Day three gives us the opportunity to look at all the available options and features on the 2011 Toyota Avalon.
The new Avalon comes with everything needed to make it comfortable and can be ordered with optional equipment. On the outside, all Avalon’s come with 17-inch alloy wheels. Other standard features include a power moonroof with sliding shade, dual heated outside mirrors with driver’s side auto-dimming feature and turn signal, and projector-beam headlamps with auto on/off.
Other interior features that are standard on the new Avalon, include leather upholstery, Dual-zone climate control with an easy-to-use interface, nine air-flow modes, and a dust-pollen filter are all standard items. Other nice features are pneumatic door dampers, extra illumination for the large glove box, and the third stop position on the doors through their travel.
The 2011 Avalon engine and transmission is unchanged from 2010. It comes with Toyota's 24-valve, 3.5-liter V-6 with variable valve timing, and a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift. This engine delivers 268 horsepower, which should be more than adequate for city and mountain driving. Tomorrow we’ll take it out for a test drive around Denver and take a road trip to Glenwood Springs.
The 2011 Avalon will be available in two different models, the standard model ($32,245), and Limited ($35,485). Avalon Limited adds features, like an eight-way front passenger seat with lumbar support, driver's seat cushion extension, proximity key, ventilated front seats, the JBL audio, and upgrade rain-sensing wipers.
The Avalon standard rearview camera monitor is imbedded in the rearview mirror, but can be ordered with the optional navigation package ($2,350) where the image projects on the big navigation screen. The Navigation package also comes with voice activated touch screen DVD, NavTraffic, and an audio upgrade. The base audio system has nine speakers, and standard XM satellite radio hardware.
The optional navigation system has been updated with a higher-resolution touch screen and new software intended to simplify operation. The audio upgrade is a JBL Premium Synthesis system with 4-disc CD changer, 12 speakers, 660 watts of power, and a sub-woofer. Also included is a USB port with iPod, and Bluetooth connectivity for music streaming and hands-free phone operation.
The Avalon has earned impressive crash scores; hence it is safe to ride in. It comes standard with a multitude of safety features. Features like seven airbags, including a front knee bag for the driver, head-protecting side curtains front and rear, and side impact door beams. . The Star Safety System features include Toyota's Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and TRAC traction control system, with anti-lock brakes, Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.
Come back tomorrow when we’ll take the Avalon out for a test drive.
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