Two out of Three 2010 Camaros Sold Equipped with...
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2009 Toyota Avalon Performance Review

May 2, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

strong brakes are easy to modulate
ConsumerGuide

velvety ride quality
Car and Driver

no great surprises
Road & Track

among the quickest big sedans in this price range
Edmunds

Experts at TheCarConnection.com note that the 2009 Toyota Avalon is far from the sportiest vehicle on the road—but it does a good job of providing a smooth, luxurious ride.

The sole powerplant in the Avalon, the dual VVTi engine, cranks out an enthusiastic 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. "The current Avalon is among the quickest big sedans in this price range, thanks to a very potent 3.5-liter V6," attests Edmunds. Motor Trend finds it carries the "Avalon to the 60 mark in a purposeful 6.2 seconds," and that's with the older five-speed automatic transmission, which has been replaced with a six-speed in more recent years. Acceleration is up with the new transmission.

The Avalon's fuel economy ratings are among the highest in its class of large sedans, at 19 mpg city, 28 highway.

Edmunds finds that the 2009 Toyota Avalon is "at its best on the open highway." Clearly, straight lines must be the 2009 Avalon's forte, as most reviewers criticize the Avalon's handling, including ConsumerGuide: "Poised enough for a big family sedan," they begin, but are quick to add, "Some testers want more steering feel and weight." They also note "body lean is pronounced as cornering speeds increase." Car and Driver is more positive; the reviewer comments that "the Avalon's independent suspension provides a tauter, sportier ride-and-handling compromise than its forebear" and notes its "velvety ride quality."

Edmunds likes the 2009 Toyota Avalon's "tidy turning circle" that "makes the Avalon feel unexpectedly nimble on tight city streets." Motor Trend praises the Avalon's stability control system, calling it "a particularly cushy catcher's mitt, grabbing wayward chassis gyrations without a stinging rebuke back to the driver." ConsumerGuide remarks that the "strong brakes are easy to modulate, but simulated panic stops induced marked nosedive."

Conclusion

The 2009 Toyota Avalon is designed to handle smoothly and provide a comfortable ride—and it does so quite well.

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:strong brakes are easy to modulateConsumerGuidevelvety ride qualityCar and Driverno great surprisesRoad & Trackamong the quickest big sedans in this price rangeEdmunds Experts at TheCarConnection.com note that the 2009 Toyota Avalon is far from the sportiest vehicle on the road—but it does a good job of providing a smooth, luxurious ride. The sole powerplant in the Avalon, the dual VVTi engine, cranks out an enthusiastic 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. "The current Avalon is among the quickest big sedans in this price range, thanks to a very potent 3.5-liter V6," attests Edmunds. Motor Trend finds it carries the "Avalon to the 60 mark in a purposeful 6.2 seconds," and that's with the older five-speed automatic transmission, which has been replaced with a six-speed in more recent years. Acceleration is up with the new transmission. The Avalon's fuel economy ratings are among the highest in its class of large sedans, at 19 mpg city, 28 highway. Edmunds finds that the 2009 Toyota Avalon is "at its best on the open highway." Clearly, straight lines must be the 2009 Avalon's forte, as most reviewers criticize the Avalon's handling, including ConsumerGuide: "Poised enough for a big family sedan," they begin, but are quick to add, "Some testers want more steering feel and weight." They also note "body lean is pronounced as cornering speeds increase." Car and Driver is more positive; the reviewer comments that "the Avalon's independent suspension provides a tauter, sportier ride-and-handling compromise than its forebear" and notes its "velvety ride quality." Edmunds likes the 2009 Toyota Avalon's "tidy turning circle" that "makes the Avalon feel unexpectedly nimble on tight city streets." Motor Trend praises the Avalon's stability control system, calling it "a particularly cushy catcher's mitt, grabbing wayward chassis gyrations without a stinging rebuke back to the driver." ConsumerGuide remarks that the "strong brakes are easy to modulate, but simulated panic stops induced marked nosedive." ConclusionThe 2009 Toyota Avalon is designed to handle smoothly and provide a comfortable ride—and it does so quite well. 2009 TOYOTA AVALON STYLING | [7 out of 10] Edmunds: "any Toyota Avalon feels upscale and inviting" Motor Trend: "sculptural boldness" Car and Driver: " Toyota's Buick " Road & Track: "more stylish suit of clothes than in the past" Editors at TheCarConnection.com note that the ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Each of these alternatives favors ride comfort over tight handling response, but also has decent straight-line acceleration. The Lucerne V-6 and the Azera both have 3.8-liter V-6 engines and aren't as responsive as the Taurus, but the Lucerne is available in Super trim, which adds a 292-horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8. Next to either of these rivals, the Avalon is quieter and more refined inside. Another alternative is the Chrysler 300, which comes in an economical rear-wheel-drive base model or with all-wheel drive in upscale Touring trim. The Taurus, which was recently called the Five Hundred, has a very nicely appointed interior and an especially spacious backseat, and its 3.5-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic are very responsive. The 300 also has a powerful HEMI V-8 available. But the 300 might not be as appealing to the crowd that favors ride comfort and space above all else; it's less roomy inside and not nearly as refined and quiet.

Next Steps:

Get a free price quote

for the 2009 Toyota Avalon from a dealer near you

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2009 Toyota Avalon

Check Financing Rates

for the 2009 Toyota Avalon

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2009 Toyota Avalon near you

See the Toyota Avalon in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (0 total)

Be the first to post a comment

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy