2015 Toyota Avalon Marks 20 Years of Blurring the Lines of Luxury
The 2015 Avalon ushers in a new round of refinements in the third year of its fourth-generation design. Taking advantage of the Avalon’s coupe-like silhouette and chiseled lines, a new XLE Touring Sport Edition makes a striking style statement. Available exclusively in Attitude Black contrasted by dark blue interior trim and stitching, the best looker in the premium midsize segment just got even sharper – and even a bit sinister looking.
The Avalon XLE Touring Sport Edition cuts through the night with standard HID Quadrabeam headlights from the Limited trim line. By day, LED daytime running lights (DRLs) – also from the Limited — announce this special Avalon model’s arrival. Exclusive 18-inch black-painted machine-finished wheels complete the exterior makeover.
In other Avalon news for 2015, Toyota value rises with the inclusion of standard paddle shifters on all models (formerly only on Touring and Limited) and with an upgrade to new Entune® multimedia audio systems. The XLE Touring and XLE Hybrid Touring gain Blind Spot Monitor as a standard feature.
The luxuriously spacious cabin makes the Avalon a standout in the segment. Its accommodations are among the roomiest in the entire midsize category. With 103.6 cu. ft. of cabin space and a 16-cu. ft. trunk, the Avalon approaches full-size stature, yet its trim dimensions and svelte weight of 3,505 lbs. (XLE Touring grades) keep it firmly in the sporty/agile camp.
The 2015 Avalon offers a choice between an energetic yet silky-smooth V6 powertrain and Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive. The V6 comes in all grades: XLE, XLE Premium, XLE Touring, new XLE Touring Sport Edition and Limited. The Hybrid is available in the XLE Premium, XLE Touring and Limited grades.
The Avalon remains the only car in its class to offer a hybrid. It makes up one of seven hybrid models in the brand’s lineup, making Toyota the clear hybrid leader. All versions of the 2015 Avalon Hybrid are rated by the EPA at an estimated 40-mpg combined fuel economy (40 MPG city / 39 MPG highway). That’s Corolla-like fuel economy in a big, roomy sedan filled to the brim with luxury amenities.
Toyota Avalon accelerates powerfully and quietly with a standard 3.5-liter, DOHC V6, an interesting contrast to the 4-cylinder engines now used in some midsize luxury models. Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) ensures ample torque across the engine speed range.
The engine produces 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm. Teamed with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the V6 can move the Avalon from zero to 60 mph in less than seven seconds. Fuel efficiency is equally impressive, with EPA-rated 24 mpg combined (21 city/31 highway).
ush the shift lever from D into S mode and shift manually. Sport mode provides highly responsive upshift control and throttle blipping downshift control. All V6 models feature steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
And, there’s a drive mode to suit the mood, with Eco, Normal and Sport modes enabling the driver to tailor the Avalon’s responsiveness. Sport mode revs up the driving experience by adjusting throttle response and by increasing the Electric Power Steering effort for a more direct, responsive feel. Eco Mode prioritizes fuel efficiency by balancing driving performance, air conditioning function and fuel efficiency.
Avalon and Avalon Hybrid models ride on standard 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/55R17 tires. The 18-inch alloy wheels on V6-powered XLE Touring, The XLE Touring Sport Edition and Limited models come with P225/45R18 tires for enhanced handling and grip. The Hybrid model’s wheel features a unique design with thinner spokes. In all models, an electric power steering system (EPS) assist provides a lighter effort sensation at lower speeds and increased effort and on-center feel at higher speeds. The steering column tilts and telescopes.
Equipped with 10 standard airbags, the Toyota Avalon was designed to protect. Like all Toyota models, the Avalon features the STAR™ Safety System, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop brake-override Technology (SST).
The available Blind Spot Monitor uses radar to detect vehicles in the adjacent lane where drivers may be challenged to see them. The same radar technology provides a Rear Cross Traffic Alert that is designed to detect low-speed cross traffic behind the vehicle when in reverse. Once an object is detected the Blind Spot Monitor indicators are displayed in the appropriate outside mirror, and a signal also appears on the TFT color display.
The available pre-collision system is designed to help mitigate the effects of certain frontal vehicle impacts. The first stage retracts the front seat belts and primes the brake system, and the second stage is designed to compensate for inadequate brake pedal pressure by applying optimal brake system effort.
Available Dynamic Radar Cruise Control uses a radar sensor at the front of the vehicle to help control speed and keep a pre-set distance from the vehicle traveling directly ahead.
Source Toyota
