Toyota Avalon

Toyota's flagship Avalon sedan gets a redesign for 2019, with a more stylish body that's longer, wider and lower. The 3.5-liter V6 engine gets more powerful and is linked to an eight-speed automatic. The hybrid version has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, mated to a continuously variable transmission. The hybrid's battery pack is located under the rear passenger seat, suggesting that cargo room won't be compromised. Infotainment equipment includes a 9-inch touch screen with pinch-and-flick capability. This is also the first Toyota to offer Apple CarPlay. Standard safety equipment includes forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.

Spacious, quick, and quiet, the Avalon is a traditional big sedan updated for modern times. Power comes from a lively 268-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers punchy performance and a commendable 24 mpg overall. The four-cylinder hybrid version delivers an outstanding 36 mpg overall. Easy-to-use controls include a straightforward touch-screen infotainment system. Interior noise is subdued. The ride is plush and comfortable, which makes the Avalon an excellent highway cruiser. Advanced safety features, including forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, are standard. A redesign, based on the new Toyota Camry, arrives in early summer.

A full redesign, along with a hybrid version returning 36 mpg, arrived for 2013. Handling was greatly improved, but the cushy ride was stiffened a bit too much, especially on versions with the 18-inch tires, detracting from the car's previously relaxed character. A 2016 update improved the ride, reinstating it to what is expected from a big luxury sedan. The coupe-like styling necessitated the sacrifice of some rear-seat room, though it is still quite good. Outward visibility to the rear was compromised somewhat as well. Available active safety features include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and a forward-collision warning system. Interior materials aren't quite as plush as you'd expect for the price, and some controls are annoying.

Providing an alternative to some luxury-branded sedans, this generation of the Avalon readily competes in the large sedan category. Interior fit and finish rival its Lexus relatives and the reclining rear seat was an unusual offering in this class for the time.  Rear seat room is generous, access is easy, and visibility is aided by huge windows. Ride quality is smooth, though handling is considerably less than athletic. Touring models handle better. Stability control is included as standard equipment. Abundant power comes from the smooth and efficient 3.5-liter V6. 2008 brought a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Avalon has always been a well-executed large sedan, essentially a stretched Camry with more upscale features. High points include the silky-smooth powertrain, Lexus-like road isolation, and generous accommodations. Earlier Avalons came with a suspension that tended to float too much at highway speeds, except in the Touring versions.