2013 Toyota Avalon - Drive Time Review with Steve Hammes | TestDriveNow

[@lambodp]

Consider that buying the Avalon starts with a V6 base engine, while the Camry starts with a 4 cylinder. To upgrade to the V6 option, you are at a very similar price point, and the Avalon is a much better car at that point. Better styling, interior, and luxury feel. Being 24 and buying a new Avalon, I can attest to the younger buyer wanting this car.

[@Stere0guy]

You are right Steve. I looked at the specs and even though the Avalon is about 6 inches longer and 0.5 inches wider the interior and trunk space is almost identical. They share the same engine, transmission, and fuel tank size as well. The Avalon does give us a more upscale look and finish though.

[@Toyota4Life]

Love the new design. Looks even better with the bigger sporty wheels. The interior is the BEST in class and the best I ever seen in a Toyota in the USA. This and the Camry have nothing in common this is a much better car I dont see how anyone would drive this and sit in it and confuse it with a Camry. No way. Great Job Toyota look the looks, interoir, mpg and performance. If I was to buy a Toyota this would be it

[@carsnstuff1344]

I just bought a low mileage 2011 Avalon Limited. It seems like more car than this next gen model. Has 2 tone leather, the aforementioned reclining rear seats, more interior room, and the softer ride that seems to have been lost with the new iteration.

[@stevehammes]

It's not so much negative as it is why? The Avalon needs a place of its own that's not so close to a Camry.

[@mrw23]

Spectacular design!

[@grovermcwilliams1393]

I love the Avalon I have a 03 but now I want a 2010 Avalon limited

[@celsorod]

I have an 07' , and its the best car ive owned. It does just about everything other cars can do better. But its looks arent tryin to let you know it does.

[@jonajs98]

They are all related. The newer ES and Avalon are somewhat different from the Camry, but the older ES, older Avalon, and the older Camry rode on the same platform.

[@nmende00]

Steve complains that it doesn't ride well through potholes lol.Use the improved handling to avoid them!

[@TheRam010]

Hey Steve, wasn't satellite radio standard on the previous Avalon model?? Was extremely disappointed when I hopped in a new Avalon on the rental lot recently and realized there was no satellite radio like last year's models. Thought maybe they just excluded it for the fleet cars, but apparently not. Nice car, but lacks the content one would expect to be standard. Looks like I'll be sticking with Taurus's and 300's when I choose a premium car for extended business trips.

[@TimJoseph08031990]

The Hyundai Azera is better if you want a base upscale family sedan. Navigation is standard, but a higher end audio system with sunroof is an option package.

[@willoverkill]

Good review Steve, keen observations! Sounds like this should have just been the new Camry rather than the new Avalon?

[@jazzdude904]

The driving quality is much better than a Camry and the styling is much more high quality. I don't see much of the Camry in this Avalon.

[@t3true-games]

Avalon is the Camry for people who don't want to say they drive a Camry

[@RealtimeReviews613]

Any word on the 2013 toyota venza stevo

[@jonajs98]

Wasn't the older Avalon a stretched version of the Camry's? Like how the Highlander is a raised version of the Camry platform.

[@igeekone]

So it's basically a Camry with a different body and nicer features. I also don't like Toyota's new direction of firmer suspensions, because we don't always have perfectly smooth roads.

[@coolerdude44]

It's a shame to see automakers forget who their target market is. Looks like they wanted to move the avalon more in-line with Nissan's Maxima, but in my opinion they went about it all wrong. Avalon loyalists (if such a group exists) will hate this car's new sporty demeanor, and Maxima buyers simply won't consider the Avalon because of its reputation. In my opinion, Toyota should have killed the Avalon name and called this something else. In the mean time, Avalonists will now buy the Azera.

[@Tyopozzx]

The 2013 Toyota Avalon may now be considered mid size like the Toyota Camry but the exterior of the Avalon looks much better and the interior is more luxurious. These are very different cars which is obvious.

[@football2008]

Looks nice but not $35,000-37,000 nice. I guess maybe if I was into it more. I would love to drive one though

[@TheSouthernGentMan]

I feel like this Avalon is going to cause Camry sales to decrease. I'd much rather see this in my driveway than the current Camry.

[@CodeXana]

Everything about the car is amazing, but the dash needs a lot of work to be up to standards...

[@KhrissyDaDon]

Steve I love your reviews and I really respect you and your OPINIONS, but you're the first person I've heard say so some many negatives about this Gen Avalon.

[@blacuraRL]

It looks 1000000000x better than a camry.

[@76carmel]

This Avalon has so many mixed reviews. For instance, Motor Trend asks, "Why upgrade to the Lexus ES?" You'd still want a little float in a large sedan. I think Toyota tried too hard and try to make a comfortable sedan a German sport sedan. Most Avalon shoppers want a smooth cruise with a large passenger capacity. Sure, you want a little sport, but why? Hard to believe to say this, but Toyota may have gone too far with their good thing. Steve is saying that, and so do other reviewers.

[@jonajs98]

And an ES is a spruced up Camry.

[@EvanderSmart]

Steve is off in this one. Comparing it to the Camry, and not the direct competition, is missing the point. The Avalon is MUCH more upscale and expensive in styling inside and out. They did a great job with interior materials, the HVAC system is innovative, and the available paddle shifters give a sports sedan feel for younger drivers. As was said before, it is a much more stylish and luxurious, a better Nissan Maxima It's not a Buick knockoff anymore, and leaves those who want more coddling to go to the Lexus ES, the plan all along. Great way to separate the Avalon from the Lexus.

[@76carmel]

+Bitcoin Video University I also think this is an alternate to the Lexus ES. And you can save over $6000+ with an Avalon as compared with an ES.

[@Lukos0036]

I think I would rather have that TDI Passat.

[@clock959]

It looks like the old Avalon's gas pedal got stuck and it collided with the new Azera. ...another toyota FAIL just look at the center dash instrument layout...looks big enough to install an Etch A Sketch.

[@henrybrar]

go buy yourself jack in the box 99 cents tacos to celebrate.

[@Gravitas37]

This reviewer is dead wrong about it being too similar to the Camry. I think the current Camry is one of the ugliest cars on the road while this Avalon looks sharp.

[@jazzdude904]

The Avalon is nothing like the Camry.

[@badrfs]

Its camry in middlest

[@TheCireMC]

Good job Toyota...a step backwards!

[@97I30T]

This car looks like a catfish or some other bottom feeding creature with that gaping lower grill. It's not a very good look in my opinion

[@KingFC163]

First

[@CHAINSLAYER121]

Hey steve could you review a 2013 ford f250 platinum edition?