The segment for traditional, large sedans is a small one, yet important to manufacturers nonetheless. For Toyota, the Avalon has faithfully served the brand for two decades, representing a plush, front-wheel drive vehicle that will be refreshed for the 2016 model year.
The Chicago Auto Show served as the perfect venue to unveil three new or special edition Toyota models at the McCormick Place convention center. At a media event held just before the start of the Chicago show, Toyota showcased a pair of special edition Camry and Corolla models. In addition, a refreshed Toyota Avalon was presented, representing a mid-product-cycle update of the current generation model introduced four years earlier.
New Avalon Suspension Systems
As before, the 2016 Toyota Avalon will be powered by a 3.5-liter, V-6 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The refreshed model will feature five categorical editions — XLE, XLE Plus, XLE Premium, Limited and Touring. A hybrid edition also returns and will be available in XLE Plus, XLE Premium and Limited editions.
One of the more significant changes for 2016 is the development of a pair of unique suspension systems “to better align with diverse customer preferences.”
The first retuned suspension system will place an emphasis on ride comfort for the XLE through Limited grades. The second system will deliver a more dynamic and responsive driving experience for the Touring grade alone.
These changes enable Toyota to keep Avalon at the top of the segment, in a bid to fend off its closest competitors, specifically the Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Impala and Nissan Maxima.
Exterior and Interior Refinements
In addition, all 2016 Avalon models will receive several exterior and interior updates, including a wider, lower front grille with narrow upper grille design, newly-designed turn signals (replacing fog lights), refined LED taillights, chrome rear bumper accent, and new gray accent stitching with a light gray interior.
Further changes will be noted in the XLE and XLE Plus editions. As enumerated, customers will find: redesigned 17-inch alloy wheels, a 7-inch Entune Audio Plus screen, premium woodgrain dash ornamentation, and a tire-specific tire pressure monitoring system.
Technology changes will be evident in the Avalon XLE Premium grade as it gains Entune Premium Audio with Navigation and App Suite, and the Qi Wireless Charging as standard equipment. The Touring editions will receive redesigned 18-inch dark gray painted alloy wheels, a new sportier front fascia, updated LED headlights and daytime running lights, and unique badging.
The state-of-the-art Avalon Limited will receive proprietary updates such as 18-inch alloy Super Chrome wheels on gas models, and new 17-inch alloy Super Chrome wheels on the Limited hybrid. Further, the Limited will gain automatic high beam headlights, dynamic radar cruise control, a pre-collision system, and lane departure alert.
See Also — Toyota: Camry, Avalon Sedans Gain An All-Wheel-Drive Option
Avalon Sales Statistics and Rejuvenation
A refreshed Avalon comes as sales for the current model slipped by 5.4 percent to 67,183 units in 2014. That figure compares to a 5.1 percent Toyota brand increase for the year as Camry, Corolla and RAV4 led the charge last year. Thus, with a tweaked flagship sedan in place, Toyota will be better positioned in the market for the next few years with customers benefiting from a suite of notable refinements.
As for the Camry and Corolla, a pair of special edition models will augment each product line.
The Camry Special Edition, with a target build of 12,000 units this year, will receive machine-faced, 18-inch wheels, smoked taillights and a standard moonroof. Inside, high contrast blue stitching, black SofTex seats with blue inserts, and a blue meter cluster will be offered. A smart key system with push-button start and a Qi wireless charging system for smartphones will also be included.
The Corolla Special Edition, with a target build of 8,000 units this year, gains 17-inch alloy wheels with gloss black finish, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, a sport mode and rear disc brakes. It will also receive Bluetooth capability, push-button start, automatic climate control, and a rear backup camera.
See Also — Grand and Efficient Sedan: Toyota Avalon Hybrid
Avalon photo courtesy of the Toyota Motor Company.
Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources including NAPA, CarsDirect, CapitalOne, and Driven Autos.
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