2013 Toyota Avalon Review: A Luxurious Sedan Experience

2013 Toyota Avalon Review

The Avalon is one of Toyota's significant models, completely updated for the 2013 year. We were eagerly anticipating the chance to test it. At a length of 4960 mm, it is undoubtedly a large sedan that offers more space than a studio apartment in Al Deira. The 2013 Avalon boasts a grille design reminiscent of a honeycomb pattern, very similar to what you find on Ford Taurus or the Toyota 86. Unfortunately, its wheels are only 17 inches in size, which seems small for a vehicle of this stature. Although the model we tested came equipped with daytime LED headlights, we felt that the 2012 Avalon had a much more attractive appearance.

Interior

We cannot say the same about the interior. It’s clear that Toyota did not draw inspiration from the Camry for the interior design; perhaps they looked at Lexus instead. The interior features chrome details, wood accents, and an abundance of leather, to the point that animal lovers might experience a heart attack just by looking at it! The seats are not only visually appealing but also comfortable, and the idea of heated and cooled seats is an excellent addition! The driver’s seat offers 10 ways to adjust with memory features, while the passenger seat provides 8 adjustments. I’m pleased to note that all models come with 10 airbags. It’s refreshing to see that the Japanese manufacturer didn’t reserve safety features only for the higher-end models—kudos to you, Toyota!

Toyota has been innovative, and this is evident. The center console is equipped with several touch-sensitive buttons for operating the air conditioning and multimedia system. Although the absence of traditional buttons feels strange at first, you will grow to appreciate these touch controls after a little time. The Avalon is also equipped with ambient lighting, illuminating cup holders and armrests, which enhances the interior's beauty and elegance. To further elevate the mood while driving with someone special, a simple touch activates the impressive sound system featuring 11 speakers that work wonders.

On the downside, the Avalon has some surprises in store for us as well. The plastic door sill, for instance, felt so flimsy that I feared I might scuff my shoes before getting in. Another issue in the cabin is the chrome surrounding the gauges, as it reflects sunlight directly into the driver’s eyes, forcing me to cover it with my hand multiple times just to see the road clearly. It was shocking to discover that this important Toyota model lacks a CD player and has a manual steering wheel adjustment—I truly have no idea what they were thinking!

Performance

The 3.5 liter engine delivers 273 horsepower and 346 Nm of torque. This means you can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in under 7 seconds, which is impressive! The driver can choose between ECO, Normal, and Sport driving modes, but keep in mind that only the steering will be affected. Although the Avalon has fewer horsepower than the Nissan Maxima, it feels more powerful, and its acceleration is certainly much better, making it more enjoyable to drive.

Thanks to the VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) system, fuel consumption is economical. We recorded a consumption of 11 liters per 100 km after driving under various conditions. With its MacPherson suspension, the ride was smooth, and you barely feel anything on the road; you genuinely feel like you’re driving a luxury sedan.

Regarding performance, it has some drawbacks. For starters, you can hear quite a bit of wind noise, which is not what you expect from a luxury sedan. The front sensors are best left off as they operate on their own and are loud enough to distract you rather than assist you. Lastly, it was surprising that the traction control kept activating itself even when I wanted to turn it off. It’s as if the Avalon is telling us, “I’m a sophisticated car; stop trying to make my wheels spin at every opportunity.”

Conclusion

Now that our report is nearing completion, you may be wondering about the price. The model we tested, which is the SE+, will set you back 149,000 AED. While it is 20,000 AED more expensive than the Nissan Maxima, it is worth it. Some may be willing to pay an extra 20,000 AED for a Lexus ES. However, frankly, I’d prefer to drive a luxurious Toyota than an economical Lexus.