2011 Toyota Avalon Overview Change Vehicle

This 2011 Toyota Avalon overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2011 Avalon, and includes Toyota Avalon safety, reliability, and fuel economy information.

Ask the random on the street to name a Toyota sedan, and chances are you’ll hear the names Camry or Corolla. Those models are built for, and appeal to, the masses, whereas the larger and more luxurious Toyota Avalon is intended to attract buyers who seek something more upscale, yet don’t want to visit a Lexus dealership to get it.

For 2011, the Avalon arrives with a mildly restyled exterior accented by new lights and a broader grille, a revised lineup comprised of two rather than three trim levels, an updated interior featuring a redesigned dashboard, and amenities including a relocated touch-screen navigation system with real-time traffic information, Bluetooth connectivity, and a universal garage door opener integrated with a backup monitor that’s built into the rearview mirror. As an added bonus, the base Avalon model is equipped with more standard niceties, such as a power moonroof, leather upholstery and a reclining rear seat.

In addition to standard features like the leather seats and power sliding moonroof, the base 2011 Toyota Avalon arrives on dealers’ lots with standard Bluetooth, XM satellite radio, a USB port, power mirrors with integrated turn signals, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. The list goes on to include aluminum wheels and trim, power-adjustable front seats, faux woodgrain interior accents, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with secondary audio controls. As one might expect, the 2011 Avalon can be ordered with a variety of desirable options, ranging from a voice-activated navigation unit with XM NavTraffic to a 660-watt JBL sound system.

Buyers who don’t find what they’re looking for in the base Avalon are encouraged to check out the Limited model, which is where they’ll find a push-button ignition system, HID headlights, perforated leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, and a power sunshade for the rear window. Opt for the Avalon Limited and you’ll also get the JBL audio system as standard equipment, but the voice-activated, touch-screen navigation feature remains optional.

All 2011 Toyota Avalon models are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 with 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque, all of which makes its way to the front wheels courtesy of a six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift control. EPA estimates of 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway are up from last year, when fuel economy measured 19 and 28 mpg, respectively.

Anyone who has followed the news over the past couple of years knows that Toyota was involved in a massive safety recall related to accelerator pedals. These issues have been addressed, and models like the 2011 Avalon feature redesigned components as a result.

If there’s any lingering doubt concerning safety, this year’s Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) should help put them to rest. Due to new testing and scoring methods, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had yet to publish its findings for front- and side-impact protection at the time of this writing, though we can tell you that the Avalon earns four out of five stars for its ability to resist rollover. Serving to assist in the overall safety effort are seven airbags, stability control, ABS, brake assist, and electronic brake force distribution.

In terms of reliability, Consumer Reports predicts the Avalon will provide average dependability over time. J.D. Power and Associates is more optimistic, predicting that dependability will prove to be better than average over time. Notably, every 2011 Avalon comes with a two-year/25,000-mile Toyota Care plan that provides roadside assistance and free scheduled maintenance.

Admittedly, we’ve often viewed the Toyota Avalon as a bit of a wallflower, always knowing in the back of our minds that it was there but not seeing reason to pay it much attention. However, a week spent with the updated 2011 model reminded us of the sedan’s core strengths: a comfortable and commendably spacious cabin, smooth driving dynamics, and an appropriate level of performance paired with noteworthy highway fuel economy. Yes, its softly sprung chassis and light steering are comparable to the stereotypical Buick (ironically, more so than any current Buick model), but for the car buyer who prefers effortless cruisability over cornering prowess, the 2011 Avalon is a perfect fit.

By Thom Blackett