Chicago Auto Show: 2016 Toyota Avalon: Comments

[William Maley]

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Toyota's big sedan, the Avalon has gotten a mild refresh for the 2016 model year. The updated sedan, which debuted today in Chicago gets a number of small tweaks a new trim level.

The tweaks begin outside with LED accents for the head and taillights, along with an enlarged front grille. All trim levels get new wheel choices. Inside, new trim pieces and a revised Entune infotainment system on XLE models and up.

Powertrains for the Avalon remain unchanged. That means a 3.5L V6 for the standard Avalon, while the Avalon Hybrid goes with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system. What has changed is suspension tuning. Most Avalons will come with a suspension tune that provides a more comfortable ride. The new Touring trim will come a more aggressive suspension tune to provide more sport.

The 2016 Avalon arrives at dealers this fall.

Source: Toyota

Press Release is on Page 2

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First Look in the “Second City:” The Refreshed 2016 Toyota Avalon Premium Mid-Sized Sedan

• Updated Styling
  
• Retuned Suspension for Enhanced Comfort
  
• New LED Headlights and Taillights
  
• Upgraded Convenience Features
  

CHICAGO, Feb. 12, 2015 – Call it a trio of firsts in the Second City as the refreshed Toyota Avalon and sporty Camry and Corolla Special Editions made their world debuts at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show. The three models rode into Chicago with a head of steam as the Avalon, Camry and Corolla are each the sales leaders in their respective segments, a first for Toyota. All three vehicles are 2016 models and will go on sale later this fall.

Refreshed 2016 Avalon

Unveiled as all-new in 2012, the fourth-generation Avalon was the first vehicle to meet Toyota President Akio Toyoda’s challenge to create cars that spark people’s emotions. Toyota mixed its legendary Quality, Durability and Reliability (QDR) with a strong dose of emotion through fresh new styling, improved performance, and high-tech features. They proved to be winning ingredients as Avalon quickly grabbed the attention of mid-size premium car buyers in segment leading numbers.

Five distinct grades on the V6 models will give customers a wide array of choice (XLE, XLE Plus, XLE Premium, Limited and Touring). Hybrid customers can choose from three separate grades, adding luxury features and technology options as they move up the chain from XLE Plus to XLE Premium and Limited.

Two unique suspension systems were developed for the 2016 Avalon to better align with diverse customer preferences. One retuned suspension prioritizes a comfortable ride for the XLE through Limited grades. The other, provides a more dynamic and responsive driving experience for the Touring grade.

Both of these suspension tunings are new and represent significant improvements over the current production Avalon.

The refreshed 2016 Avalon adds more refinement with an array of styling, performance and technology enhancements. New features on all Avalon grades will include:

• Wider lower front grille with narrow upper grille design
  
• Newly-designed turn signals (replacing fog lights)
  
• Refined LED taillights
  
• Chrome rear bumper accent
  
• New gray accent stitching with light gray interior
  

Additional new standard features on the XLE and XLE Plus grades include:

• Redesigned 17-inch alloy wheels
  
• 7-inch Entune Audio Plus screen
  
• Premium woodgrain dash ornamentation
  
• Tire-specific Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
  

Technology upgrades are added to the Avalon XLE Premium grade as it receives Entune™ Premium Audio with Navigation and App Suite and the Qi Wireless Charging as standard equipment. The performance-tuned Avalon Touring grade adds to its sporty styling with new standard features that include:

• Redesigned 18-inch dark gray painted alloy wheels
  
• New sporty front fascia
  
• New LED headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
  
• Unique “Touring” badge
  

The top-of-the-line Avalon Limited rounds out the updates with the addition of new 18-inch alloy Super Chrome wheels on gas models, and new 17-inch alloy Super Chrome wheels on the Limited hybrid (also optional on gas Limited). The Limited adds optional advanced safety features including automatic high beam headlights, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System, and Lane Departure Alert.

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[Cory Wolfe]

Toyota seems intent on offering vehicles with the largest gaping holes up front. 

[G. David Felt]

Yes this Big Mouth Bass look is just UGLY!

[Robert Hall]

I don't know what they are thinking w/ these huge grilles..the current one is bad enough..tasteless.   At least in 2 plate states, the license plate improves the looks, but here it's all exposed..

[bobo]

The updated lower front fascia is not an improvement.  It just brings it more in line with the ugly new Camry.  Compared to the homely Camry, though, the Avalon is a thing of beauty.

[daves87rs]

Run?

[Drew Dowdell]

Just picked up a brand new one as my rental for the next two weeks. Will have it over about 1200 miles total.

[ZL-1]

Biggest grille evah!

[ponchoman49]

Answers to a question nobody asked. Why they felt the grille needed to be made any larger is beyond me. This thing looks like it's getting ready to puke it's guts out all over the road and is truly ugly.