The 2018 Toyota Avalon offers a lot to like

The 2018 model year Toyota Avalon is long, low and wide, overall sleekness coupled with elegance, it has an overall look that catches stares. Conservative, yes, but thirty-somethings and over fifty-somethings will find there is a lot to like about the fourth generation sedan.

The most attractive full-sizer in the Toyota lineup is an impressive mix of refinement and functionality with solid driving dynamics. Inside the Avalon is a cabin that is nicely crafted, defined with clean lines, premium trappings, cutting-edge technology and spaciousness galore. Comfort was clearly an area of focus when the interior was designed.   The Avalon’s seating is plush and well-bolstered in both rows, ideal for not only daily commutes but for long-distance getaways. There is ample room for five passengers to stretch out and there are no complaints about the ease of ingress and egress. Overall visibility is relatively good. The Avalon’s stylish center dash ergonomics with Intelligent Touch functions are easy to figure out. Standard on the tech front is the built-in navigation, and Bluetooth interface. Toyota’s Entune infotainment system is optional.

There are no athletic pretensions with the Avalon. Folks who typically buy these types of sedans are not looking to break speed records but rather prefer a handsome and upscale daily driver that’s also an ideal family sedan. The Avalon comes equipped with a fairly robust 3.5-liter 268 horsepower V6 engine with 281 lb-ft of torque that offers confident passing and merging during highway maneuvers. The improved independent suspension with stabilizer bar makes the Avalon one extremely smooth ride especially over rough terrain and twisty roads. There are also diffuser panels that reduce turbulence, giving the driver more solid composure and more comfort. Steering in the Avalon is precise which delivers first-rate handling and the cabin is easy-on-the-ears, quiet.

Safety is always a top priority for the Japanese automaker so standard peace-of-mind features on the Avalon include:

• Vehicle Stability Control
• Traction Control
• Smart Stop Technology
• Tire Pressure Monitor System
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Automatic High Beams
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Ten airbags

As far as gas consumption, the Avalon Hybrid utilizes a four-cylinder engine and electric motor combination to achieve 40 mpg/city and 39 mpg/hwy and this gets a definite nod. The non-hybrids offer 21mpg/city and 31 mpg hwy.

Take a glance at the 2018 Toyota Avalon and you’ll see why it will appeal to families small and large. Solid, responsive, stylish, well-appointed and a pleasure to drive, these are the reasons that help to cement this model’s status as a premium long-haul vehicle for driver and passengers.

Prices start at $33,500.  Need more info?  www.Toyota.com