-speed automatic transmission, a standard sunroof, redesigned leather trim seats, reclining rear seats and a back-up camera integrated into the rearview mirror   (or the navigation system).

Also like with the majority of Toyota products, the Avalon is now available with a touch-screen navigation system and the capability to connect with Bluetooth phones. Furthermore, music can now stream to the audio system.

Must-Have Goodies:

Since the Avalon has been simplified to two well-equipped models, there are just a few features that separate the vehicle. The Limited model is the model of choice for those yearning for such luxury features as a leather woodgrain steering-wheel, air conditioned front seats, memory seats and exterior mirrors, a rear power sunshade blind and a keyless push-button ignition starter.

Besides the features noted, the only major option available on the Avalon is the voice-activated navigation system with the high-end 12-speaker, 660-watt JBL audio system.

What Rocked:

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The MacPherson suspension in the Avalon easily reminds us of driving a big American vehicle like the Buick Lucerne or Ford Taurus. Unlike most imports, the Avalon has great road manners, wide comfortable front (and rear) seats that can easily accommodate five passengers.

And since the Avalon targets more mature drivers, they’ll be enamored with the large gauges on the redesigned instrument panel, which are easy-to-read, due to the white illuminated numbers.

Also the leather steering-wheel provides illuminated controls, which is extremely useful for the driver at night, to adjust the audio system, ventilation system, the cruise control and vehicle information system. Oh yes, we can’t forget about the adjustable sliding front-center armrest with all of the usable storage space.

Moreover, rear passengers will find the Avalon now includes partially reclining rear split seats. This is great for road trips.

What We Hated:

It’s too bad Toyota didn’t push the styling envelope on the conservative family sedan. However, it’s obvious Toyota must-know the buyers for this segment better than us. With this major redesign, we were expecting a little more styling flair to the exterior design … beyond the front and rear-end changes.  

Besides the conservative styling, we’re surprised that the base Avalon didn’t include standard heat-controlled front seats, as opposed to being listed as an optional feature. And why wasn’t a push-button keyless starter standard on the base Avalon like we found on the upscale Limited model?

Furthermore, pricing for the top-end Avalon Limited runs about $45 more than the base model Lexus ES 350.  Pricing for the Avalon Limited is $36,445, while pricing for the Lexus ES 350 starts at $36,400. While both vehicles offer the same engine, transmission and similar equipment, the Lexus has a more contemporary design and a longer warranty than its little sister, the Avalon.

Any Juice:

The Avalon is now equipped with a 3.5-liter engine, with a new six-speed transmission. Just like the 2010 model, the horsepower on the Avalon remains at 268 horses. This is more than adequate for the redesigned Avalon.  

The Verdict:

While the Avalon won’t win an award for being the most stylish contemporary vehicle on the road today, it will be rewarded for its long list of standard features, its quality reputation despite the brand’s continuous series of recalls and its great big-car road manners. The Avalon serves a niche the smaller Camry can’t fill, when going head-to-head with large American family sedans from both GM and Ford.

Moreover, for those not ready for a Lexus, this is the Toyota brand’s answer. Unlike the Lexus brand, Toyota’s brand now offers free maintenance for two years. (Lexus only provides free maintenance during the first-year of ownership.)

And since the restyled 2011 Avalon now only offers two trims, as opposed to the three trims on the 2010 model, the base pricing increases by $4,800 to $33,205. The top-end Avalon Limited loaded with the nav and upgraded audio system tops out at $37,895. This is still significantly less than many of its competitors.

Competition: Buick Lucerne, Cadillac DTS, Ford Taurus, Hyundai Genesis and Lexus ES 350