2016 Toyota Avalon

The new Toyota Avalon comes in 5 trim options and starts at an MSRP of $32.350. The trims are well distributed as XLE, XLE Plus, XLE Premium, Touring, and Limited. The standard features and driver assistance features are very generous and there are also many optional features to customize the feature list of your Avalon. 

The standard features of the 2016 Toyota Avalon include automatic headlights with LED tail lights, 8-way power-adjustable driver seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, and heated mirrors. The standard wheel size is 17” alloy wheels but you can upgrade to the bigger 18” alloy wheels with the higher trims.

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We recommend going for the mid-trim XLE Premium trim which costs $35,850 and comes loaded with various standard features of comfort and convenience. In addition to all the features of the XLE and XLE Plus trim, you also get memory function for driver seat, wireless changing pad, in-built navigation system, and 9-speaker audio system. You also get advanced driver assistance features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic detection as standard with XLE Premium.

The Toyota Avalon is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine which remains the same as the previous year’s model. The V6 engine produces a peak power worth 268 horses and 248 lb-ft of peak torque. The engine is not the most powerful of the lot but that is not what takes away from the driving feel. The power delivery is very linear and it does not feel punchy to the response. It is made for a relaxed driving experience and is best for comfortable cruising on the highway. It takes 7.3 seconds to reach from 0 to 60 mph and the quarter-mile run takes 16 seconds.

The 2016 Toyota Avalon is not the fastest accelerating car of the lot but it is not meant for fast acceleration or sporty performance. The 2016 Honda Accord can be a good option for better acceleration as it is the fastest car to reach 0 to 60 mph and the quarter-mile run. The Chevrolet Impala has the most powerful engine in the comparison but it is the slowest car in the 0 to 60 mph run.

The Toyota Avalon might not be the fastest sedan off the lot but it compensates for that with impressive fuel economy figures. The linear power delivery translates into great fuel efficiency for the segment. It manages to deliver 21 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg of combined fuel economy. You can go for the hybrid variant if you want even better fuel efficiency. The V6 engine itself is capable of delivering impressive mileage and offers 527 miles of range for long highway trips.

The 2016 Toyota Avalon impresses with the fuel economy and comes with a 17 gallons fuel tank. The Honda Accord is still unbeatable in terms of fuel economy and delivers the best fuel economy in the segment. It also comes with a slightly bigger 17.2 gallons fuel tank and delivers the best range compared to the other cars in the comparison. The 2016 Chevrolet Impala is the least fuel-efficient in the comparison but it manages well with a bigger 18.5 gallons fuel tank.

The interior of the 2016 Toyota Avalon has not changed much from the previous year’s model and you will really appreciate it once you step inside the cabin. The cabin is very spacious and comfortable for both rows. The materials used inside the interior are of good quality for the price point and you can feel the luxury when you sit inside the cabin. The space for the front row is very generous and there is good space between the driver and the passenger. The control for the cabin is also very easy to use and the driver can easily reach the controls without much struggle while driving.

The space in the rear seats is also pretty good but the competition offers better legroom for the rear seat passengers. The seats feel very comfortable and you will not feel the lack of space at any point. The headroom and shoulder room is on premium for the rear seat passengers. The trunk space is also very decent but fails to qualify among the best in the segment.

The 2016 Toyota Avalon offers excellent space inside the cabin and the space for front and rear-seat passengers does not feel lacking at all. The 2016 Chevrolet Impala offers the best space in the segment for both front and rear-seat passengers. It also manages to offer the best cargo area in the segment. The 2016 Honda Accord is also not very bad in terms of cabin space and offers identical space to the Toyota Avalon. Honda falls behind the Toyota Avalon in the cargo area with a very slight margin. Standout interior features of the 2016 Toyota Avalon:

• Leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering
• Leather upholstery
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Heated front seats
• Sunroof
• Keyless entry

How intuitive is the 2016 Toyota Avalon’s infotainment unit?

The 2016 Toyota Avalon comes with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The screen is very responsive to touches and feels very easy to use even for people who are not tech-savvy. It also supports various connectivity options like Bluetooth connectivity, USB Ports, Voice Command, and HD radio. You get an 8-speaker audio system as standard across the trims for a better music experience. There is also an option to upgrade to an even better-sounding 11-speaker premium sound system by JBL for higher trims. Standout infotainment features of the 2016 Toyota Avalon:

• The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display
• Bluetooth connectivity
• HD Radio
• Voice Command
• 8-speaker standard audio system
• 11-speaker premium audio system by JBL

There are very subtle changes in the overall exterior styling of the 2016 Toyota Avalon. The front grille has grown slightly in size and attracts many eyes from the front with the sleek headlights that sit on the top. The front grille comes with chrome lining to give it a premium look. The side profile also looks great on 17” or 18” alloy wheels depending on the trim that you go for. The roof has a slopping effect to it but it manages to deliver good headroom for the rear-seat passengers. The rear styling is also very subtle and matches the overall styling of the sedan. 

The 2016 Toyota Avalon is the lightest car in the comparison here and the length is also very decent at 195 inches. The width remains shorter than the other two cars in the comparison. The Chevrolet Impala is the longest car of the lot with 201 inches of length and is also the heaviest car here. The Honda Accord is the shortest car in comparison but shares the width with Chevy Impala at 73 inches and is wider than the Avalon. The Honda Accord also has the smallest wheelbase in the competition. The Chevrolet Impala offers the best ground clearance at 7 feet and the Accord shares the spot with Avalon at 6 inches. Standout exterior features of the 2016 Toyota Avalon”

• 17” or 18” alloy wheels
• Automatic LED headlights with DRLs
• LED taillights
• Sunroof
• Heated mirrors
• Rain-sensing wipers

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Toyota Avalon a safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has given it its “Good” safety pick. It is also awarded by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety with their Top Safety Pick for 2016. It remains one of the safest cars in the segment and there are plenty of standard safety tech and driver assistance features on offer with the 2016 Toyota Avalon. Safety features with the 2016 Toyota Avalon:

• Blind Spot Warning Accident Avoidance System
• Child Seat Anchors
• Post-Collision Safety System
• Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System
• Tire Pressure Monitoring
• Emergency Braking Assist
• Rear Door Child Safety Locks

The Toyota Avalon remains a great choice in the segment as it offers impressive fuel efficiency, spacious cabin, comfortable seating, and luxurious interior. The cabin also stays quiet even at higher speeds. It lacks punchy power delivery and is not meant for enthusiasts but remains a good choice for those who are looking for a reliable car that lasts over a long period. The 2016 Toyota Avalon is worth considering if you have the same requirements.