It looks like Toyota missed the efficiency mark here. The Avalon’s V6 engine is rated at 268 horsepower and 248 lbs. ft. of torque, which will propel the new sedan to 60 mph in under seven seconds. Performance took precedence.
Toyota claims its new 2013 Avalon is 110 lbs. lighter than the 2012 model, at 3,461 lbs. compared to 3,571 for the 2012 model. When Avalon arrives at dealerships later this fall, it will be the lightest-weight vehicle in the premium mid-size segment, according to the world’s largest automaker.
This is a claim without a real distinction, though. The V6 powered Avalon is EPA-rated at 25 mpg combined and 21 city, 31 highway – good since the old car was 23/19/28, but not exactly world beating. For comparison consider the Buick La Crosse, which comes standard with a mild hybrid or e-assist system, is rated at 29 combined, 25 city and 36 highway. Hyundai Sonata is rated 28/24/35 combined. The Taurus also leads Toyota at 26/22/32 highway. Nissan Altima is 25/21/32, although it is rated a mid-size car by EPA. Of the popular cars in the full-size class, the Toyota is only ahead of the Chevrolet Impala /22/18/29.
It looks like Toyota missed the efficiency mark here. The Avalon’s all-aluminum six-cylinder engine is rated at 268 horsepower and 248 lbs. ft. of torque, which will propel the new sedan to 60 mph in under seven seconds as performance took precedence over gas sipping. It’s an interesting gambit in a family car segment, perhaps Akio Toyoda is spending too much time with BMW.
“Roads make cars,” said Toyoda. “The Nürburgring has taught me so… But at the Nürburgring, there is always a car that passes me. It is a BMW.”
For the green marketing wars, Toyota has an as yet un-priced Avalon Hybrid with a 2.5-liter, Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine, a 244.8-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack, and a pair of electric motor/generators within the transaxle. The Avalon Hybrid has a total system output of 200 horsepower and offers three modes of operation: EV, ECO and SPORT. Avalon Hybrid models are projected to achieve an EPA-rated 40 mpg in the city, and a 39 mpg on the highway for a combined 40 mpg EPA-rating. If the final numbers are even close, then it looks like a segment leader. (Although older buyers in this segment aren’t much interested in new fangled technology. See People Under 35 Most Interested in Hybrids. Older Buyers Yawn)
This is the same powertrain used in the new Lexus ES 300 hybrid, which comes from the same platform. The heavier Lexus 300h is expected to earn EPA fuel economy ratings of approximately 39 mpg combined, 40 mpg city, 39 mpg highway. The hybrid engine is notable for its electric water pump, electric power steering, and an integrated hybrid electric motor/generator, meaning there are no accessory belts. The beltless setup should help improve fuel economy and overall reliability for what is already one of the most reliable cars on the planet. Sales of the Toyota’s hybrid vehicles have long surpassed 4 million units globally. (See 2013 Lexus ES 350 Starts at $36,995, Hybrid at $2,750 Premium)
With its strong styling, the uncommonly handsome Avalon – assuming competitive pricing – will nonetheless present the Ford Taurus, Buick La Crosse and Chevrolet Impala with strong competition this fall in a full-size car segment once dominated by the Detroit Three. And for the bargain shoppers, Avalon will challenge the new Lexus as well.
