Posted: Tuesday, January 24, 2006. (01:52 AM HST)

2006 Toyota Avalon: Smooth Operator

By Ed Kemper
Honolulu, Hawaii
Courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.

The Avalon, the biggest of the Toyota sedans, has been viewed as the Camry Senior—it was bigger inside and out with a tall roof and equally expansive side glass.

The third generation of the Avalon, introduced in 2005, continues the theme but with a couple different spins. True, the overall dimensions are well above the Camry and are substantially larger than the second generation Avalon in nearly all departments (over 5 inches in length, almost 4 inches in wheelbase, and over an inch in width).

But the real difference over the previous generations is found in the looks and in the engine compartment. With the latter, no one is going to kick sand in the face of the Avalon any longer. Horsepower jumped from a rather average 210 horsepower powerplant from a 3.0-liter V-6 to a more substantial 280 ponies from a new 3.5-liter V-6. Further, the 4-speed automatic was dumped in favor of a 5-speed automatic shifter.

Styling was shifted from a mundane, oh, well, another 4-door sedan, to something more contemporary. The side windows were narrowed and curves were added. From a squared off flat rear end, the new edition has the taillights flaring outward along with the rear bumpers. From the rear to the front, the body angle goes downhill to the thrust-out front grill. Although not earth scattering in design, the look of the round three of the Avalon is much more modern and up to date.

Somewhat usual for this class of car is the availability of four models (XL, Touring, XLS, and Limited) plus a fair number of independent options. Pricing starts at just above $26,000 but can shoot up to an eye popping $37,000 if your fingers do too much walking on the order sheet.

Lexus Junior
The Wheels test model, which was picked up in LA and driven around on the mainland, was the next to the top XLS model (base price $31,075) with a navigation system ($2,540), vehicle stability control and traction control ($1,090) and mats for the interior and the trunk ($199) for a total MSRP of $35,444.

As with the previous model, interior room was an important goal and this version of the Avalon will not disappoint. The rear quarters are limo like with stretch out room for the largest among us—no need to adjust the location of the front seats to take care of the rear riders.

As a bonus for the rear passengers, the rear seat angle can be changed up to 10 degrees with a pull of a handle. But a by-product of that feature is that the split rear seats do not fold down for additional cargo carrying. However, do not fear, the fully lined trunk is huge.

With just two rear passengers, a large armrest can be dropped and it has 2 open cupholders built in. Behind the armrest is a lockable, albeit small, pass through for long objects. Even though the floor is flat, there is a hump in the middle of the rear seat that conspires to prevent any real comfort for the middle passenger. Air vents are found in the back of the center console.

Command Central
Up front, a blast of the faux metal (metal looking plastic) is spread about nearly everywhere from the console to the steering wheel to a large portion of the entire dash. A smattering of wood (which looks real) is found on the door panels and in a line across the dash.

With the navigation system, a large screen in the center of the dash can provide a map of where you're going or should go from various prospectives. But alas, the system is not ready for prime time in Hawaii just yet. The same screen also has mileage, service schedule, and stereo and climate info.

In the center dash pod, video like gauges provide the basic data on speed, etc. The fully adjustable steering wheel provides controls for the stereo and some climate control functions. Buttons on the dash open the fuel door and the trunk.

Limo with Speed
No longer in the slow lane describes the new Avalon. With both torque and horsepower, this relatively large sedan zips right along. Zero to 60 time has dropped into the below 7 second range and is about 2 plus seconds faster than the second generation Avalon. Under most conditions the engine is quiet and vibration free, but when hammered it will be heard in a muted way.

For a car of this size, the gas mileage ratings are quite good (22 city/31 highway). On the mainland in mostly highway drives (at 70 mph plus) and with some limited city touring, the actual mileage varied from 22.4 to 29 mpg.

The modern 5-speed automatic is likewise a smooth operator. Like many in this class, the automatic can be operated in the sport mode (it holds the gears longer for greater acceleration), and it can be shifted sequentially by moving the lever up and down in a special slot. Interestingly, instead of being in the center of the console, the gearshift lever is offset towards the driver for easier operation.

The ride is clearly keyed for the quiet and smooth approach and nothing is going to upset the isolated driver and the passengers. Not that the good old days of a fully floating suspension is back in the Avalon, but it's not sporty by any means. Corners are handled, but are not to be taken aggressively. Steering feel is light with some directness thrown.

The leather-covered seats on the XLS model are, not surprisingly, rather flat with not much in the way of side support but are comfortable on long runs. Further, the leather is of a high quality.

White toned is the general color of the large buttons and controls of the automatic dual climate system and the stereo/CD. All can be easily seen and manipulated. Possibly more wood and less faux metal would add to the luxury spin Toyota is shooting for with this model.

More Than Camry Plus
With the third generation, the Avalon is not only more contemporary, but has truly separated itself from the concept of a stretched and squared off Camry. The newest generation V-6 is substantially larger which makes the Avalon slip into the hot rod class. Further the styling is better than the old Avalon and the current Camry and more in line with current competing brands. So if a roomier but fast 4 door is in your shopping agenda, this one deserves a look.

Q&A
Q: Although Toyota is obviously a Japanese car manufacturer, the Avalon has a strong America heritage. In way is that true?

A: The Avalon was designed in Newport Beach, Calif., developed for the American market by the Toyota Technical Center and is assembled at the Toyota plant in Georgetown, KY.

High Beams
• Much more contemporary styling inside and out.
• A truly fast large sedan with reasonable gas mileage ratings.
• Limo like rear room.

Low Beams
• A little too much in faux metal in the front compartment.

– Ed Kemper is the auto columnist for the Honolulu Star Bulletin and MidWeek, the Weekend. He also hosts Wheels Hawaii TV on Oceanic Cable-Channel 16 in Hawaii, which is shown on Wednesday at 12:30 PM, Thursday at 1:00 PM and 5 PM, Friday at 10:30 PM and 9:30 PM, and Saturday at 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM.

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