After Bob Carter was done addressing that whole recall thing, he moved on to the mildly refreshed 2011 Toyota Avalon. No doubt Bob would have liked to talk about the Avalon right from the start, but it's probably better that he didn't, as there isn't much to say.
As you can see, the 2011 Avalon is not a full redesign, more like a minor styling update. The grille was reworked a little and the headlights updated to include "light pipes" to give the Avalon a more recognizable look at night. Extra chrome was added down the side, along with redesigned rocker panels that give it a slightly different profile. Out back, the taillights get light pipes just like the front, along with a reshaped bumper.
Most of the changes to the interior are upgrades rather than redesigns. Higher-quality materials and a few new finishes are the only things you're likely to notice. Toyota says it increased the size of the seating ventilation area and quality of the stitching, too, if you're into that kind of stuff. Most of the electronics were updated, too. Bluetooth connectivity, an iPod connection and a USB port are now standard, while the optional navigation system was updated to include more detailed maps and full keyboard for inputting destinations. A rearview camera is also standard even if you don't get the navigation system.
Nothing changes under the hood, so all Avalons will continue to feature Toyota's 3.5-liter V6 with 268 horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission. Sales of the 2011 Avalon will begin this spring, and yes, it will have the redesigned gas pedal.
More pics after the jump.
1487 says:
11:41 AM, 02/10/10
Toyota needs to import designers from VW or GM ASAP. Another stereotypically bland Japanese exterior design. The front end is a mess although the interior is a lot better. The overhangs on this car are huge.
kingkhalas says:
11:46 AM, 02/10/10
booooring
rollk says:
12:42 PM, 02/10/10
Boring, yes, but the car isn't designed for trendy customers, not even for middle-aged families. It's for people in their late fifties/sixties who cannot afford a Lexus LS and since Buick is now too "modern' for some people, the Avalon is one of the few only conservative choices...
arumage says:
02:00 PM, 02/10/10
The 2011 Hyundai Azera is still conservatively styled and has more hp and nearly the same gas mileage.
roar02ram says:
05:02 PM, 02/10/10
Too bad the Touring trim is still dead. Looks like a Hyundai, though. I think that's a compliment to Hyundai, but a slur against Toyota. Whatever.
kingfish4 says:
05:36 PM, 02/10/10
Does the in dash navigation have programed as home, the local Toyota service department?
greenpony says:
06:40 PM, 02/10/10
It's what a Buick would look like if GM had continued to be out of touch with American tastes.
93aero says:
06:49 PM, 02/10/10
Still looks like a Subaru Legacy from the front...minus the badge and grill obviously.....
cah11705 says:
07:51 PM, 02/10/10
Good thing most people who buy these can barely see them anyways
alman08 says:
10:04 PM, 02/10/10
buy Korean
mazdamike17 says:
10:18 PM, 02/10/10
Very interesting, while I usually hate this new Toyota head light design being put on ever car from Corolla, Camry, and Avalon, it actually looks pretty good here. But it looks way to much like the Camry, and its supposed to look nicer and different, but looks nearly the same. I do like what they did with the tail lights, and the interior is a huge improvement. It looks awesome, much better then the current model. The front end isn't bad, just wish it was more unique... Would definitely take the Lacrosse over this thought...
jyym says:
10:22 PM, 02/10/10
Aren't refreshes supposed to improve upon the looks of the original?
1487 says:
05:22 AM, 02/11/10
You have to get past the exterior to see the improved interior- not that Avalon owners care much about exterior styling.
cr_driver says:
05:29 PM, 02/11/10
I see no improvement cause I really don`t know the old interior cause I really don`t care about the avalon, LOL
notabigdeal says:
10:17 PM, 02/11/10
If you think Hyundai cars are boring... this is the very definition of boring.
to626n says:
11:48 PM, 02/11/10
I was hoping for a complete redesign, but this is a pretty dramatic refresh. Much improved inside and out. I'm sure Edmunds and most other automotive mags will pan this car for not driving like a Ferrari, but for everyone else that doesn't drive on racetracks everyday the Avalon is a great car.
gharry says:
09:34 AM, 02/12/10
This is one big hunk 'o YAWN.
zoomzoomn says:
05:35 AM, 02/15/10
Yaaaaaawn.