The Avalon Is The New Toyota Given The TRD Treatment - How Is It?
I had the keys to this Avalon TRD for a week. Here are my thoughts.
As the title says, the Avalon is the newest sedan from Toyota to get specially treated by TRD. Toyota started the whole thing with the Avalon Touring model and worked it from there. The Avalon was given a different suspension, performance parts, and some cosmetic surgery. So, how is it? Did Toyota Racing Development create another masterpiece? Or is it a bust? Let's find out.
Exterior Styling
"...works at pepboys..."
The Avalon was given a front lip spoiler for down force and a rear diffuser to keep handling at its best in the back. The trim and aero kit accents is painted black with red pin striping and red TRD badge, and black wheels with TRD logos. With all of this coming together, the Avalon TRD is beautifully stunning to look at. From a distance that is. Up close, the side effects look like they were just thrown on with 3M tape to stop them from falling off the sides. It really looks like eBay parts were installed by someone who works at Pepboys as their side work. The grille looks a bit like a whale feasting on krill with its mouth wide open. At least it is all functioning. If you want the beauty, just look at it from afar. The one thing is, the side profile of the Avalon TRD is the best one yet on the market.
Interior Design
"...luxurious and intriguing..."
The interior of the Avalon is just as, if not more, beautiful as the exterior. The black leather with the red seat belts, TRD logos, and the red stitching all around add some extra charm to the interior. The infotainment screen has to be the most luxurious and intriguing system design in the Toyota line-up. The seats are comfortable and offer great support. The black leather and plastic trim go well together with the metal bits. But the best thing about the entire interior was really the cabin space. Physically, it is pretty much the Lexus LS 500h that was reviewed but with Toyota badges everywhere. I can sit behind myself very comfortably knowing whenever I would have to move around, I don't have to worry about messing anything up or getting stuck in an uncomfortable position. My only problem with the Avalon is that the shifter knob feels cheap, empty, and fragile to the touch.
Pricing and Options
So, how much does this Avalon TRD cost? Well after all of the options are added up, the total cost comes to $45,835. What does that get a potential owner? Well, for safety the Avalon receives a "5 Star" overall rating from the government with three "4 Stars" going to both frontal crash categories and the third one one to rolling over. The Avalon comes with Toyota safety sense with pre-collision system and pedestrian detection, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, ABS, traction control, and a bunch of airbags. For comfort and convenience, the Avalon comes with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay compatibility, wireless phone charging, sat-nav, JBL Premium audio system and subwoofer, heated front seats, and multiple USB ports.
Performance
"...fetching the ball..."
The 3.5L V6 under the hood produces 301 horsepower and sends it to the front wheels. Acceleration is a bit sloppy when just punching it off the line, but it shoots up to highway speeds at a quick rate. Speaking of the highway, driving in the TRD is not as bad as one would think. The Avalon sits comfortably cruising along and even overtaking other cars on the highway. It isn't as if it is floating, but it certainly is gliding. Driving long distances is quite good with no pains or aches after a long journey. The steering is sharp and direct like it should be. Braking is bitey. But the suspension work done by TRD really helps the Avalon shine. Going through corners, the TRD feels like it is on rails and wants to go faster and pull more G-forces. It is as if it is a dog that is running full-speed trying to get to its owner after fetching the ball with excitement. And it isn't scary to say the least. TRD really makes the Avalon shine in the performance department. Like it should.
A Moment of time with Vincero Watches
VINCERO Watches has partnered with North's Auto Reviews and I to bring to you a plethora of elegant and luxurious watches that are also well priced. Each crafted beautifully with care and love to be brought home to wear. These watches can be worn anywhere, unless you work with your hands like a mechanic. But don't let that stop you. It is just my advice. Wouldn't want a nice watch to be scratched up, even if it is made with quality, after going to work. The Men's watch below is the handsomely designed "Bellwether" with black croc Italian leather strap, black sunray chronograph watch face, and silver case, dials, and numbers. Originally $199, it is now $159 plus tax. The Woman's watch below is the beautifully designed, and I mean beautiful, "Marble Mesh" watch with a black matte metal mesh band, black and white marble watch face with a matte black case for only $149. Both of these watches are magnificently beautiful and luxurious. Check them out. See if you like them. I sure do. If you aren't interested, the conclusion is below.
Conclusion
"...down a boring..."
So, is the Avalon TRD any good? Is it a masterpiece of Toyota's Racing Development team? Or is it a bust? To sum it all up, it is good and it is not a bust. It is not a masterpiece since it looks a bit cheap on the outside a bit, which disappoints me. The Avalon is good because TRD made it good when it comes to performance and handling. Instead of boosting the engine, TRD worked on the Avalon where it really counts; the suspension and handling. That is where the power can be tamed. I would like to see more manufacturers do this to their sedans because it would make for great competition among the world of motoring. It keeps things interesting instead of going down a boring path to only go from A to B. Why not have a little bit of fun along the way. I sure did in the Avalon.
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Comments (12)
@tribe New article is up! What do you guys think of the new Avalon TRD?
For sporty old people
Haha.
Where the rest of the front end? That's Honda over-design bizarre.
There's one thing I don't understand and it throws the lines off: The hood/bonnet stops short of the grill edge and there's a very obvious filler panel. It's like the hood is too short and they had to fill the space. It's very cheap looking. Honda does it, too.
The rest is very cliche, but it's an Avalon. It was better understated and sophisticated.
True. True.
Avalon TRD.. A lesson, kids, in why you should not drink grain alcohol whilst designing a car.
Haha. You mean putting it together. It looks great from the side or distance. But the closer you get, the worse the cheapness looks.
This seems horribly incongruous. The Avalon is a barge is the tradition of the Crown Vic. Nothing wrong with that, but will never work with boy racer bits.
I see. And indeed. But it's side profile is gorgeous.
Can’t deny that!