Toyota’s Avalon TRD brings its own exterior, cabin, performance touches
Woman at the Wheel,
Toyota Avalon is a premium midsize sedan with a coupeinspired design, spacious interior, and delightful luxury. Since launch 26 years ago, Avalon has balanced value with luxury.
The fifth generation of Toyota’s flagship sedan debuted the first-ever TRD (Toyota Racing Development) performance model for 2020, to appeal to drivers wanting aggressive road grip as well as eye-catching style with taut lines, a sleek silhouette, and appealing colors to bring out the drama of the design.
Avalon models for 2021 include five with a standard 301-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine: XLE, $35,875; XSE Nightshade, $39,110; Limited, $42,175; Touring, $42,575; and the model I tested, TRD, $42,875. Three hybrids are available: SLE, $37,000; XSE, $39,500; and Limited, $42,175.
First-ever Avalon all-wheel drive is standard on two trims: XLE, $35,875; and Limited, $42,175. AWD models have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
The new Nightshade Edition is a factory custom design without the price, with a wide range of choices.
TRD for 2021 has a new two-tone color choice – Ice Edge with a black roof, $500 – which replaces Supersonic Red.
My front-wheel drive TRD had the innovative 24-valve 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which produces 267
foot-pounds of torque and has commendable fuel efficiency at 21 mpg city/30 highway/25 combined. Driving mostly short local trips, I averaged 26.2 mpg.
The smooth, quick-shifting Direct Shift eight-speed automatic transmission with sport mode and paddle shifters combines performance and refinement. The TRD-tuned Cat-Back dual exhaust produced a more aggressive idle and acceleration sound. Cat-Back means the exhaust is behind the catalytic converter, helping the vehicle remain emissions compliant
TRD has three drive-mode selections: Eco, Normal, and Sport. ECO conserves fuel, Normal blends performance and fuel economy for the best
of both worlds, and Sport offers dynamic acceleration and handling, with an increase in engine sound to highlight the sporty feel.
Suspension modifications including stiffer coil springs and stabilizer bars and exclusive TRD shock absorbers were designed to enhance body control, handling agility and steering precision.
My very attractive Ice Edge TRD (with black roof, massive gloss-black 3-D mesh grille, and gloss-black mirror caps) wore special lightweight 19-inch matte-black alloy wheels with red TRD logos on the hub covers, and seven V-shaped spokes joined by cross bars. The weight reduction makes a difference through corners.
Front brakes were larger 12.9inch rotors with red-painted dual-piston calipers, tuned for more-direct brake feedback.
An exclusive aerodynamic body kit included a gloss-black front splitter, sculpted glossblack skirts with red pinstriping, gloss-black trunk-lid spoiler, and a gloss-black rear diffuser – bold styling elements that improve high-speed vehicle stability.
Front lateral vents and substantial underbody panel coverage also contribute to aerodynamic performance for better fuel efficiency and lower wind noise.
Three-dimensional “aero fin” LED taillights (flat on top, joined across the trunk lid) wrap around the rear quarters and accent TRD’s width and forceful