2013 Toyota Avalon Review and Road Test (with infotainment review)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 เม.ย. 2013
- The Avalon has been something of a caricature for Toyota since it wafted onto the stage in 1994. The stretched Camry was low on soul, devoid of style and soft of spring. In short, it was the Buick that wouldn't leave you stranded. Since then Toyota has struggled to divine a mission for their full size sedan, a problem complicated by the re-invigoration of the large sedan market by the American brands. In hopes of resurrecting the Avalon's sales numbers, which have slid to 25% of their 2000 year shipments, Toyota has injected something hitherto unseen in an Avalon: style. Is it enough?
Before we dive right into the Avalon, it's important to cover the competition. Back when the Chrysler LHS and Buick Park Avenue roamed the land, the Avalon's competition was easy to identify. Nearly 20 years later those customers are in a nursing home without a driver's license and Toyota is looking for new hunting grounds (I can kid because I owned an LHS.) Now we have the moderately successful Chrysler 300, the larger-than-ever Taurus, a new Impala that doesn't make me want to put my eyes out and a revised Hyundai Azera trying to beat Toyota at their own game.
But wait, I'm forgetting one. The "elephant in the room" that is the Lexus ES 350. You see, the kind of shopper that needs a new car and immediately thinks "Toyota Avalon" is far more likely to cross shop the Lexus ES than the gangsta 300 or the Impala. After spending a week in the ES and the Avalon fraternal twins back-to-back this comparison is even more valid.
Now in its fourth incarnation, the Avalon has finally developed a sense of style. While the "I'm a bigger Camry" look is still going on, Toyotas has managed to inject some creases and curves that made my 33 year old eyes take a second look. It's not as visually exciting as the Chrysler 300, but Toyota's styling efforts look better thought out than the Impala's 11/10ths Cruze grille. Car makers love making their vehicles "instantly identifiable" as a member of their brand. Translation: they make them all look the same.
Thankfully Toyota ditched the Camry "quotation mark" shaped tail lamps for a more elegant rear end treatment. The new rump features more chrome than any other Toyota product, dual exhaust tips and tail lamps that wrap well around the side. The engineers stretched the Avalon's greenhouse over the trunk to increase the visual length of the car, a trick that worked on me until I looked at the spec sheet. At 195 inches, the Avalon is 6-inches longer than the Camry, but it's several inches shorter than the Chrysler, Chevy and Ford. Since the ES and Avalon are now twins separated at birth most of the dimensions are common except that the Avalon gets a bigger booty (and more trunk space in the process) and (oddly enough) has a lower ride height making it visually more aggressive.
Music by Kevin MacLeod
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Driving it now for almost 4 years.... bought it over 88k miles... best reliable sedan I’ve had... best purchased vehicle ever...
2013?
@@j.vosier6786 yup… XLE.. 3.2L 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Nice review. Even looking at it in November 2020.
I got my first brand new Avalon 3 days ago and man I love it ! And thanks for the review :D
Congrats! Are you noticing any headliner dropping issues that some people have complained about on NHTSA?
I did not. Yet ! I didn't even know there's a problem on the headliner
Manny Singh headliner dropping and many other faults has been fixed in the 2014 and up models
Rainer Karunaratne I want to get a used 2013 hybrid. what have been your experience so far?
Kingsley Ojinnaka
it's a very nice car , fast and full of technology , you have to find one that has less than 70k miles , so you dont have to replace the hybrid battery which costs a lot ( apporx. 3500$ as a new one )
Good luck
Your reviews are absolutely fantastic!!
Thanks Alex, 8 years late. Your review of this car along with Motorweek is what clued me into buying this model year 3 years ago.
What a fantastic review and journalist! Seriously great work!
