Ever since the first Avalon rolled off production lines in the mid-1990s, it has served as Toyota’s main full-sized sedan. Over the years, it has been redesigned several times, with the most recent evolution occurring on the 2013 models. A few tweaks can be found aboard the 2014 versions, primarily among them a backup camera that is standard equipment on all models.
The Toyota Avalon is available as a V6 gas model, in the XLE, XLE Premium, XLE Touring and Limited editions, as well as an Avalon Hybrid model. We had an opportunity to test drive the Hybrid version, which has an EPA rating of 40 miles per gallon for fuel economy. That alone could be quite attractive to commuters and families with an eye on their budgets.
As a top-of-the-line vehicle for Toyota, you can expect to find plenty of nice-to-have features on board, as well as thoughtful craftsmanship and luxury touches. On the exterior, you’ll find a sporty front fascia design and head and tail lamps LED bulbs in an L-shape that offers not only a strong design statement, but high visibility. The power side mirrors are equipped with “puddle lamps,” which light up the sidewalk and street near the car doors. A Blind Spot Monitoring System is available as an option, and it’s actually quite helpful, letting you know when another car is close to you.
(Above): Interior view of the 2014 Toyota Avalon.
On the interior, you can select from three color schemes, which are enhanced by smoke chrome trim and glossy black accents. The stylish dashboard is outfitted not with dials but with very sensitive touch gauges. I found this out when I went to turn on the windshield wipers and accidently changed radio stations, just because my knuckles brushed by. The steering wheel is outfitted with three multi-purpose stems, for wipers, cruise control, headlamps and blinkers; the steering wheel-mounted controls are mostly for the radio.
On the road, the first thing you’re going to notice is just how whisper-quiet the ride is, and that is thanks to sound-absorbing and sound-insulating materials placed strategically throughout the car. Even the windshield and side window glass have been acoustically treated.
(Above): Exterior view of the 2014 Toyota Avalon.
Front seats are available as either eight-way or 10-way adjustable for the driver, and eight- or four-way adjustable for the passenger. Seats are covered in smooth leather, or with a premium leather upgrade.
The Avalon Hybrid is equipped with a modified version of the Hybrid Synergy Drive system, that smoothly shifts between the two. This engine is also available on the Camry Hybrid. It has a 17-gallon fuel tank, which can offer more than 600 miles of highway driving between fill-ups.
(Above): A view of the Optitron-type gauges in the 2014 Toyota Avalon.
On the road we found the Toyota Avalon offered a smooth, supremely quiet ride and had plenty of room for all five passengers. The trunk is large and easily accessed, particularly with a trunk release feature on the key fob.
Overall, we found the 2014 Toyota Avalon to be a comfortable, quiet, and good-looking ride, packed with all the must-have safety features and plenty of luxury touches.
!-- Start Alexa Certify Javascript -->
