New Avalon debuts refined elegance, hybrid option
The all-new 2013 Toyota Avalon combines a more elegant and refined styling that hints at what’s next for Toyota vehicles while maintaining the quality and amenities Toyota drivers are accustomed to.
“The 2013 Avalon showcases Toyota car-building prowess and infuses the Avalon nameplate with new levels of excitement, dynamic capability and refinement,” said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager of Toyota.
Under the Hood
The 2013 model year is the first year an Avalon hybrid is being offered, and Toyota engineers also took care to ensure the standard V6 engine is not only powerful, but fuel-efficient as well.
A 3.5-liter V6 with variable valve timing with intelligence, and dual overhead camshafts produces 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. Combined with a hydraulic automatic transmission that’s optimized for fuel efficiency, it has eco and sport modes settings. The engine gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
Hybrid models are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that gets 156 horsepower and is teamed with a pair of electric motors for a total horsepower rating of 200. The battery is a 244.8-volt nickel metal-hydride setup composed of 34 modules for a total of 204 cells. The hybrid can be driven in EV Mode, Eco Mode and Sport Mode. Altogether, the hybrid version gets an EPA-estimated 40 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway.
The hybrid is mated to a continuously variable transmission with low-friction components to minimize power loss.
Front suspension is handled by a MacPherson strut setup, and the rear suspension is a multi-link system.
Comfort and Convenience
Avalon drivers will have Toyota’s Entune multimedia system at their fingertips, which operates through smartphone integration to allow usage of apps such as Bing, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable and Pandora.
The audio system includes a 6.1-inch TFT touchscreen with Bluetooth compatibility, customizable settings and an available rearview camera display. It also connects to iPod and other USB devices.
Audio systems with eight, nine or 11 speakers are available, as is a turn-by-turn navigation system with a 7-inch display screen.
Climate control is handled by either a dual-zone or three-zone system. The dual-zone system gives independent control for driver and passenger, and the three-zone system gives driver, passenger and rear seat occupants their own independent controls.
Drivers have their choice of either eight- or 10-way power-adjustable seats, and front passenger seats are available in either eight-way-adjustable or four-way-adjustable configurations.
Safety
Avalon drivers and passengers are protected by an array of 10 standard airbags and other technological features. One of those features is an available blind spot monitoring radar system that detects vehicles that drivers might not see. Another is the rear cross traffic sensor, which detects vehicles approaching from behind and beside the vehicle.
As with all Toyota vehicles, the Avalon is equipped with a standard safety system that includes vehicle stability control and traction control.
Braking is handled by an electronically controlled four-wheel disc brake setup with vented front rotors and solid rear rotors. An antilock braking system is standard, as is brake assist, electronic brake force distribution and Smart Stop brake-override technology.