Vehicle: 2005 Toyota Avalon XLS with Pkg B
Price as tested: CDN$43475

Performance: The Avalon is powered by 1 of the world’s best V6 engines available. Toyota has upped their already impressive 3.3 liter with this all-new 3.5 liter unit. With 280 ponies and 260 lb/ft of torque, the performance has taken into a new height in Toyota V6 family tree. Not only does the engine revs at a lowly 100 km/h @ 2 grand rpm. Its also extremely refined, smooth, quiet and willing to rev through higher rev range. This engine is so quiet that you can easily mistaken for the more expensive 4.3 liter V8 currently resides in Lexus LS430. Since this engine also features double VVT-i, which means the variable valve timing and intelligence on both intake and exhaust cams. The result is amazing throttle response and never seem to run out of breathe in redline, even if no one will be doing this kind of revving considered Avalon’s target audience. Although its 5-speed manumatic doesn’t allow enthuisastic driver to rev into redline before upshifting, it does come with typical Toyota merits: smooth, refined and willing to up/downshifts when driver needs.

Handling: Given the new Avalon is based on the new generation of Toyota mid-size platform that is going to share with cars like next Camry and Sienna, its merits would give us glimpse of what things to come. As you would expect from Toyota, the platform is sound and solid without any rattles. Unlike the current Camry, Avalon has a very comfortable ride on bumpy roads and washboard pavements. It absorbs every bumps softly without any rough sensations as any of the existing Camry and Solara I have driven. Although its softly sprung, it won’t create a “sea sick” feeling typical of American landyacht thanks to Toyota’s smart calibrations of rebound damping. Typical of high hp front-driver, Avalon’s 280hp has created a slight torque steer during acceleration. As you would expect from a comfort-oriented blvd cruiser, Avalon’s steering feels numb and vague. It doesn’t have any feedback nor weight provide for the driver. There are tons of body rolls and understeer when pushed. Also, the Vehicle Stability Control kicks in abruptly as you enter a corner “little” more aggressively. Despite that, given Avalon’s target market, it handles remarkably confidently with proper suspension firmness and softness compromise for active safety.

Brakes: While 4-wheel discs and standard ABS on our XLS tester has provided decent feedback and response, there is a huge pet peeve if you are going with lower Touring trim. Toyota describes Touring as a more sporting alternative to luxury-oriented XLS, however, they don’t offer ABS, VSC and traction control as standard features. That’s totally unforgivable and unacceptable in 21st century when a luxury car costing 41 grand without standard ABS.

Interior: Those who are going to purchase an Avalon care more about the interior comfort than handling, that’s where this car exceeds. The interior materials are top-notch with plenty of soft-touch plastic abound. The use of tasteful light-wood trim and aluminum trim have created a more youthful atmosphere than the outgoing boring Avalon interiors. The 8-way power adjustable seats are excellent. Driving position is easily found thanks to tilt/telescope steering. The awesome JBL stereo has been hidden neatly inside an aluminum cover. Along with a great set of instrumentation, effective dual-zone climate control and plenty of storage space wrap up the interior package. The only drawback has to be the screen which shows the climate and stereo setting. Just like RX330, it tends to be wash out during sunlight.

The interior part never ended without mentioning the back seat of new Avalon. Not only it got tons of head and legrooms, it also has manual reclining backrest for maximum comfort.

Unfortunately, cargo space could well be the archille’s heel in Avalon’s book. Combine a very high trunk liftover without the benefit of a 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, the cargo space is medicore compares to its rivals.

Conclusion: New Avalon is a glimpse of things to come for Toyota. Both its new chassis and 2nd generation FE engine series would serve wondefully in upcoming new products. Toyota also addressed the crticism of current Camry’s ride is too harsh for a blvd cruiser. As for the Avalon itself, its an excellent car for those who are looking for a comfort-oriented luxury sedan. It doesn’t have the flash of Chrysler’s 300 nor the yawn factor of Ford’s FiveHundred, while maintaining the merits that are usually associate with Toyota products. That’s how this vehicle will successfully attract loyal Toyota customers who are looking for upgrade in a Camry or cross-shopping a Lexus ES330.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2005 TOYOTA AVALON XLS
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 2/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.75/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 1/5
Value-for-money: 3.75/5

Overall rating: 4/5