2019 Toyota Avalon Is More Efficient, Packs More Technology
Car switches to the company’s TNGA modular platform.
The 2019 Toyota Avalon is all new, yet its mission is essentially unchanged from before: with more space, more style, and more features, it’s a notable step up in terms of premium-ness compared to the Camry sedan. And compared to the outgoing model, the 2019 Avalon will offer both more horsepower and improved fuel efficiency.
The new Avalon is built upon a version of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform that has already been rolled out under the Prius and Camry. Its dimensions have changed in the direction for which designers always pine: longer, lower, wider. Specifically, the wheelbase increases by 2.0 inches and overall length by 0.7 inch, while overall height is down by an inch and width increases by 0.8 inch. Much of the length increase was given to the passenger compartment; Toyota says the rear cabin extends 7 inches farther back than before.
Looks-wise, there’s a lot of inspiration from the Camry, and many strong creases and lines to break up all of the body. As was shown in teasers, the LED taillights have a sequential activation design, and the headlights stand out thanks to a striking LED running light design. As on the Camry, XSE and Touring models will have a “more aggressive” look, with touches like piano-black trim, a trunk spoiler, quad exhaust tips, and a rear diffuser panel. Overall, the sleeker design drops the Avalon’s drag coefficient from 0.28 to 0.27.
By virtue of switching to the TNGA platform, the 2019 Avalon also adopts a more advanced rear suspension setup, with a multilink arrangement instead of the old car’s struts. On the Touring trim level, a new Adaptive Variable Suspension is standard, which can change the shocks to one of 650 damping settings in just 20 milliseconds.
The TNGA platform is also said to be much better at keeping unwanted noises out of the cabin, allowing the inside of the new Avalon to be “library-quiet,” thanks to improve door seals and extra insulation throughout. Even the more aerodynamic side-view mirrors cut wind noise, Toyota says. Active noise cancellation tech further mutes untoward sounds, though counterintuitively, Toyota also includes features that add noise. “Intake Sound Generator” and “Engine Sound Enhancement” use the JBL sound system to deliver more engine noise to driver and passengers – seemingly at odds with the car’s purported goal of delivering serene, quiet transportation.
Still, there’s plenty of acceleration to be had, with more horsepower from both the standard 3.5-liter V6 engine and the optional hybrid powertrain. The former is a new V6 that switches to Toyota’s D4-S dual fuel-injection system. Toyota says horsepower has increased over the outgoing model’s ratings of 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque, but gives no number; in the Camry, the same engine delivers 301 hp and 267 lb-ft.
Now coupled to an eight-speed automatic instead of the outgoing six-speed, Toyota also promises the Avalon will be more fuel efficient. On XSE and Touring models, the automatic comes with shift paddles to sate drivers with a need for speed.
The hybrid powertrain is also new, mating a 2.5-liter inline-four engine to two motor-generators, with a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. The battery pack is now under the back seat instead of under the trunk floor, and Toyota says that most of the system’s other electronics have also been made smaller and lighter. As with the V6, fuel economy and horsepower are said to improve, but no exact figures are on offer yet. The current model is EPA-rated for 40 miles per gallon city and 39 mpg highway.
Many of the interior pieces resemble those in the Toyota Camry, though the 2019 Avalon does appear to have more stylishly appointed touch points and a different center stack design. The Limited trim level has real wood and aluminum trim, for instance.
Atop the dash is a 9-inch touchscreen that comes standard with Apple CarPlay on all trim levels – that’s the first Toyota ever to offer the smartphone connectivity tech, though Android users remain out in the cold. The Avalon will also have Amazon Alexa connectivity, allowing owners to “talk” to their Echo device to start, unlock, or lock the Avalon remotely. Other tech features include an available 14-speaker sound system, standard wireless phone charging, and a total of five USB ports. The driver also enjoys a 7-inch color trip computer and a 10-inch color head-up display.
Active-safety technology is, unsurprisingly, plentiful. In addition to 10 airbags, the 2019 Avalon comes standard with pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. Available as options are a panoramic camera system with parking sensors, and a rear cross-traffic braking feature.
In most respects, it appears Toyota has improved upon the Avalon’s basic promise of delivering a more premium, more spacious sedan experience. If the TNGA platform and new suspension really do deliver a more exciting driving experience, while the powertrains improve on power and economy, it could only increase the car’s appeal.
The 2019 Toyota Avalon goes on sale in late spring.