2012 Toyota Avalon

The 2012 model is available in two trims, namely the Avalon base and Avalon Limited. We had expected more trims for a better choice and price range for the potential buyers. However, less number of trims skips the confusion and makes the decision part easier. Both the trims offer spacious interiors, comfortable ride and reliability. The 2012 Avalon comes in FWD configuration only.

Which trim should you buy?

We would suggest the base trim as it is about $3,300 cheaper than the Limited trim. It offers most of the features of the Limited trim and priced considerably closer to its rivals. The rivals are less expensive than the Avalon. But considering the list of features, the base Avalon has on offer as standard, we would buy the base trim. 

The 2012 Avalon is equipped with a 3.5L V-6 engine producing 268 hp of power and 248 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and it can be had with sequential shifts as an option. The power is delivered to the front wheels only. The refined and smooth nature of the engine is quite lovable on long journeys. The engine is also known for a good reliability score. The acceleration times are good considering its dimensions and weight. It does 0-60 mph in about 6.2 seconds and a quarter mile drag is completed in 14.7 seconds.

The Chrysler 300 and Nissan Maxima offer more fire power compared to the competition. However, their acceleration times tell a different story and can’t beat the Avalon. The Ford Taurus loses out the battle and comes last in the acceleration test. However, it offers a good top speed of 143 mph, slightly less than the Nissan Maxima.

The 2012 Avalon is one of the most fuel efficient cars in its segment. It offers 19 mpg, 28 mpg and 23 mpg, in the city, on the highway and in combined driving conditions respectively. With a fuel tank capacity of 18.5 gallons it can travel up to 352 miles, 518 miles and 426 miles, in the city, on the highway and in mixed driving conditions respectively.

The Ford Taurus offers fuel economy of 23 mpg in combined driving conditions but owing to a slightly larger fuel tank, it offers better range than the Avalon. The Maxima and 300 offer 22 mpg and 21 mpg, in mixed conditions respectively. The Nissan Maxima is equipped with a larger fuel tank but can’t win the range battle. 

The 2012 Avalon’s interior feels luxurious and upmarket in comparison to its competitors. The use of metallic accents and wooden trims make the Avalon look premium. The dashboard is well laid out with controls easily accessible to the passengers. The centre area is dominated by the infotainment display and its buttons. The design of the A/C vents could have been better though. The seats are trimmed in leather upholstery and come with heated functionality. 

The front seats are comfortable but the rear seats are more commendable. The sheer wideness and comfort of the rear seat, make this car to be a chauffeur-driven choice. The Panoramic moonroof grants some airiness in the cabin.The ride comfort is satisfying and refined. However, the road noise at higher speeds could take away that satisfaction. The cargo capacity is not the best one in the segment but is adequate for most buyers.

The Chrysler 300 comes with better cargo capacity than its competition. The Avalon offers better legroom across the second row. The 300 comes near in terms of leg space across the second row. The Ford Taurus offers class leading cargo capacity of 20.1 cu-ft. The Maxima offers the least cargo capacity and leg space across the second row. That said, some of the standout interior features of the 2012 Avalon are:

• Dual zone automatic climate control
• Multi-Information Display
• Heated and ventilated front seats (Limited)
• Optitron instrumentation
• Wood-grain-style interior trim

How intuitive is the 2012 Avalon’s infotainment system?

The 2012 Toyota Avalon is equipped with easy to use infotainment features. It is not overloaded with features and comes with the many necessary features. It offers AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, AUX jack, SiriusXM satellite radio, USB port, bluetooth hands free phone capability as standard. 

As you move to the Limited trim, you get JBL Synthesis AM/FM 6-disc CD changer with 12-speakers including subwoofer in addition to standard features. You can also opt for an available Voice-activated touch-screen DVD navigation system with integrated backup camera display in addition to the standard features of the Limited trim. Some of the standout infotainment features are:

• AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability
• SiriusXM satellite radio 
• JBL Synthesis with 12-speaker setup (Limited)
• Optional Voice-activated touch-screen DVD navigation system
• Optional backup camera 

The 2012 Toyota Avalon’s exterior design is minimalistic. It lacks the enthusiasm and modern looks of some of its competition. The Avalon’s front grille looks dominating with chrome finish and Toyota logo on it. The headlamps look different but do not add to better styling and the taillamps wrap around the quarter panel. The chrome on the window panes give it a premium look. The longer wheelbase gives it an executive sedan look. Overall, the exterior styling is a mixed bag. It might appeal to some and some might dislike it. 

The Chrysler 300 is the bulkiest car of the lot and comes with less ground clearance. It also comes with a longer wheelbase. The longer wheelbase helps with better legroom in the second row. The Nissan Maxima is the lightest of the lot and comes with the shortest wheelbase. The Taurus is the longest of the lot and comes with 5.1-inch of ground clearance. The Avalon comes with 5.3-inch of ground clearance. Some of the standout exterior features of the 2012 Avalon are:

• Power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade
• High Solar Energy-Absorbing (HSEA) glass 
• Dual chrome-tipped exhaust
• High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps
• LED tail and stop lamps 

The 2012 Toyota Avalon is equipped with Star Safety System, an advanced suite of driver assistance features like Vehicle stability control, traction control, ABS, EBD, brake assist and smart stop technology. The IIHS has rated the Avalon as “Good” in most of the safety parameters. In addition to standard safety features, you get front and rear crumple zones and side-impact door beams surrounding the passenger cabin for added passenger protection. That said, some of the standout safety features of the 2012 Avalon are:

• Star safety system
• Energy-absorbing collapsible steering column
• Head-impact protection structure
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• LATCH system
• Side impact door beams 
• Front and rear crumple zones

The 2012 Avalon is a well-balanced offering from Toyota. It gets luxurious interiors, good fuel efficiency and better performance as compared to its competition. It scores well in the safety department as well and you get the trust, reliability and better resale value of a known Japanese brand. It might be more expensive than some of its rivals but we believe it's worth the extra price and have no doubt in recommending it to you.