Looking snazzy without paying an arm and a leg
by Jonathan Lopez, onThe Toyota Avalon brings a lot to the table for its latest fifth-generation changeover, tempting buyers with a premium approach that’s befitting of Toyota’s flagship four-door. Part of the formula is a redesigned interior, and all told, it’s quite the looker.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2019 Toyota Avalon here.
The Full Story
The first thing that grabs our attention has to be that flowing, elegant center console.
In previous articles, I’ve talked about the 2019 Toyota Avalon’s punchy hybrid engine option and its well-sorted adaptive suspension. However, there’s one final piece to this “attainable premium” mid-size sedan that definitely puts it over the top - its interior. Suffice to say, buyers are sure to be impressed.
Let’s kick it off by talking about the overall design. Looking it over, the first thing that grabs our attention has to be that flowing, elegant center console, which arcs upwards from the central tunnel in a single, cohesive bend. It looks clean and high-end, and definitely sets a tone of refinement for the rest of the spec.
We’re also really liking the quilted upholstery Toyota added to the door panels
Next up, we’re also really liking the quilted upholstery Toyota added to the door panels. It keeps the clean aesthetic intact while also adding a little extra styling splash, tying together the dash and the seats with a singular, cohesive style. The same can be said of the three-spoke steering wheel, which also gets the high-end material treatment around the rim.
Speaking of materials, the 2019 Toyota Avalon comes decked-out in lots of good stuff, including aluminum accents throughout, ultrasuede and leather upholstery with offset stitching, piano black surrounds, and a satin chrome material, as well fine trim like Yamaha-sourced wood on the higher grade levels. And yes, there’s also some plastic bits here and there, but overall, the looks and feel is definitely high-end.
Color options include cognac, gray, beige, and black, with different combos offered depending on the trim level selected.
The seats mix backside-coddling and support in just the right proportions.
So it definitely looks good, that much is clear, but the 2019 Toyota Avalon is also quite comfortable. The seats in particular are well-done, mixing backside-coddling and support in just the right proportions. The equipped heating and ventilation features work wonders, and there’s plenty of space, both front and back. Rear-seated passengers will definitely enjoy the 57.1 inches of shoulder room, 40.3 inches of legroom, and 37.5 inches of headroom.
In terms of the NVH, the Avalon is pretty quiet overall. It’s worth mentioning that Toyota threw in a noise canceling feature for the 2019 model year, and while it isn’t perfect, it does an okay job in hushing some of the road noise.
Moving onto the infotainment gear, Toyota knows just how critical it is to the segment, and as such, the Avalon definitely delivers. Taking a top spot on that curving center console is a 9.0-inch infotainment screen with a floating design, while behind the steering wheel, the gauge pod mixes both analog and digital components with a middle-mounted 7.0-inch Multi-Information Display situated between the speedometer and power meter.
Qi wireless charging is equipped as standard higher in the range, while three USB ports can be found in front, bringing the total to five when counting the two in the rear.
The Avalon comes with a standard Entune 3.0 system and Wi-Fi Connect, as well as Toyota Remote Connect and smartwatch support, plus Amazon Alexa. Critically, Toyota is also introducing Apple CarPlay support with the 2019 Avalon, which is a pretty big deal considering the automaker behemoth has refrained from incorporating the popular smartphone system for a years now.
Critically, Toyota is also introducing Apple CarPlay support with the 2019 Avalon, which is a pretty big deal.
Extra tech points are awarded for the cool heads-up display on the Touring model, measuring in at 10.0-inches and projecting pertinent info directly onto the windscreen just below the driver’s direct field of vision.
Those looking for the very best are offered multiple opportunities to upgrade their infotainment system, with options including a 1,200-watt, 14-speaker premium stereo from JBL. There’s also several opportunities to upgrade the safety tech.
All in all, the Avalon’s interior spec helps underline its role as a fantastic long-distance traveler. And while the infotainment system can get a bit complicated at times, that’s to be expected - in reality, we have yet to run across a system from any automaker that works as well as a mobile device or personal computer.
The 2019 Toyota Avalon heads to dealers next month. Pricing starts at $35,500. Look for our full written review soon.
References
Toyota Avalon
Read our full review on the 2019 Toyota Avalon.
Read our full review on the 2017 Toyota Avalon
Read more Toyota news.