Toyota Avalon: the third generation, 2008-2012

At its unveiling, the third generation Toyota Avalon had four trim levels: XL, Touring, XLS, and Limited. Designed mainly for the United States by Toyota’s facility in California, and assembled at Toyota’s Kentucky plant, these Avalons all have front grilles with horizontal chrome bars, large tail lamps, distinctive trunks, and dual exhaust outlets.

The car was larger and more luxury-tuned than the Camry, but was based on the same platform and architecture; the Avalon used the Camry’s V6 engine option, with similar front and rear suspension systems (MacPherson struts up front, bi-link in back). The interior was heavily redesigned from the Camry, for a much more luxurious look and feel.

Front wheel drive helped the Avalon to have a flat rear floor; rear seats reclined up to 10°. The driver had a tilt and telescopic steering column and a sliding center console armrest. The large trunk provided room for a full-size spare.

There was no four-cylinder; every Avalon had the 3.5 liter, 24 valve V6 engine with 268 horsepower and 248 lb.-ft. of torque. The “intelligent” variable valve timing (VVT-i) system increased high speed torque and fuel economy by optimizing both intake and exhaust valve timing, bringing a 6.6 second 0-to-60 mph acceleration time — with 21 mpg city /31 mpg highway fuel economy ratings, and certification as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle.

The Touring, XLS, and Limited have specially designed Michelin Energy MXV4 P215/55 R17 tires on 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The sport-oriented Touring’s wheels are graphite-finished; it has both a firmer suspension and higher coil spring rates.

Redesigned A-pillars, an acoustic windshield, and lowered windshield wipers cut wind noise and vibration. The body was strengthened to meet new side-impact requirements, and Toyota also added front seat-mounted side airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags, and a driver’s knee airbag is standard. Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) minimizes body sway by optimizing the braking of each wheel during hard cornering. Stability and traction control were optional.

Kitting out the models

The base Avalon XL was well equipped, with a nine-speaker AM/FM/cassette/CD stereo system; dual zone, air-filtering automatic climate control; remote keyless entry and power door locks with anti-lockout feature; power windows, a power-adjustable driver’s seat; and a center console storage. The steering wheel had both audio and climate controls; and the gauge clluster showed audio, climate, temperature, and trip information. The car also had cruise control and engine immobilizers.

The Touring added the firmer suspension, leather trim, a power adjustable passenger front seat, aluminum door scuff plates, high intensity discharge lamps (HIDs), fog lamps, and a rear spoiler. Options included a 360-watt 12-speaker JBL Synthesis audio system.

The XLS added a power moonroof and in-dash CD changer, heated/auto-dimming outside mirrors, a compass, and an anti-theft system.

The Limited added heated/cooled front seats, a power-adjustable front cushion for the driver, JBL Synthesis 12-speaker sound system and 6-disc CD changer; power rear sunshade, rain-sensing wipers, high intensity discharge headlamps, and Smart-Key system; LED directionals and puddle lamps for the mirrors; and mirror/seat memory. One key option was a laser-based adaptive cruise control.

All Avalons but the XL had an optional navigation system, with a seven-inch display.

2008-2010 Avalon Specifications

Safety features

Airbags: driver, front passenger (normal and side), side curtain airbags (front and rear seats), driver knee.

Seat belts: Adjustable shoulder anchors up front; driver-side ELR; front and rear passenger ALR/ELR

Daytime running lights; ABS with EBD and available VSC with TRAC and BA; tire pressure monitoring