Test Drive: 2018 Toyota Avalon
This week, we’re driving the 2018 Toyota Avalon, a fourth generation model that debuted in 2013. To this day Avalon is still ahead of the pack when it comes to luxury, performance and value regardless of its current generation longevity.
Built in Georgetown, Kentucky, Avalon delivers noteworthy interior and exterior motifs that have been updated through the years. It’s not to be confused with fellow midsize Camry as Avalon rides on a 1.7-inch longer wheelbase than its sibling. And, thanks to the longer wheelbase, driver and passengers enjoy more interior room and an enhanced ride on all types of roadway.
As the years go by, Avalon continues to distance itself from Camry, something current owners already know. Corporate Avalon dogma centers on a more discreet luxury offering that differs greatly in comparison to Avalon’s 1995 debut. Back then Gen. 1 Avalon was merely a fully loaded Camry with an Avalon badge. Nowadays, Gen. 4 Avalon is especially distinctive and occupies status as Toyota’s flagship midsize sedan.
Along the way Avalon models rose to the highest point of luxury Toyota allows for a “non-Lexus” vehicle.
Today’s Avalon sits at the doorstep of the Lexus ES350, where both share platform build time and mechanicals including engine, transmission and suspension.
Further, Avalon’s continued improvements now include a sleeker and more engaging aerodynamic exterior, (sans that huge front grille) more highway MPG than the Gen. 3 V6 engines, lighter gross weight and shorter length.
With an impressive entry price of just $33,500 for Avalon XLE versus $38,950