Used 2013 Toyota Avalon XLE for sale 

The Toyota Avalon is available in four different trims, each of which is distinguished by the number and type of features they possess. It comes with a standard engine, transmission, and drivetrain setup. It falls in a price range that starts a little under the shade of $31,000 to $39,650 for the top-rack variant. It includes basic specifications like heated mirrors, leather upholstery, and keyless entry.

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While all trims of the Toyota Avalon come equipped with price-adequate features, the XLE Touring is the most sought-after and coveted offering in the lineup. At $35,500, the Touring variant adds features like a blind spot monitor, premium sound system, and fog lamps. The diminutive price difference from the base variant, makes the XLE Touring a viable option.

The Toyota Avalon is available with a single-engine option; neither are any upgrades available nor are they required. The engine that sits under the hood of the Avalon is strong and spearheaded in its performance. Its 3.5L V6 engine is good for 268hp and 248lb.-ft of power and torque respectively and are the lowest outputs in the segment. 

It comes mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift and is available as a front-wheel-drive variant only. While specific performance figures are not known, Toyota’s acceleration test and quarter-mile timings fall in a range of 6-7.7 and 14.6-15.9 seconds respectively, giving it a competitive stand in the segment.

In comparison, all four cars in the segment make use of a V6 engine setup. While the Nissan Maxima is married to a CVT transmission and is channeled as a front-wheel-drive variant, the Chrysler 300 and Buick Lacrosse are attached to 6- and 8-speed automatic transmission setups respectively and send power to all wheels of the vehicle. In the acceleration test and quarter-mile run, it is the Nissan Maxima that is the fastest and quickest clocking 5.8 and 14.3 seconds respectively.

The Toyota Avalon’s performance does not come at the cost of its efficiency. It is the most fuel-efficient sedan in the segment and consequently, does not create a dent in the buyer’s pocket. The Avalon averages mileage of 21 and 31 MPG in the city and on the highway respectively. 

Combined, it manages 25 miles per gallon of fuel. Both individually and combined, the Avalon returns the highest figures. Its fuel tank; however, is the least voluminous in the segment and has a total capacity of 17-gallons. It can cover 357 miles when cruising through the streets of New York and 527 miles on the highway.

In comparison, the Nissan Maxima, Chrysler 300, and Buick Lacrosse are less efficient averaging combined mileage of 22, 21, and 20 miles per gallon of fuel. The Maxima sports the largest fuel tank in the segment that has a total volume of 20-gallons. In terms of the range covered, all four sedans manage a competitive distance.

The dual-tone interior of the Toyota Avalon looks upmarket and plush, and so does the leather-wrapped steering wheel and the striking infotainment system that sits centrally. The gauge cluster that sits behind the steering wheel is a combination of digital screens and analog dials. The use of illustrious and superlative materials renders an appealing look to the cabin. The central armrest between the driver and passenger seats is sturdy in its build and houses a storage compartment beneath it. There are other storage bins in the cabin and the front and rear cupholders add practicality to the cabin.

The Toyota Avalon can seat five passengers, which is also the segment standard. The seats of the Avalon offer supreme comfort and are adequately bolstered and cushioned to provide under-thigh, knee, and lumbar support. However, the ride quality of the Avalon is stiff and seems to be the only problem in a rather unblemished car. The cargo capacity on offer is also one of the highest in the segment with a total trunk volume of 16 cubic feet.

In comparison, while the Nissan Maxima has maximum legroom for front-seat occupants, the rear seat passengers will have a leisurely time in the Buick Lacrosse. In terms of cargo capacity, the Chrysler 300 leads the segment with a total trunk volume of 16.3 cubic feet, while Buick’s storage of 13.3 cubic feet is considerably low. Some standout interior features of the Toyota Avalon include:

• Dual Zone Front Climate Control
• Trunk Light
• Interior Air Filtration
• Front and Rear Cupholders
• Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
• Heated Mirrors

How intuitive is the Toyota Avalon’s infotainment system?

The Toyota Avalon’s infotainment system is hi-tech and advanced even from its base variant. With the base variant, a 6.1-inch display screen is the center of attraction and gets Bluetooth connectivity and an iPod interface. With the top-level trim, the system features a 7-inch screen. 

The XLE Premium, Touring, and Limited gets connected to a rearview camera and also features Toyota’s trademark Entune software. All sound systems available with the different trims deliver exceptional performance. While the infotainment system is heavily equipped, it does lack intuitiveness. Some other specifications include:

• Video Monitor
• Auxiliary Audio Input
• CD Changer
• CD Player
• MP3 Player
• USB Connection

The Toyota Avalon’s biggest update with the 2013 iteration is the update of its design. The Avalon now looks as stunning as ever. The modernity in its design is evident in each element and the manner in which each curve and line has been dealt with adds an element of grace. The head and tail lights look as long as the car itself and the chrome embellishments that surround the front grille and door panes look plush and upmarket.

The Toyota Avalon is the lightest car in the segment and has a curb weight of 3505 lbs. It is 195.3 inches long, 72.2 inches wide, and 57.5 inches tall. While its ground clearance is not known, the wheelbase is 111 inches.

In the segment, the Chrysler is the longest and widest car in the segment at 198.6 and 58.4 inches respectively. Courtesy of its overall length, the Chrysler also sports the longest wheelbase at 120.2 inches and is one of the reasons for ample legroom for rear-seat passengers. The Buick Lacrosse is the tallest car in the segment at 59.2 inches. The Chrysler is also the heaviest car in the segment at 4029 lbs followed by the Buick, Nissan, and Toyota at 3800, 3568, and 3505 lbs respectively. Salient exterior features include:

• Door Edge Guards
• Special Paint
• Protection Film
• Wheel Locks

The new Toyota Avalon scores a 5-star rating in the crash tests conducted by the NHTSA. It makes use of a 4-wheel disc brake system and comes equipped with driver and passenger airbags and a rear head airbag. As standard, it features active and passive safety specifications that include brake assist, daytime running lights, and traction control. With the XLE Touring and Limited variants of the Avalon, a blind-spot monitor and cross-traffic alert are made available at the user’s disposal. Some other safety specifications include:

• Emergency Trunk Release
• Electronic Stability Control
• Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors
• Child Safety Locks
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Anti-Theft Alarm System

The Toyota Avalon is an all-around vehicle and with the revision of the design elements, it now commands a more noticeable and praiseworthy position in the segment. Its engine performance is class-competing while leading the pack with its well-to-do fuel efficiency. Its cabin has a lavish and deluxe aura to it and is chock full of practical and pragmatic features. 

Its hi-tech and advanced infotainment features add an element of excitement to the ride but lack intuitiveness. While the Avalon’s likable performance does not compromise on safety, we would have liked it if the ride quality was a little less stiff. However, if you take into consideration every single aspect of Avalon’s performance, there is no other car like it in the segment.