Life tends to throw us curveballs and the newest one got here within the type of Toyota saying plans to discontinue the Avalon, lower than 24 hours earlier than a 2021 Avalon TRD was dropped off at my doorstep.

Whereas the timing was lower than superb, there’s no cause to pout because the TRD variant is the sportiest and most uncommon Avalon ever created. That being mentioned, it’s discontinued for the 2022 mannequin 12 months so this evaluate is a little bit of a final hurrah for the Avalon TRD and the Avalon normally.

The Offended Avalon

Whereas some sporty variations of enormous sedans have usually been sleepers, the Avalon TRD actually doesn’t fly below the radar because it options an aggressive physique equipment with crimson pinstriping. It screams for consideration and consists of a entrance splitter, prolonged aspect skirts, a rear diffuser and a trunk-mounted spoiler.

Because the Avalon TRD relies on the XSE variant, it additionally comes outfitted with an aggressive entrance fascia that incorporates a gloss black grille with mesh inserts. It’s flanked by LED headlights with smoked chrome bezels and the mannequin is actually the angriest Avalon ever created.

Additionally: Toyota Avalon Being Dropped After 2022 Mannequin 12 months

The darkish theme continues additional again because the mannequin has black mirrors and window surrounds in addition to a Midnight Black Metallic roof. They’re joined by 19-inch matte black wheels, that are 18 lbs (8.2 kg) lighter than these discovered on the Avalon XSE.

Rounding out the highlights are a diminished journey peak and a cat-back exhaust system. The latter sounds surprisingly good for a V6 sedan, particularly in Sport mode.

A Stylish Cabin With A Contact Of Sport

As Toyota’s range-topping mainstream sedan, the Avalon is positively plush however the TRD takes issues in a sportier path. That is instantly obvious as drivers will discover perforated SofTex seats with ultrasuede inserts in addition to crimson distinction stitching.  The entrance seats even have heating and eight-way energy adjustment in addition to TRD embroidery on the headrests.

Designers didn’t cease there because the mannequin options real aluminum trim and crimson seat belts. They’re joined by aluminum pedal covers, a TRD-branded shifter and black flooring mats with crimson accents.

Sporty styling cues apart, the Avalon has an upscale inside with a 7-inch multi-information show within the instrument cluster and a 9-inch infotainment system. The latter rises out of the middle console, a bit just like the show within the newest Mercedes S-Class.

Nevertheless, that’s the place the similarities to the S-Class finish because the Avalon’s infotainment system feels somewhat dated because of its old fashioned graphics. That being mentioned, it’s simple and intuitive to make use of as there’s a useful residence display screen in addition to bodily knobs and buttons. Customers can even discover speech recognition expertise in addition to Amazon Alexa, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

The Avalon TRD additionally comes outfitted with gentle contact plastics and properly padded surfaces. They’re joined by top quality switchgear, metallic accents, and normal gear equivalent to a dual-zone automated local weather management system, a wi-fi smartphone charger, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Our tester was additionally outfitted with a 14-speaker JBL premium audio system, which is a pleasant step up from the usual 8-speaker setup.

That brings us to the Avalon’s fundamental promoting level: the super-sized inside. Whereas the mannequin rides on the identical TNGA platform because the Camry, the Avalon’s bigger dimensions are instantly welcomed by again seaters.

There’s a formidable 40.3 inches (1,024 mm) of legroom within the second row and that is 2.3 inches (58 mm) greater than the Camry. Whereas the latter isn’t precisely missing in house, the rear seats within the Avalon are spectacular as they permit occupants to sit back, chill out and even put their toes up.

I’ve been lucky sufficient to be chauffeured round in a variety of Avalons through the years, and seeing the large sedan pull as much as the curb is at all times an enormous aid after spending just a few hours cooped up in an airplane. Moreover providing tons of legroom, there’s greater than sufficient headroom on the again to maintain this 6’ 2” reviewer blissful.

Talking of house, the trunk is worthy of a Sopranos reboot as you can simply retailer a few clever guys inside. In additional sensible phrases, there’s 16.1 cubic toes (456 liters) of baggage room and that’s a cubic foot (28 liters) greater than the Camry. That’s a large distinction and the rear seats may be folded down for those who want additional room.

With A 301 HP V6, It’s No Sleeper

Because the Avalon TRD doesn’t seem like a sleeper, it in all probability shouldn’t be a shock that it doesn’t carry out like one both. That’s actually the case as energy comes from a well-known 3.5-liter V6 with 301 hp (224 kW / 305 PS) and 267 lb-ft (362 Nm) of torque.

Whereas the engine is shared with tamer variations of the sedan, it has loads of energy and fairly fast reflexes. We wouldn’t essentially name the Avalon TRD quick, nevertheless it is aware of methods to hustle and sounds fairly good as well.

