2007 Toyota Avalon: Road Test
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2007 Toyota Avalon ▼
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- MSRP: $26,875 -$34,065
- Invoice: $24,011 -$29,976
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Our road test for the 2007 Toyota Avalon includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Toyota Avalon from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Toyota Avalon, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Toyota Avalon help you decide if a 2007 Toyota Avalon is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Touring | XLS | Limited w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Matches some costlier V8 cars for pep and polish. Test XLS did a quick 6.2 sec 0-60 mph. Transmission in one test car slurred some shifts.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Touring | XLS | Limited w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 |
Test Avalons averaged 22.6-28.0 mpg in mostly highway driving, 18.4 in a city/highway mix that included gas-eating performance tests. Avalon uses regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Touring | XLS | Limited w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 8 | 6.8 |
Plush feel, though too much float over dips and crests for some tastes. Nicely smothers small bumps, ruts, expansion joints. Firmer-suspension Touring, however, registers some blemishes that other models don't.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Touring | XLS | Limited w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Poised enough for a big family sedan, with fine straightline stability. Some testers want more steering feel and weight. Good grip in turns, but body lean pronounced as cornering speeds increase. Touring a touch more responsive in quick direction changes, but has no better steering feel. Strong brakes easy to modulate, but simulated panic stops induced marked nosedive.
QUIETNESS
| Touring | XLS | Limited w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.9 |
Tranquil. Only mild tire rumble on coarse pavement. V6 sounds rich, is always subdued. Some highway wind rush around door mirrors, but little noise otherwise.
CONTROLS
| Touring | XLS | Limited w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.5 |
Legible gauges lit crisply at night. Standard steering-wheel controls a convenience plus, but main functions and several accessories operate from look-alike buttons in central dashboard. Navigation switches nicely organized on tilt-out panel, but programming can frustrate--a potential distraction. Elegant cabin decor, but assembly and materials no longer easily outpace those of like-priced rivals. One test example suffered minor dashboard rattles.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Touring | XLS | Limited w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 7.9 |
Large-adult roomy with supportive seats. Driver comfort enhanced on Limited by power in/out thigh bolsters. Visibility a bit pinched to right-rear, fine otherwise.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Touring | XLS | Limited w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
Wide, flat-floor cabin allows true three-abreast comfort. Manual reclining seatbacks a luxury-class touch. Good leg and head room, but less expansive than in Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego--and toe space is tight. As in front, large door openings allow fuss-free entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| Touring | XLS | Limited w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.5 |
Trunk has space enough for most family excursions, but packing complicated by intrusion from wheel housings and trunklid hinges. Ample cabin storage includes dedicated cell phone holder.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Touring | XLS | Limited w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 10 | 8 | 7.2 |
Even if Avalon's not miles ahead in this class for refinement, room, or interior ambience, no apologies are necessary for its showing in those areas. Considering its fine V6 powertrain, solid feel, cushy ride, and Toyota's strong track record for resale value, this is a Best Buy pick.
Total Score
| Touring | XLS | Limited w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | 71 | 68 | 64.3 |
Total Score: 69
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