2018 Toyota Avalon Review

Raise your swords and all hail the King of Toyota saloon cars

By Shahzad Sheikh

Click below now to watch my video of the Toyota Avalon review

This is the all-new fifth-generation Toyota Avalon. It’s not directly based on the Camry, but rather on the Lexus ES which is slightly longer.

IMG_1887-HDR

The Avalon actually replaced the Cressida which ruled in Japanese saloons in the region right up to the early 90s.

IMG_1857-HDR

But why the name Avalon? Toyota has a tradition of naming their saloons after some aspect of royalty and Avalon is the mythical island in the legends of King Arthur where the fabled sword, Excalibur, was forged.

IMG_1770-HDR

So does that mean the new front-wheel drive Avalon is a bit of a weapon? Well it has the familiar 3.5-litre V6 that also sits in the ES and also range-topping Camrys. It puts out about 300bhp through an 8-speed auto.

IMG_1902-HDR

It’s priced from AED144,900 ($40k) for the SE+ and AED164,900 ($45k) for the limited grade. Just for comparison the Lexus ES ranges from AED195,000 to AED245,000 – see my review of that car here. And Camry reviews can be found here.

IMG_1863-HDR

One of the most prominent and obvious visual features of the Avalon is obviously its front grille – Toyota was keen to distinguish the car and make it stand apart from both its relatives. The sharp lines continue into the sides and supposedly converge into afterburner motifs at the rear.

IMG_1890-HDR

Inside though it really raises the game with a quality crafted interior and packed with equipment. And of course high levels of comfort and space both front and rear.

IMG_1842-HDR

To drive it’s keener and a little more enjoyable to drive than it’s ever been, with great performance and larger brakes and of course good body composure both on motorways and whilst cornering.

IMG_1881-HDR

Frankly if you really want to step up from a Camry and need a little more space, previously you might have thought to trade up to the entry-level Lexus saloon, but now the flagship Toyota four-door will stop you exiting the showroom and grab your attention big time.

IMG_1830-HDR

It’s a logical and practical choice giving good feel-good factor and more than enough boot space to store Excalibur.

IMG_1732-HDRSquareExcalibur

IMG_1821-HDR

IMG_1800-HDR

IMG_1755-HDR

IMG_1779-HDR

IMG_1875-HDR

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.