2006 Toyota Avalon

Interior
In keeping with the outward appearance, there's a cushy feel to the ride, but without any float or wallow except over the largest high-speed dips and crests. The Avalon nicely smothers small bumps, ruts, expansion joints, yet not at the expense of responsive handling. The turn-in is crisp and surprisingly nimble, so the car corners with good grip and only moderate body lean. The overall experience is like a big linebacker that can suddenly put the moves on a tackle, eluding him with unexpected agility.


We won't go so far as to call it a BMW-esque sports sedan, like the wolf in sheep's clothing, but neither is it as docile as a lamb. The Avalon is remarkably poised for a big family car and, when cruising at high speeds, it also displays steady straight-line stability and well-weighted steering. The strong brakes are easy to modulate, although simulated panic stops do produce some nosedive.


Toyota just introduced the all-new third-generation Avalon full-size sedan in 2005, so for 2006 the changes are minimal, consisting largely of new comfort and safety features. The Avalon is offered in four grades, the standard XL, the sporty Touring, the well-equipped XLS and the top-of-the-line Limited.


The vehicle stability control (VSC) system is now optional for the XL and Touring grades. The Touring grade also offers newly optional heated front seats. The XL model features 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, with 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels standard on the Touring, XLS and Limited grades. A new dealer-installed towing package allows the Avalon to pull up to a 1,000-lb. trailer. All Avalon models are equipped with a standard full-size spare tire.

Power

Speaking of tires, the Michelin Energy MXV4 P215/55 R17 tires were designed exclusively for the Avalon Touring and Limited models for more performance-oriented handling. Also, the Touring model has a more firmly tuned suspension and higher coil spring rates than other Avalon models, and the wheels also feature graphite finishes.