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The 2013 Toyota Avalon made big news back when it was introduced in 2012 because it was, well, pretty. The Avalon showed the world that a big, cushy Toyota sedan did not have to be rolling equivalent of sensible shoes. But alas, Toyota’s designers just couldn’t leave the Avalon well enough alone for its 2016 refresh, shown for the first time alongside a sporty new Corolla and Camry Special Edition models at the 2015 Chicago auto show.
The changes are, by and large, subtle. The most overt of them involve the Avalon’s wider grille, which ditches the current model’s big, gleaming grin in favor of a wider, more aggressive shape. The current model’s fog lamps disappear in favor of vertical turn signals, and the headlamp innards have been slightly redesigned, too, including dual-wing LED running lamps on Touring models.
Out back, all Avalons feature new taillamps and new chrome garnishes on the rear bumper. We’re not sure we like the 2016 model’s styling more or less than the successful 2013–2015 model; this seems more a case of making change for change’s sake.
No changes have been made to the Avalon’s silky, 268-hp V-6 or fuel-sipping hybrid powertrains, however, so we don’t expect much of a change in performance or fuel efficiency of either model. You can expect a slight change in ride comfort, as the Avalon’s suspension has been retuned “to better align with diverse customer preferences.”
This loosely translates into a softer ride for all but the Touring model, which will likely firm up for a “more dynamic and responsive driving experience,” says Toyota. We’ll have to take Toyota’s word that the changes represent “significant improvements over the current production Avalon” until we get a chance to try the new Avalon out for ourselves.
The Avalon model line has grown from four to five for 2016, all of which now come standard with Toyota’s Entune audio system with a seven-inch touchscreen. The base V-6 model remains the XLE, but an XLE Plus model was added for 2016 with a few more standard comfort features. Further up the line is the XLE Premium, which adds tech goodies like a navigation system and a wireless device charging system.
The sportier Touring model wears a unique front fascia, LED headlamp bulbs and redesigned dark gray 18-inch wheels, while the top-of-the-line Limited grade gets 18-inch chrome wheels (hybrid models get 17 inchers) as well as optional safety items including radar cruise control and collision and lane departure warnings.
Incidentally, Avalon hybrid models will be offered only in XLE Plus, XLE Premium and Limited trim levels.
Pricing for the 2016 Avalon has not yet been announced, nor has Toyota said when the new Avalon will be on dealer lots. But if we were bettin’ folk, we’d say that the Avalon will be on the road by summer at prices not far from the $33,310—$42,545 price range of the current model.
Source: http://www.nydailynews.com/autos/auto-shows/chicago-auto-show-2016-toyota-avalon-article-1.2112405