2006 Toyota Avalon 4-Door Touring Sedan

Susan Frissell

It's been some time since we've driven the Toyota Avalon, and the first time in the restyled version which was introduced as a 2005 model. Much improved, the 2006 Avalon is a looker and will compete well with those in its class, namely Infiniti G35 and M-edition. Priced at near or just under the $30,000 mark, Avalon fits neatly into the "near-luxury" vehicle class, offering not only luxury, but room and practicality. If you're so inclined, you can opt for the top-of-the-line XLS Avalon with all the goodies at $35,000

Visibility in the restyled Avalon is good, as is trunk space at 14.4 cubic-feet of space. Equipped with Toyota's 3.5-liter V-6 engine, Avalon delivers 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. Weighing 3,560 pounds, Avalon is no lightweight. The third-generation Avalon has four inches more wheelbase and one inch more width. Front and rear legroom has been increased from 40.9 inches to 41.3 inches.

Resembling its cousin the Lexus ES and GS sedans, Avalon doesn't particularly stand out in the crowd and this isn't to say it's not a nice-looking vehicle. It is. It just isn't distinguishable. Toyota's decision to update the styling making it more contemporary was a needed one. The new fog lamps on the Touring, XLS and Limited models give the Avalon a sporty look, yet elegant.

SPECS
MSRP	$28,600; total vehicle price $30,669; destination $540
Engine	3.5-liter, DOHC 24-valve with Dual VVT-1
Transmission	5-speed ECT-1 A/T with Sequential Shift
Transmission	Sport-tuned suspension
Class	Large
Wheelbase	11.0 in.
Length	197.2 in.
Height	58.5 in.
Width	72.8 in.
Weight	3,560 pounds
Tires	P215/55 R17
Wheels	17-inch alloy
EPA Fuel Economy	22/31 mpg., Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle
Warranty	36-mth/36,000 mile comprehensive coverage, 5-yr./50,000-mile powertrain coverage, 5-yr. body panel corrosion perforation

Options on our Touring Sedan included Anti-Theft System ($220), Power Moonroof with Sliding Sunshade ($910), AM/FM/ Cassette/6-disc In-Dash CD Changer ($200) and Carpet Floor Mats/Trunk Mats ($199).

Standard equipment on the Avalon Touring edition includes Driver's knee air bag, driver/front passenger passenger dual stage air bags, driver/front passenger seat-mounted side airbags and curtain airbags, 4-wheel ABS with Electronic brakeforce, DRL, engine immobilizer, full size alloy-spare tire, remote keyless entry, leather trim seats, power driver's seat and lumbar, power passenger seat, climate outside temp and trip computer information, power door locks with anti-lockout feature, power windows, cruise and leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Some of the "firsts" introduced on the 2005 restyled Avalon included side mirrors on the Limited with "in-glass" LED turn signal and a LED puddle lamp that illuminates the area along the side of the car. This is a safety feature, particularly for older passengers attempting to keep their footing and exiting the vehicle. Side mirror memory is also a feature on the Limited.

Another first are Toyota's low-profile wiper blade, an aerodynamic, low-profile blade/arm, lower in height to make for more efficient wiping and reduced wind noise. The blade is a one piece assembly preventing them from freezing to the windshield.

New high performance halogen headlamps give a longer, wider beam and are standard on the XL and XLS models. Touring and Limited versions feature the HID headlamps with dynamic auto leveling for improved visibility.

Available options on the newly styled Avalon include the Dynamic Laser Cruise Control system which detects slower moving vehicles ahead and decreases speed accordingly. A Remote Engine Starter is available on all Avalon models and is new to Toyota, and a navigation system is also available.

The Avalon has come into its own. It's a comfortable, quiet riding vehicle with space to spare for five. When first introduced, we found it somewhat superfluous, but sales indicate it has found its audience. They will welcome these new changes.