2015 Toyota Avalon
New for 2015
The Avalon receives a few small changes for 2015, including standard paddle shifters on gasoline models, upgraded Entune multimedia systems, and other tweaks.
Blurring the Lines
Sometimes, the middle is the best place to be. Toyota says the 2015 Avalon “blurs the lines between mid-size, full-size, and entry luxury categories,” and the combination of elements from those three segments makes for a very good sedan.
The Avalon offers the style and equipment of an entry-level luxury car, but with much more space and—with the available hybrid model—better fuel economy. It also comes with the typical reliability of a Toyota, and at a Toyota-low price.
Powertrains and Performance
When it comes to the 2015 Toyota Avalon, you have two powertrain choices: conventional gasoline, or hybrid. Both are worthy of consideration for that prize space in your garage.
Non-hybrid Avalon models are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 with 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque, which drives the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Toyota says the V6 Avalon will do 0 to 60 mph in less than seven seconds.
Thanks to Toyota’s Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence) system, the V6 produces plenty of low-end torque for responsive acceleration. Standard paddle shifters allow for a sportier driving experience should the mood take you.
Spirited driving won’t bring atrocious fuel economy, either. The EPA rates the V6 Avalon at a 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway)*, which isn’t bad for a big sedan with a fairly large engine.
Of course, the real fuel-economy champ is the Avalon Hybrid. It features a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT), teamed with an electric motor and nickel-metal hydride battery pack. The combined system produces 200 horsepower, enough to get the Avalon Hybrid from 0 to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds flat.
The system is based on the Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain used in the Camry Hybrid, and is well-adapted to use in a conventional sedan. The added hybrid equipment only bumps up weight by 133 pounds, and the configuration of the battery pack still leaves 14 cubic feet of trunk space.
The fuel-economy benefits of the hybrid powertrain speak for themselves. Thanks to electrification, the Avalon Hybrid achieves an impressive EPA-rated 40 mpg combined (40 mpg city, 39 mpg highway)*.
Features and Trims
The 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid is a four-door, full-size sedan with seating for five. It’s available in five trim levels, with prices starting at $32,285**.
Starting with the base XLE model, standard equipment includes LED taillights, 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, heated front seats, wood trim, and a rear seat with center armrest cupholders and trunk pass-through.
The XLE Premium model builds on the XLE, incorporating its standard equipment and adding a Smart Key system, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, a power moonroof, and other features.
Next in the lineup is the XLE Touring, which encompasses the applicable standard features from the other models, and adds wide-angle fog lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, Entune Premium Audio system with navigation and app suite, and a driver’s seat and outside mirror memory system, among other features.
A step up from the XLE Touring is the XLE Touring Sport Edition, which adds perforated leather multi-stage heated front seats, dark blue stitching and dash trim, aluminum kick plates, and HID headlights with LED daytime running lights.
The top Avalon model is the Limited, which includes all of the applicable standards features as well as rain-sensing wipers, three-zone automatic climate control, heated rear seats, ambient lighting, a power rear sunshade, and other features.
Exterior/Interior
The 2015 Toyota Avalon attacks the stereotype that big sedans have to be boring. Its dynamic exterior design is the product of Toyota’s Calty studio in Newport Beach, California, and features a design them that’s unlike anything on other current Toyota models,
The sleek front fascia and low roofline buck the trend of formal sedan styling, and help the Avalon achieve an impressively-low 0.28 coefficient of drag. There’s still plenty of room inside, too, with 103.6 cubic feet of cabin space and up to 16 cubic feet of trunk space (14 cubic feet in the hybrid model).
That stylish exterior is match by a luxurious interior. It’s one of the quietest around, with premium seating, and upscale trim features like crisp Optitron gauges and smoked chrome trim on the central panel. There’s also an eBin electronics storage tray in the center console with a high-grip surface for storing two devices.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2015 Toyota Avalon includes Toyota’s Star Safety System with anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and other electronic aids, 10 airbags, and front Whiplash-Injury Lessening seats. Optional features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a pre-collision system.
Bottom Line
The 2015 Toyota Avalon continues to “blur the lines of luxury” with a stylish exterior, upscale interior, and typical Toyota value and reliability.
Be sure to contact us online and visit DCH Toyota of Oxnard to schedule a test drive.
*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
**Prices listed are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options chosen by you. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other dealer charges.
Image: Toyota