Fifth-generation 2019 Toyota Avalon full size-sedan now available
For the naysayers claiming full-size four door cars are yesterday’s news, Toyota holds an opposing view. The Japanese automaker has just released the fifth-generation Avalon, designed and assembled in North America.
“Even as many other automakers abandon the segment, Toyota is committed to giving Canadians new reasons to get behind the wheel of a sedan — with an all-new Avalon that’s in a class by itself,” said Cyril Dimitris, vice president of Toyota Canada.
“Avalon’s daring new look is matched by impressive engineering to deliver dynamic performance, including best-in-class handling. At the same time, it tops the segment for roominess, safety and efficiency, and packs a full complement of powerful, easy-to-use multimedia technologies.”
Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture platform, two trims are available. The sporty XSE (starting at $42,790) wears a multi-section mesh grille, rear spoiler and big 19-inch alloy wheels, and features paddle shifters, quad-tipped exhaust system and a performance-tuned suspension system.
The Limited ($47,790) is more luxury-oriented, boasting a slatted grille, premium LED headlights, wide dual exit exhaust tips and semi-aniline leather upholstery in the interior with heated and ventilated seating.
Both grades utilize a newly developed 3.5-litre Atkinson cycle V6 producing 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. As in other models, a Drive Mode Select system allows drivers to choose between Normal, Eco and Sport settings to alter vehicle dynamics for different occasions.
Other shared highlights include a 14-speaker JBL stereo, nine-inch infotainment display screen, built-in Sirius XM Satellite Radio, dual-zone climate control, four USB ports and Qi wireless smartphone charging. Also standard is the Toyota Safety Sense P suite comprised of various collision mitigation and semi-autonomous functions.
The 2019 Toyota Avalon is available now.