I have a 2013 Toyota Avalon that I purchased in March of 2014. At the time of purchase, the car had fifteen thousand miles on it. As of today, March 23rd, I have only sixty-five thousand miles registered on my car. I have taken it to the same service center since my purchase date. Along with my regular service, the only thing that I have had replaced are a battery and tires. This is the second Avalon that I have purchased and I have gotten nothing but reliable performance from both of them. I love the way that it's made and I love the color. The color is "Crimson". I love the color because it always reminds me of the #1 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Team. My Pastor even said that if I decide to sell my Avalon that he would gladly take it off my hands. I thought that my Volvo was a great car, but it doesn't touch my Avalon in any way, shape or form.
so many cars to choose from.jesus. Im losing my mind
Why is this me🤨😂😂
Man I love that Avalon, and Toyota! I would take one of these over the Lexus also, I like the entire car better inside and out!
Wow,finally a worthy review to rate. I like how you did all the camparisons with the ES and 300C. Totally agree with you btw.
Somehow, the Avalon strikes me as having better build quality in terms of interior fit-and-finish...and it's not just because of the stitching.
the stereo in my car is a piece of shit, hate it, I am looking to replace the SOB as soon as possible why don't they put a nice one to start with? it's not a cheap car, but then again always a cheap ass engineer decided to go on the cheap side.
@@kiketve2 JBL audio is pretty dope, did you buy the XLE touring trim?
@@kiketve2 Same here for my 2013 bought new. As Shazz mentions below, I went with the Touring and not the Limited. Still not sure if the Limited JBL would have been up to speed with what I want today.
@@pukus123 Good call, wonder if the JBL would be up to my likes today. Better than the Touring model I went with. Otherwise love the car.
@@kiketve2 I noticed that in the Lexus ES of this generation (2013-2018), the base model radio sounds horrible. It had nothing against my 2008s Mark Levinson. The bass doesn't sound right, it sounds rumbly or out of tune, I really don't know how to explain it. The sad thing is, it's hard to find the Avalon or ES with the upgraded stereos, most have the stock system.
Great review and honest suggestions. Thank you.
Always great videos! Thank you
awesome! thank you! we are leaving now to test drive the ES and an Avalon. Your review was perfect!
I got a USA used 2013 Avalon last years with 24k miles, I just love everything about the car. No issue so far, low fuel consumption, runs smooth.
This car is a dream, no freakin' doubt. Domestics don't even come close.
Impressively detailed review !!
The Avalon used to be very, very soft and it is now something on the soft side of "average." I think that is the reason some found it too stiff. If you liked the way the old one wafted along, this one may be too stiff for you. I preferred it however.
You are not cheap, you are Smart!
Test drove both and I preferred the Avalon also over the ES. I really like the car.
Love my ‘13 Avalon, 78K miles and the only problem is the blind spot monitoring system goes down sometimes.
I usually have to buy my wife a fancy dinner for that to happen. 😂
Might just get me one of these. It's a beautiful car! April 2022!
It was sort of a steel/green color. No, the rear seats do not fold to increase the cargo room, there is a small ski pass-through however. The reclining rear seats were also deleted.
great comprehensive review.
Very informative review!
Alex, you have the BEST car reviews on TH-cam. I was looking at the ES and seemed like the Avalon dash and interior is nicer.............unless you gotta have wood on your steering wheel
Lovely review ... Enjoyed it ... Thanxs ...
Beautiful new design
Very informative review - especially since I am pondering this car - or the Lexus ES 350 - or the Chrysler 300 as my next car.
A great review... Thank you!
Excellent review
The 8-Speed ZF makes all the difference in the world. It takes the 300 from dead last in my book to a solid competitor.
I own a 3rd gen Avalon and can say its the best car Ive owned, something most Avalon owners say.
I am getting one soon. Good detailed review.o
Mario Vaughn did you get it?
I hope in the coming model years, they make the car as smooth and quiet as the older models. I've owned 5 Avalons, and traded my 2013 in for a 2012 after only 3700 miles, and for the ride quality, and noise level.
Great review.
Just got mines with 44k on it. Simply perfect
This is my favorite review of yours! Hahaha "... And that's mostly because I'm cheap." haha perfect, most of us watching car reviews are cheap too :)
The Avalon as I recall beats the 300 barely in legroom. The 300 is bigger on the outside because of the long hood which Is designed to accept a 6.4L V8 while the Avalon has a short hood because of the transverse 3.5L V6.
nice review
Hi Alex, trusting your reviews, please can you kindly advise between the avalon 2013 and the Honda city 2016? please help
Not sure if you remember or not but what color was that? Looked like a greenish/grayish color. Also, do you know if the rear seats fold down or if there is a pass through? Thanks!
