2011 Toyota Avalon Leads Large Car Class in Fuel Efficiency
Changes made to the new 2011 Toyota Avalon result in improved fuel efficiency over last year. The result is a large car that sips fuel better than any other vehicle in its class. Learn what's new on the 2011 Toyota Avalon and review features, specs and full mpg ratings.
What's New - 2011 Toyota Avalon
The 2011 Avalon receives a fairly comprehensive styling update for the new year. The front end achieves a sleeker appeal thanks to a lower fascia and more angular headlights. The rear end of the vehicle has also been updated with a new interior taillight design and chrome accenting. Inside, the Avalon boasts a new dashboard and a bolstering of wood trim accents.
Base models receive a longer list of standard features for the year. Due to this, the Toyota Avalon model lineup has been pared down to two trims (say bye-bye to the XLS trim).
2011 Toyota Avalon Styling
Thanks in part to the new styling cues, the Avalon appears similar in size to a midsize sedan. Don't let this mirage fool you, however, as the Avalon provides one of the largest interior cabins of any sedan. For those who want to pamper rear-seat passengers with plenty of headroom, a reclining seatback and available power rear sunshade, the Avalon is poised to deliver.
Front passenger comfort is similarly posh. A healthy supply of upscale amenities also helps give the Avalon an air of refinement. Downsides of the interior include a rear seat that doesn't fold flat and a trunk that only offers 14.4 cubic feet of storage (small for its class).
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2011 Toyota Avalon Performance
Last year's 3.5-liter V-6 returns as the sole engine option for the Avalon. However, this returning powerplant has been re-tuned to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The EPA rates the 2011 Avalon at 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway (23 mpg combined). In comparison, last year's model produced 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Despite these fuel improvements, the Avalon maintains last year's specifications of 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft. of torque. As expected, the large size diminishes handling somewhat. Overall, however, drivers will likely find little to complain about when it comes to driving the Avalon.
Review full 2011 Toyota Avalon specifications.
2011 Toyota Avalon Safety
The Toyota Avalon comes standard with antilock disc brakes, side front airbags, side curtain airbags, driver's knee airbag, stability control and traction control. Thanks to solid crash test scores, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) lists the Avalon as a "Top Safety Pick" for the year.
2011 Toyota Avalon Prices and Features
Base price for the new Toyota Avalon is set at $32,445. This is a big jump over last year's MSRP ($27,945) and more affordable large-car alternatives are available. However, the Avalon receives a boost in standard features that helps excuse the increased price tag. Standard features include leather seats, sunroof, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, full power accessories, power driver's seat, automatic headlights, fog lights, Bluetooth and a nine-speaker stereo.
The up-trim Limited model ($35,685) adds xenon headlights, keyless ignition, power passenger seat, added power driver seat functions, automatic wipers, power rear sunshade and 12-speaker stereo. A voice-activated navigation system is optional.
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