Overview

Toyota's flagship sedan, the Avalon is a full-size model that seats 5 occupants. It offers a generously featured base trim and a wide range of options. Its trim levels have been upgraded and consolidated for the 2011 model year, and the 2011 Toyota Avalon is, in all, a more upscale model than its earlier incarnations. Its selling points include its safety ratings, roomy interior, and quiet ride, according to Toyota. The Avalon's main competitors include the Ford Taurus and Buick LaCrosse.

The 2011 Toyota Avalon is available in two trims. The base trim features 17-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, automatic headlights, fog lights, sunroof, leather and wood trim, reclining rear seats, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 9-speaker sound system. The Avalon Limited trim adds many automatic features, plus xenon headlights, keyless entry and ignition, heated and ventilated front seats (plus more power options), and a premium 12-speaker sound system. Some of those upgrades are optional on the base trim. Another option on both trim levels is an updated, state-of-the-art navigation system. The trunk provides 14.4 cubic feet of cargo space, according to the manufacturer.

The 2011 Toyota Avalon's standard power plant is a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine that delivers 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA. A 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are also standard.

Standard safety features on the 2011 Toyota Avalon include anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, traction control, active front head restraints, front side air bags, driver's knee air bag, and side curtain air bags. In government crash tests, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Avalon 5 (out of 5) stars in all front- and side-impact tests. Additionally, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Avalon highest-possible "Good" ratings in frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests.

Starting MSRP for the 2011 Toyota Avalon is $33,195.