2005 Toyota Avalon: Road Test
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2005 Toyota Avalon ▼
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- MSRP: $26,350 -$33,540
- Invoice: $23,543 -$29,514
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Our road test for the 2005 Toyota Avalon includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Toyota Avalon from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Toyota Avalon, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Toyota Avalon help you decide if a 2005 Toyota Avalon is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Touring | XLS | Limited w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.8 |
Vigorous. No opportunity to clock, but Toyota's 6.6 sec 0-60-mph estimate feels accurate. Test 2004 Avalon did a middling 8.3 sec. Smooth V6 teams splendidly with a transmission that furnishes buttery upshifts, delivers quick passing power by responding to even subtle throttle pressure.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Touring | XLS | Limited w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.6 |
Test XLS averaged an impressive 28.0 mpg in primarily highway driving. Toyota recommends 91-octane fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Touring | XLS | Limited w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 8 | 6.6 |
Fine balance of softness, composure. Absorbent on bumps, ruts, expansion joints. Devoid of float, wallow on all but severest high-speed dips, crests. Touring uses same tires as XLS and Limited, but firmer suspension registers some pavement imperfections other Avalons iron out.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Touring | XLS | Limited w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Not sports-sedan agile, but more than competent for a large car. Natural-feeling steering. Undisturbed straightline stability. Well-behaved in turns, with good grip, moderate body lean, minimal noseplow. Touring has quicker initial reaction in changes of direction, but its steering feels lighter than other models'. Brakes strong, easy to modulate, but simulated panic stops induced noticeable nosedive.
QUIETNESS
| Touring | XLS | Limited w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Tranquil. Only mild tire rumble on coarse pavement. Engine, exhaust make distant, rich sounds even during rapid acceleration. Some highway wind rush around mirrors, but little otherwise.
CONTROLS
| Touring | XLS | Limited w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 |
Gauges unobstructed, glow crisply. All models have auxiliary steering-wheel audio, climate controls. Main functions--and several other accessories--operated by look-alike buttons positioned in central dashboard. Navigation controls nicely organized on tilt-down panel, but programming can frustrate--a potential distraction. Cabin decor substantial, satisfying, but assembly quality, materials no longer easily outpace those of like-priced rivals. Limited's keyless ignition a mixed blessing; freedom from having keyfob at hand is offset by reality that car will remain running even without fob nearby.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Touring | XLS | Limited w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 7.6 |
Large-adult roomy. Comfortable, supportive seats. Limited has power cushion extender for added thigh bolstering. Great outward visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Touring | XLS | Limited w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.5 |
True 3-abreast accommodations thanks to wide cabin, smartly contoured cushion, flat rear floor. Reclining seatback enhances comfort. Good leg, head room, but not as expansive-feeling as Ford Five Hundred, Mercury Montego. And no excess toe space beneath front seats. As in front, extra-wide door openings mean fuss-free entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| Touring | XLS | Limited w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.6 |
One place Avalon shrinks vs. predecessor, with 14.4-cu-ft trunk vs. 15.9. Still enough space for most family excursions, but shape is finicky due to sidewall bulges, lid-hinge housings. Plenty of cabin storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Touring | XLS | Limited w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 9 | 7 | 6.6 |
It's no longer the hands-down class leader in refinement, room, or interior ambience. But Avalon more than holds its own against tough new rivals with a benchmark V6 powertrain, solid feel, composed ride, and surprisingly adept handling. Toyota's strong track record for quality, reliability, and resale value adds to its Best Buy appeal.
Total Score
| Touring | XLS | Limited w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | 71 | 68 | 61.8 |
Total Score: 69
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