2008 Toyota Avalon: Road Test
2008 Toyota Avalon ▼
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- MSRP: $27,325 -$34,665
- Invoice: $24,414 -$30,504
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Our road test for the 2008 Toyota Avalon includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Toyota Avalon from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Toyota Avalon, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Toyota Avalon help you decide if a 2008 Toyota Avalon is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Touring | XLS | Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.4 |
While we've not yet tested an Avalon with the 6-speed automatic, versions with the previous 5-speed could match some costlier V8 cars for pep and polish. A test '07 XLS did 0-60 mph in a quick 6.2 seconds. Expect the same or slightly better with the 6-speed.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Touring | XLS | Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.3 |
In Consumer Guide testing, 5-speed Avalons averaged 22.6-28.0 mpg in mostly highway driving and 18.4 in a city/highway mix that included gas-eating performance tests. Again, expect the same or slightly better fuel economy with the 6-speed. Avalon uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| Touring | XLS | Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 8 | 6.6 |
Plush feel, as expected from a large car such as this, though there's too much float over dips and crests for some tastes. Avalon nicely smothers small bumps, ruts, and expansion joints. Firmer-suspension Touring, however, registers some blemishes that other models don't.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Touring | XLS | Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
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 is pronounced as cornering speeds increase. Tourings are a touch more responsive in quick direction changes, but they have no better steering feel. Strong brakes are easy to modulate, but simulated panic stops induced marked nosedive.
QUIETNESS
| Touring | XLS | Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.8 |
Tranquil. Only mild tire rumble enters the cabin on coarse pavement. The V6 sounds rich during acceleration and is always subdued while cruising. We noticed some highway wind rush around the door mirrors, but little noise otherwise.
CONTROLS
| Touring | XLS | Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.3 |
Legible gauges are lit crisply at night. Standard steering-wheel controls are a convenience plus, but main functions and several accessories operate from look-alike buttons in the central dashboard. Navigation switches are nicely organized on a tilt-out panel, but programming it is more difficult than it should be.
DETAILS
| Touring | XLS | Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Cabin decor is mostly elegant, 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/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 7.9 |
Large-adult roomy with supportive seats. Driver comfort is enhanced on the Limited by power in and out thigh bolsters. Visibility is a bit pinched to the right-rear, fine otherwise.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Touring | XLS | Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
A wide, flat-floor cabin allows true three-abreast comfort. Manual reclining seatbacks are a luxury-class touch. Good legroom and headroom, but they're less expansive than in the Ford Taurus or Mercury Sable--and toe space is tight. As in front, large door openings allow fuss-free entry and exit.
CARGO ROOM
| Touring | XLS | Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.9 |
The trunk has space enough for most family excursions, but packing gets complicated by intrusion from the wheel housings and trunklid hinges. Ample cabin storage includes a dedicated cell phone holder.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Touring | XLS | Limited w/navigation | 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/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 75 | 77 | 74 | 69.2 |
Total Score: 75
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