Virtually unchanged from the 2011 model year, which saw significant redesigning, the 2012 Toyota Avalon continues to provide an exceptional level of plush and roomy comfort and a smooth, quiet ride on the road. It also maxes out in safety testing, a top pick by the IIHS and undeniably one of the safest cars on the road. Its powerful 268-horsepower V6 engine is perfectly matched to a buttery smooth six-speed automatic transmission and the car's suspension is tuned to provide a refined ride on just about any road surface.
With only a handful of choices left in the affordable large sedan segment, the Toyota Avalon is the only import left on the list. Owing a great deal of its refined ride and top-quality cabin appointments to its pricier cousins in the Lexus line, this five-passenger sedan offers large, comfortable seating both front and rear and an impressive list of standard features on both available trim choices. It's by no means flashy, but exudes an understated, conservative persona that is appealing to buyers shopping in this particular car class. It's got plenty of power and torque for effortless highway cruising and yet still retains respectable fuel ratings at 19/city and 28/highway. Other big pluses include exceptional reliability, strong resale value and an extremely quiet, cushy ride.
Exterior Features (Base Trim)
* Front engine, front-wheel drive* 3.5L V-6 engine with six-speed, shiftable automatic transmission* Four-wheel independent MacPherson strut suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars* Traction- and stability-control* 17" alloy wheels* All-season P215/55R V tires* Matching, full-size spare tire* 14.4 cubic feet trunk space* Power sunroof* Variable-speed, intermittent wipers* Heated, power side mirrors
Interior Features (Base Trim)
* Front leather bucket seats* Eight-way adjustable power driver's seat with power lumbar and height adjustment* Four-way powered passenger seat* Large, reclining backseat* Power windows and door locks* Tilt/telescoping leather steering wheel with integrated audio and cruise controls* Front and overhead storage consoles* Nine-speaker AM/FM with single CD, satellite radio, MP3/iPod input and USB* Trip computer, outdoor temperature display, compass* Bluetooth connectivity* Dual-zone climate control* Back-up camera