Him in thte trunk earned a like!!
The word, “the” is really, really basic. My first grader can spell it. Please put in just a LITTLE effort, eh? Thank you.
Question. . I heard a lt of reviews that the Avalon has a choppy ride. Can you cmt on that and the JBL system pls. Thanks
Another thing is that C&D gives the steering nod to the Avalon saying that even though it's front wheel drive, it still feels better (which I find very hard to believe). I have a '99 Corvette though, and I do prefer the steering effort on the interstate in comparison to the '13 300. I find the 300 takes a little too much pressure on the wheel for ultimate cruising comfort. Could you elaborate on the steering of both the Avalon and the 300?
Thanks.
This will be my first car
I love Toyota Avalon
I enjoyed the review, but I have some questions.... I've been reading your and Car and Driver reviews on the Avalon and the 300. I can't understand some things about either of them. For one you say that the Avalon is bigger than the 300? In what way? Interior and trunk volume stats go to the 300 according to figures from C&D. That's not to mention the length wheelbase, weight and even more are in favor of the 300 in terms of size.
I love toyota avalon xle 2013
I just bought my 2013 Toyota Avalon today. I am in love with my car. Awesome car. No flaws. Well done Toyota! Anyone in the market for an Avalon and considering one or the Lexus ES model.. dont waste your money on that get the Avalon instead. You'll understand why after :)!
Really good combined MPG for a full-size sedan. I wish Toyota would make this a RWD like the Chrysler 300, with the same combined MPG.
There's really no reason to. Most of the Avalon's target demographic couldn't care less about RWD.
That's more expensive and where Lexus comes in. RWD is more expensive to manfuactorer
I did like the Avalon's steering feel, however, if you're a RWD purist then the FWD manners will offend. The Avalon does have some torque steer when you're at full-throttle and under moderate power on mountain roads it will feel less connected than the 300.
I drove an 2015 Avalon hybrid. It was REALLY comfortable ride and very very silent car. Im not sure if Avalon car is silent too.
Hey Alex, why is it that the Avalon is FWD yet the Lexus ES on the same platform is RWD based? Aren't the Chassis and engine mountings and drive train places on the chassis different?
***** Both are actually FWD, the IS / GS / LS are the RWD Lexus sedans
Alex - if you had to pick between the new Accord Touring or Avalon Limited, which do you prefer?
I'd take the Accord Touring unless you were looking for a softer ride.
Awsome review. Alex. which one you prefer in between toyota avalon limited and chrysler 300C, V6? and why....
I prefer the RWD dynamics of the Chrysler 300 and I really like the way the ZF 8-speed shifts. If you're looking in this category you should also check out the Kia Cadenza, it's a great value alternative.
I really like these shorter reviews.
Good review! For the first time in history I'd actually drive an Avalon. Well done Toyota..
I've read that the dashboard in the Lexus is slush molded.
I like the new design though these were not made off the boat from Japan.There still high quality.Made in Kentucky ect... .
I just cant get over the grille on this. And i love Avalons
Alex, when are you doing the 2015 sonata?
Soon I hope but I don't have specific dates yet.
Hi I just found one for sale and am considering it. It has 46 miles, is a 2013, and looks well taken care of. My question is should I go for it? Does it break easy, is it expensive to repair, would it be good for daily travel in california, would it be good for traveling probably sometimes in snow areas (not active snow)? Anyone have one? I want to know everything about it not just looks.
One last thing is powertrain. In the July issue of C&D, the Avalon wins in a comparison of 6 vehicles, two of them being Chrysler/Dodge products. The Avalon get the highest rating of all six on it's powertrain, and the 300/Charger get almost the absolute lowest rating! From all accounts that I've heard and read the 8 speed auto trans is an engineering marvel, and the 3.6 liter pentastar makes more horsepower and gets great fuel economoy. What do you have to say about it? THanks.
verry nice car
Avalon I rented was hard riding and had alot of road noise. And the front seat was so thinly padded I started to feel fatigue after driving just 20 miles.
