Taking the safe route of offering the predictable and proven, Toyota’s new 2016 Avalon full-sized sedan gets revised styling and new features this year to keep it fresh but doesn’t push the envelope.
In truth however the current generation Avalon did stretch the bounds of bold style when it arrived in 2012. Toyota sought after younger buyers with a more bold style, and they have arguably succeeded. So this mid-life refresh is a mild one.
What you see is what you get, starting with a reshaped lower front grille, which is lower to the ground and tapers in more at the top. A new turn signal design integrated into the fascia actually replaces the fog lights.
At the rear, styling changes are limited to a new set of LED tail lamps and a new piece of chrome trim on the bumper. Wheel designs are updated across the line however. And the one you’re looking at here is the Touring model.
It gets its own visuals like 18-inch dark gray alloy wheels, a more aggressive front fascia, redesigned LED headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights.
This one gets a new suspension for 2016 which offers drivers a more responsive ride and handling character over the boulevard ride of the other trims. Here, steering is sharper, the ride firmer, and dampers a bit less compliant.
Top trim grades also get new features inside like revised premium woodgrain trims and accent stitching. There’s a new standard 7-inch Entune audio navigation infotainment system and the instrument cluster now has tire-specific readouts for the tire pressures.
Powertrains are carried over from the current Avalon which include the smooth 3.5 liter V6 which comes with a six-speed automatic, as well as the Hybrid which has a 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine and electric motors.
The 2016 Toyota Avalon will be arriving in dealerships soon, with pricing to be announced closer to that time. Though it’s not expected to change much.
