2013 Toyota Avalon Redesign Wakes Up Toyota's Flagship At New York Auto Show

• The 2013 Toyota Avalon is a clean-sheet design.
• The new Avalon is loaded with technologies that were completely absent in the competent but dated 2012 model.
• The 2013 Avalon’s styling breaks new ground for the traditionally conservative model. 

• The Avalon is Toyota’s flagship.
• Toyota could definitely use a full-size sedan that resonates across more than one demographic.

2013 Toyota Avalon Debut: Notable Features

• Normal, Eco and Sport driving modes.
• Paddle shifters – on an Avalon.
• LED tail lamps.
• Quieter cabin.
• Blind-spot monitoring system with cross-traffic alert.
• Display Audio with LCD touchscreen.

The 2013 Toyota Avalon shares little in common with the appearance of the older edition of the Japanese automaker’s full-size flagship sedan.  Shorter and lower than the model it replaces, the 2013 Avalon stunned New York Auto Show attendees with its sleek lines and bold front fascia.  The Avalon might display a hint of Honda Civic in its grille treatment but a more upscale interior washes away any non-premium thoughts that might be lurking in the minds of curious shoppers.

2013 Toyota Avalon Debut: Under The Hood

The 2013 Toyota Avalon sticks with V-6 power, but representatives were mum about the details in terms of output and fuel mileage.  Expect a six-speed automatic transmission and most likely 30-mpg or more on the highway. 

Something happened while the previous-generation Avalon was sleeping all those years: the full-size sedan segment got a lot hotter thanks to entries like the Ford Taurus and the Nissan Maxima.  With Chevrolet debuting a new Impala and the Hyundai Azera threatening to swoop in and snag value-focused premium buyers the 2013 Toyota Avalon will have its work cut out for it when it arrives at U.S. dealers in late 2012.

Why We Like It

Toyota has taken the Avalon to a new level with this New York City Auto Show unveiling, casting off the dowdy image of old and embracing a more forward-thinking approach to servicing full-size customers.