This was the Limited.
Thanks for stating the small differences between the es350.
What kind of Avalon is this? Touring, Limited, or the XLE?
Limited
Trying to look tough with Toby Keith BUT we all know you like AirSupply and Ah Ha LOL! jk
Also the infotainment should have some upgrades to help functionality.
it Doesn't have Fog Lights? how cheap as that?
The Limited model does.👍
Saw the car and had to have it immediately. Too pretty to pass up.
It needs to be more grounded to the ground like the Camry.
Can you please make a child seat review on Toyota Avalon (2013,2014,2015) i am having a baby and trying to purchase used Avalon 2013-2015. Can two people fit comfortably in Avalon with one child seat? Please post the review.
It's obvious your never been in a Avalon. These are the most roomiset (made up word) cars ever. I own a 2006. I have a 4 year old so u can fit adults and 1 baby seat in the back. I'm 6'0 and I have my seat pushed back and u still have leg room in the back. My next model will be the 11 or 12 limiited. I don't care for this new generation.
Limited
2 adults in the back with 1 baby seat. Man I can't type. Lol
احبك سيارتي
Bmw and Toyota could make a wonderful sport car with his chassis.
I didn't want to off you. but Toby Keith? you have 3000 songs as good as that?
You know what they say: there is no accounting for taste :-) That's what happens to you when you go to college in Texas.
Thanks Alex. I'd still go for the 300.
that dashboard looks a terrible mess and the outside is so zzzzzzzzzzzz :o( Great review as usual though :o)
what i don't like is that it looks like it only holds only one cd disc at a time.
At least it can still play a cd. Not many cars with cd players anymore.
🎉🎉🎉
Thanks!
Alex, what trim level makes most sense for you??
emir saracevic I am quite partial to the fully-loaded model.
So xle touring is best bang for the buck
??
emir saracevic Well, that's different. The best bang for the buck is probably the XLE model but I'd buy the Touring if it was me.
Thx for tip....
"Large trunks are a little bit hard to find in America"? I think America has one of the biggest trunks in the world! xD And not to mention, the big pickups that you can buy. And of course the big SUV's. And also, the classic cars like Cadillac.. that is a huge trunk. Over all, this Toyota Avalon is a very nice car! :)
I found this on the internet: www.thestreet.com/story/11603343/11/10-most-american-made-cars-of-2012.html
I wonder if that's true
You have the nuts to compare a Toyota with a Chrysler ?!
The Chrysler 300 is going to be way different from the ES 350 and the Avalon
tard s class crushes ls in every way
ES300h or Avalon Hybrid?
Buy both...Spend that money!!!
Then when it breaks down right outside its warranty, you will wish you bought the Avalon.
not getting this because of toby keith
300 s has 290 hp not 280
the thing i dont get with toyota is that if they make this car 'all that they are made of', then what is a Lexus? thats why avalon is just a car, and lexus is not a luxury car because its made by a company that makes the most typical plain car in the world. and if toyota does is add more lines and darker color to a corolla then they can just put a 'L' on it and say its a luxury car. a 'real' luxury car company is one that ONLY makes luxury cars like Benz, BMW, Caddy, Audi, and not 2nd rate cars
if toyota integrate siri, then we can say bye bye to the screens...
Comparing the Toyota Avalon to a Chrysler 300 is like comparing a CORVETTE to a CHEVETTE.....Avalon will be on the road for a far longer time than the Chrysler will be in the shop then junkyard !!!
Look at that young face. 😂
Definitely not your grandpa's Avalon
Too many different lines, styles and colours on the dash. It's far too busy.
😀👍👍👍😀
I know it's such a small complaint but I hate those power/volume nobs and tuner
Looks cheap. Lol
Lmao! THAT looks cheap? Lol.
Avalon with Google now, n its a game changer. That siri piece of 5hit can't hang with Google now.lol