Avalon no longer stodgy, blue-plate special
Lux sedan a step up from Camry
It’s only when I hear, by chance, the haunting, languid melody of Avalon by Bryan Ferry that I remember just how much I like the song. It’s not one of those favourites that leap instantly to my mind, but lies hidden in its murky recesses until the next chance encounter.
And so it goes with its automotive namesake, the Toyota Avalon. It had been so long since I’d driven one that I forgot Toyota’s sedan lineup didn’t end at the Camry. It’s funny, because calling the Avalon “forgettable” would be doing it a disservice. It’s really quite a lovely car.
There was a time when Toyota’s full-sized sedans, much like Buick and Cadillac, appealed mostly to the grey-haired set — dynamically stodgy and as exciting as a blue-plate special. Redesigned in 2013, the Avalon is now quietly refined with a touch of elegance that sets it apart from the more-ordinary Camry.
My tester, a 2015 Avalon LTD wears the ubiquitous silver of the majority of today’s four-doors, but sharp creases, flared fenders, a swooping roofline and discreet chrome brightwork give it a sense of quiet distinction.
Settling into the plump, leather seats, I’m struck by the modern design and level of craftsmanship surrounding me. The Avalon’s interior is beautifully built with first-rate materials. The steering wheel, dashboard and centre console are handsomely covered in stitched leather and trimmed with shiny chrome and real wood accents.
The centre stack is refreshingly modern and features a few flush capacitive-touch switches and cleanly rendered steel knobs instead of the dizzying array of buttons so common on many of today’s premium sedans.
By the time I’d reached home two hours later, the Avalon had completely won me over. The well-insulated cabin boasts the level of acoustic hush expected from a premium luxury brand, not from a volume builder of reliable, budget vehicles. There are plenty of cubbies and storage spaces and all are thoughtfully lined to reduce any rattles that might intrude upon the serenity of the quiet interior.
The touch-screen infotainment system is blessedly simple. I’ve been driven to teeth-gnashing frustration by some of the modern interfaces, but the system of simple sliders for volume or climate is easily grasped. With a Toyota this good, who needs a Lexus?
Expecting a ride character on the soft and plushy side, I was pleasantly surprised by the Avalon’s composed handling and firm absorption of bumpy pavement. Where I’d anticipated body roll, there was composure and a chassis rigidity that was truly impressive.
Power is delivered smoothly from a 3.5-litre V-6 that puts out 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. There are three drive modes to choose from — Eco, Normal and Sport — which remap throttle, shifting and steering responses.
Although it seems almost sacrilegious to flog such a respectable sedan, it’s surprisingly fun to select Sport and use the paddle shifters when negotiating a tight off-ramp. It also adds a nice amount of weight to the steering, which is unfortunately a bit on the numb side.
Calling the Avalon “sporty” however, is a stretch. Still, the composed assurance with which it handles curves and lane changes is confidence-instilling. There’s a sense of serenity that comes with piloting a vehicle this quiet and drama-free and, like the song, the Avalon invokes a Zen-like calm.
There’s a long list of safety features on board that contribute to this feeling of well-being: blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, backup camera, a pre-collision system and adaptive cruise control.
During a stretch of miserably cold weather, I achieved an overall fuel consumption rating of 9.8 litres per 100 km; using Eco mode would probably return more impressive ratings.
While I wouldn’t rank the Avalon with the most exciting cars I’ve driven in recent memory, it’s certainly one of the most surprising. And, like its namesake song, it’s one worth remembering.
Overview: Full-sized premium sedan
Pros: Comfortable, refined and quiet
Cons: Pricey, less trunk space than competitors
What I would change: Nothing
How I would spec it: It’s pricey, but the LTD model is a nice place to spend time