Vehicle Profile: 2013 Toyota Avalon

Avalon redesign aims to bring it back to the top of the class

It all began this year when Toyota began hinting plans to reveal a new vehicle at the New York Auto Show (Read at: http://newtoyotanews.blogspot.com/2012/03/toyota-to-debut-new-sedan.html). After much hoopla, Toyota revealed that the new sedan would come in the form of a new and improved version of the 2013 Toyota Avalon. The redesigned Avalon raised the bar on its predecessors with new styling and the introduction of the first full-hybrid in the segment.

What’s New?

So what’s new with the 2013 Avalon? Simply put, the new 2013 Toyota Avalon is shorter, lower, and less wide than previous models, and it features a brand new design created here in America, and featuring a smooth, sleek shape with muscular lines as well as a sporting profile. In addition to being designed in the U.S., the new Avalon is also assembled in the USA, at the Toyota Manufacturing Plant in Georgetown, Kentucky.

 Under the Hood

Under the hood, the standard Avalon has seen enhanced capability and fuel economy. Toyota’s go to engine, the 3.5-liter V6, now comes matched to a more responsive, and efficient, six-speed automatic transaxle. This all-aluminum engine is able to produce 268 HP, which allows the Avalon to go from 0 to 60 mph in less than seven seconds.

The 2013 model also sees the addition of three driver-selectable powertrain modes: “ECO,” “NORMAL” and “SPORT”.

In SPORT mode, the new Avalon sees an increase in its acceleration response, as well as enhanced steering feel. ECO mode maximizes the Avalon’s fuel efficiency by altering its throttle response and reducing the energy used by the air-condition system, allowing the Avalon to achieve an impressive 31 mpg highway estimate from the EPA. The 2013 Toyota Avalon has a city fuel efficiency rating of 21 mpg.

Looking to save money on the pump?

Looking for the best possible fuel economy? Then the all-new, segment-first full-hybrid Avalon is the way to go. Award-winning Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive combines with the Avalon Hybrid’s reduced weight and more aerodynamic shape to deliver an EPA-estimated 39 mpg highway and 40 mpg city. The Avalon Hybrid features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. There is also a pair of electric motor/generators within the transaxle. 

The system has a total power output of 200 hp and has three separate driving modes: “EV,” “ECO” and “SPORT.” 

EV mode allows the Avalon to travel on pure electric energy for up to one mile at speeds up to 25 mph. This is especially useful for traveling through parking lots and residential areas. ECO mode uses the gasoline motor, but adjusts throttle response and climate control to help improve fuel economy. Sport mode, designed to take advantage of the dynamic characteristics of the Avalon, alters engine throttle and enhances steering feel.

 Safety

The Avalon comes with the Toyota Star Safety System™ and is standard equipped with Toyota Care. The Star Safety System includes a very impressive array of safety features including: Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control combined with advanced airbags. Anti-lock brakes, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist and Smart Stop brake override technology are also included in the Star Safety System. While Star Safety protects you, the Toyota Care complimentary maintenance program provides free factory scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles.

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