The 2020 Toyota Avalon isn’t the sleeping sedan you might think it is, and that’s a good thing. Despite its longstanding reputation as a nap-worthy vehicle, the styling is no longer at all, and the driving experience is far more involved.
Heck, Toyota is even letting Avalon’s hair fall for 2020 with a sport-tuned TRD model. We’re not sure who’s asking for it, but hey, why not? It only adds to the existing variety of Avalon models, including those powered by the V6 and hybrid powertrains, which is good because there are now very few full-size sedans available that want something more significant and luxurious than the Camrose in the world.
There are Chevrolet Impala (soon to be dead), Chrysler 300 (possibly more quickly after), Kia Cadzen (did you even know it existed?) And so much more.
Even though it had more competitors, we believe the well-rounded Avalon would still be one of the best options. Its redesign for the 2019 model year made it fresh and modern in all right ways, especially in light of its tired competition.
It’s mechanically enough to be considered a legitimate alternative to luxury sedans like the Lexus ES.
What’s new for 2020?
The only change to note is the addition of the Sport-Tune Avalon TRD. This model is (against all common sense) Avalon for anyone who wants to use it as a lean and mean handling the machine.
Toyota added active underbody braking, firer shock and springs, stiffer anti-roll bars, larger brakes, lighter wheels and a louder TRD cat-back exhaust. All of this (plus a comprehensive appearance overhaul) cost $ 43,255.
It has been announced that Avalon will get an all-wheel-drive option added in 2021 for a 205-horsepower four-cylinder. We expect models to come to the showroom by 2020.
What is interior and in-car technology?
The entire redesign of Avalon brought a better-improved interior last year – higher quality than every competitor looking at the old one.
The old design also looked quite similar to the new Camry, but the current version goes with a longer, rectilinear centre stack that extends beyond the centre console and loops like the rest of the dash. Standing tower.
It’s a bit quieter, and many dislike the texted-on iPad while benefiting from the low visual bulk and high visuals that the design allows.
The area behind it is architecturally visible, neatly integrates wind weights, and displays various materials. Probably a bit too moving, though, especially in the touring cognac cabin, and the tower’s “support” is an unconvincing hard plastic knock-off of the squishy dashtop above.
The full, full seats are comfortable to sit on for long periods, and the driving position is perfect for devouring highway miles. Visibility is superb, with no significant downside. Heated and cooled seats are available depending on which trim you make, as is a heated steering wheel.
The Center mentioned above Tower features unique-to-Avalon switchgear that maintains Toyota’s longstanding preference for keeping climate control systems separate from infotainment (kudos).
The latest Toyota Antune 3.0 system comes standard with a 9-inch touchscreen, WiFi, five USB ports, satellite radio, Amazon Alexa integration and Apple CarPlay.
The company said that it would make Android Auto demand it to customers, but it has not happened yet. Toyota still hasn’t turned on the fully digital gauge cluster game with Avalon, but it has a generous 7-inch display that splits the gauge set.