The V6 is paired to a easy shifting eight-speed automated transmission and drivers can get in on the motion because of steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The mannequin additionally comes with a Sport mode that fits its character, though Eco and Regular modes are additionally obtainable. Whereas the latter permits for a barely extra relaxed driving expertise, Eco mode is successfully torture because the throttle response is dumbed all the way down to excruciating ranges.

On the subject of economic system, the Avalon TRD has an EPA-estimated score of twenty-two mpg metropolis, 31 mpg freeway and 25 mpg mixed. That bests rivals such because the Chrysler 300 and Nissan Maxima, however we solely averaged 24.1 mpg after every week of testing. After all, we’ll throw in our traditional disclaimer about intensive idling for picture and video shoots.

With regards to efficiency, it’s not possible to not point out the competitors as you possibly can choose up a Chrysler 300S V8 for $43,815. The Chrysler not solely undercuts the Avalon TRD’s base worth of $44,150, nevertheless it incorporates a 5.7-liter V8 that produces 363 hp (271 kW / 368 PS) and 394 lb-ft (534 Nm) of torque.

If that isn’t highly effective sufficient, the Dodge Charger Scat Pack undercuts the Avalon TRD by $880 and incorporates a 6.4-liter V8 with 485 hp (362 kW / 492 PS) and 475 lb-ft (644 Nm) of torque. Dodge notes the mannequin “gives probably the most horsepower per greenback of any sedan within the trade” and might run from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) within the “low 4-second vary.” That’s practically two seconds faster than the Toyota and it’s not onerous to imagine given the large energy hole.

Consolation Meets Sport

If the Avalon TRD isn’t about straight line efficiency, you may be asking your self what’s the purpose? The reply is dealing with because it has a track-tuned suspension that was extensively examined at proving grounds in Arizona and Japan in addition to the MotorSport Ranch in Texas.

Moving into specifics, the sedan advantages from thicker underbody braces that assist to extend torsional rigidity. It additionally rides on distinctive coil springs that decrease the journey peak by 0.6 inches (15 mm) and scale back the middle of gravity.

The adjustments don’t cease there because the Avalon TRD has been outfitted with particular shock absorbers and stiffer stabilizer bars. They assist to extend roll stiffness 44 % up entrance and 67 % out again.

The adjustments are simple to understand because the Avalon TRD options improved dealing with and a sportier journey that doesn’t really feel floaty. You additionally by no means get the impression you’re driving an enormous sedan that measures practically 196 inches (4,978 mm) lengthy. These are notable accomplishments and drivers may even take issues up a notch by choosing summer season tires.

Much more remarkably, the automotive is impressively comfy because the adjustments haven’t marred the Avalon’s journey high quality. Minor highway imperfections are barely noticeable and even Michigan’s freeway humps solely lead to a modest thump. The expertise is Avalon by way of and thru, only a bit sportier.

Getting again to dynamics, the Avalon TRD is provided with an upgraded braking system that options bigger entrance discs in addition to dual-piston calipers. The discs measure 12.9 inches (328 mm) entrance and 11.6 inches (295 mm) rear, whereas Toyota notes the brakes have additionally been tuned to offer extra direct suggestions. The latter is difficult to understand with no back-to-back comparability, however the brakes supply loads of stopping energy though there’s a little bit of journey earlier than they actually kick in.

Lastly, the Avalon has a responsive electrical energy steering system which is a bit mild given the automotive’s sporty positioning. It doesn’t present plenty of suggestions, however that is an Avalon in any case.

A Comfy Cruiser Reaching Retirement

The Avalon TRD is somewhat absurd, nevertheless it’s onerous to argue with the outcomes because the mannequin efficiently blends a cushty journey with a sportier driving expertise. Throw in some playful touches and a little bit of enjoyable, and that is clearly probably the most thrilling Avalon ever created.

That being mentioned, the TRD variant is an Avalon to its core. This implies drivers can count on a spacious and comforting inside, however the mannequin comes up mild within the sporting division and it’s onerous to get excited when V8 muscle is offered elsewhere for much less.

That brings us to the approaching dying of the Avalon in North America. The mannequin shall be discontinued on the finish of the 2022 mannequin 12 months and this can mark the top of a journey that started practically three many years in the past.

The Avalon has modified quite a bit through the years, nevertheless it has constructed a status for being a cushty and dependable giant sedan.  Nevertheless, the section has been shrinking and rivals such because the Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Impala, Ford Taurus, Hyundai Azera and Kia Cadenza have already fallen by the wayside. These deaths are the results of shifting shopper preferences and it’s onerous to fault Toyota’s entry because it has practically all the things you can need in a big sedan.