2010 Toyota Avalon

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Toyota Avalon gets enough power from its V6 engine to handle most situations, and has highway passing power. Its handling isn't sport-sedan crisp, but it is nimble for its size.  Those looking for a more athletic full-size sedan might be interested in the new Ford Taurus, available in sporty SHO trim.

• "Not surprisingly, the Toyota Avalon is at its best on the open highway." -- Edmunds
• "Plush feel, as expected from a large car such as this, though there's too much float over dips and crests for some tastes. Avalon nicely smothers small bumps, ruts, and expansion joints." -- Consumer Guide

Acceleration and Power

The 2010 Toyota Avalon is powered by a 3.5-liter V6, making 268 horsepower.  It comes only with a six-speed automatic transmission, which can be shifted manually.  The combination is good for an EPA estimated 19 mpg city/28 highway - one of the most impressive numbers available in a large sedan.  It's also good for as much acceleration as you'll need day-to-day, though the Avalon has no muscle car pretensions.

• "The Avalon is superior under the hood as well." -- Car and Driver
• "The cabin remains quiet, the ultra-smooth V6 engine has plenty of passing power and the suspension swallows up road imperfections without drama." -- Edmunds

Handling and Braking

No one is going to mistake the Avalon for a great performance car, but handles well enough on winding roads to meet the needs of most drivers.  Despite the car's huge size, it has a tight turning radius reviewers like.  It is relatively easy to maneuver into a parking spot, for such a large car.  Reviewers find its brakes strong, but note that the car dips hard under heavy braking.

• "Fairly supple and quiet ride." -- Forbes
• "The Avalon is no athlete, but this full-size Toyota carries itself with reasonable composure on winding roads. The steering is too light to feel sporty, but it responds to driver input in a precise, fluid manner. Additionally, a tidy turning circle makes the Avalon feel unexpectedly nimble on tight city streets." -- Edmunds
• "Strong brakes are easy to modulate, but simulated panic stops induced marked nosedive." -- Consumer Guide