Toyota Avalon is a full-size sedan manufactured by the Japanese company Toyota from 1994 to the present. In 2018, the fifth generation of cars was introduced. The model is a living example of how design and technical thought have changed over the decades.
First generation
In 1990, Toyota began developing a large family car for the North American market, which was supposed to replace the famous, but already no longer relevant, brands Cressida and Vienta. The basis was the extended platform XV10 Camry. The project was called Avalon.
Toyota equipped its brainchild with a 3-liter 1MZ-FEV6 engine with a capacity of 192 hp. (140 kW) and 285 Nm of torque. With an interior space of almost 3,426 liters, Avalon was the most spacious six-seater car from a Japanese manufacturer sold in America. However, it can be called a 6-seater purely conditionally, but five adult passengers in a comfortable cabin will feel like kings.
Externally, the 4-door sedan resembled many models of that time: a massive wide body, streamlined shapes, solid protruding bumpers front and rear, large headlights and taillights. The dimensions of the car were impressive: width - 1.8 m, length - 4.87 m, height - 1.44 m.
Trim depended on the configuration, but even in the basic version, quality materials and equipment were used. In 1997, all modifications began to be equipped with ABS anti-lock braking system, engine power increased to 200 hp. (150 kW), and torque - up to 290 Nm.
Second generation
The new Toyota Avalon went on sale in September 1999. The appearance has become more serious due to the protruding "monobrow" of the radiator grill and asymmetric huge headlights. The body by several centimeters has grown up and in breadth. The drag coefficient has been reduced to 0.28 units.
According to tradition, the power characteristics of the 1MZ-FEV6 power plant have grown a bit. Engineers managed to squeeze an additional 10 horsepower out of the structure. The 4-speed “automatic” A541E gearbox acts as a driving assistant. As for the previous generation, two configuration options were available: basic XL and advanced XLS.
Standard features include:
- Optitron electroluminescent scales;
- 4-wheel ABS system;
- front side airbags (in addition to the main ones);
- 15-inch alloy wheels.
By the way, Avalon was the first car with a built-in 115 V AC inverter.
Third generation
2005 Toyota Avalon is already a little like the previous models. Outwardly, it is more reminiscent of business class cars. The sloping rear of the roof in the manner of a notchback gives the appearance a stylish look. The body became even more streamlined with a drag coefficient of 0.29.
Even visually noticeable that the Avalon has become larger. This is evidenced by the measurement results. The length of the car exceeded 5 m, width - 1.85 m, height - almost 1.5 m. The design of the seats has undergone major changes. The front seats migrated from the Cadillac, thanks to a different form of floor, the legroom of the rear passengers increased. In general, the sedan has become more comfortable and prestigious.
The power plant is a 3.5-liter engine of the 2GR-FE V6 series with Dual VVT-i for the first time used in America. A 280-horsepower engine accelerates to hundreds of 1.6-ton cars in 6 seconds.
Fourth generation
In 2012, the Toyota Avalon sedan was radically redesigned. The predatory low-lying radiator grille has virtually replaced the front bumper. Narrow head optics as if encircling the hood. Fog lights hid in side niches. The rear has become even more beveled, resembling the BMW X-series family. In general, the design can be safely called fashionable, dynamic, interesting.
Toyota Avalon interior is no less luxurious than the exterior. Two-tone finishes look especially interesting. Needless to say, such familiar functions as neon illumination of devices, the presence of an on-board computer, climate control, a powerful multimedia system, a 6-speed gearbox, and numerous functions for adjusting everything and everything. The model has luxurious chairs.
The engine remains the same. Two exhaust pipes remind of its capabilities. In 2013, a hybrid version was developed. Despite the not weak 2.5L 2AR-FXE I4 engine, fuel consumption in the combined cycle fits into the framework of 5.9-6.1 liters. The total power of ICE and electric motors is 200 hp.
Fifth Generation Toyota Avalon
In 2017, the Japanese company began developing the next generation of large sedans. In January 2018, a concept car was demonstrated at the Detroit (North American) Motor Show, which will become the basis for mass production of the updated Avalon. By the way, the first sales are scheduled for the 3rd quarter.
The appearance of the car without exaggeration is impressive. This is no longer a 1994 family sedan. This is a guest from the future, striking with a futuristic design. It will surely appeal to both the American farmer, and the businessman, and the representative of the "golden youth." As power plants under the hood, it is planned to install both a 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6 gasoline engine and a hybrid engine system led by the 2.5L A25A-FXS I4.