Yes, but Toyota positions it as their flagship. Toyota should offer more downmarket options for it like they do the Camry and essentially make it for people that want something bigger than the Camry, not necessarily for those that want an entry level luxury sedan (since that's what the ES is).

I think the Avalon could find a big niche in the market if it were repositioned, since I don't think in it's current form it compares well with the more powerful more upscale competition (Taurus, Maxima, LaCrosse)

 

I think Toyota is a bit overloaded in this market segment. Avalon doesn't offer much more over a loaded Camry except a little extra interior room making the Avalon a curious case. Then Lexus has the ES 350 which offers less room but more luxury and then there's the GS 350 slightly above that. All sedans at approximately the same size and fitment with available or standard V6 and trim. If there's one car Toyota could do without it's the Avalon.

 

If this is the kind of treatment Toyota is going to give their flagship, then they might as well just discontinue it. This is NOT a redesign. It's simply yet another "refresh" (the last one being for MY 2008). I can't recall Toyota ever refreshing the same model twice within the same generation, so this is clearly a first. Must be part of Toyota's new "cost-cutting" strategy I guess we should expect more of these "refreshed redesigns" coming from them in the future? Sad days for Toyota indeed...

 

You're right. The Toyota Pressroom led me to believe that 2005 was the last model year for the 2nd-gen, but a Google image search proves that you're right and I'm wrong.

I'm beginning to wonder if this is like the JDM 2nd-gen Toyota Mark X where an all-new model looks so close to the previous one that it looks like a mid-term facelift instead. That 2nd-gen Toyota Mark X had me fooled until someone pointed out the difference in the front fender.

Might this new Avalon be a similar situation?

 

Why does Toyota continue to use Lexus styling cues both interior and exterior??????

I dont want Lexus being mistaken for Toyotas. I believe this problem has escalated in recent years especially when u talk about exterior design. Its embarassing that a company like Toyota can't develop 2 separate design philosophies.

Solara had SC design cues.
Camry has LS & GS design cues.
Avalon now has ES & LS design cues.

The HS looks like a damn Corolla.
The LX & GX is a rebadge of Toyotas.

The IS, RX, and LFA are only cars that are origal desings not really being copied by Toyota models.

BTW this is not to say the styling itself is not good of both Lexus and Toyota.....I like some of the designs, I just dont like that more and more Lex looks like a Toyota.

 

Should be a redesign IMO as well.. That design is a like what 5 years old or older. We need a redesign something with better design cues and better wheels..

 

Why not AWD? Toyota has had pleant of experience with it. I'd bet that the Avalon sales would get a boost if that were offered as an option. Otherwise, as previously stated, rather boring, but nice cruiser.

 

I agree with you, but that's the topic of a new thread

 

The ES and even HS need AWD options before Toyota even thinks about putting that option in the Avalon.

Anyway, I think Toyota wants to position the Venza as the AWD family cruiser.

 

historically avalon never was a looker. but in this segment 'comfort' is all you need. it's a car for some one who wants a sound deadening large car.

 

Old people are looking for more efficient vehicles. I see em in hybrids and with 4 cylinders. My grandfather has been a 4 cylinder Camry man for two decades now. An Avalon would do well with an I4 stressing efficiency.

 

I have to say that I can't believe how long they have been selling this car. Its kind of like the stale and stagnant SC430. Great car but sells poorly because its competition is much more current, styled more aggressively , and offer more power. They need to redesign the avalon and make it competitive. The toyota name is not going to sell cars forever. They need to wake up a little and stop being so complacent with the Avalon. Its a good car that could be made great with a redesign

 

I like this interior much better. new one looks like a truck interior.

 

IMO and based on my experience, the Avalon is best appreciated while cruising in the back seat, nice and roomy.

 

True.

My parents have an '08 Avalon, and I've ridden in the back for trips to Vegas and San Francisco.


My perspective:

Lots of people here are missing the point.

The Avalon coddles a type of consumer that will rarely join ClubLexus. The Avalon provides a plush ride, confident with speed, cautious (read grannied) with handling, and easy to use.

I can understand why the redesign is understated: the consumer market that will buy the Avalon HATE dramatic styling and changes. They want to progress from vanilla pudding to tapioca pudding.

The Navigation system is a HUGE improvement from the toggle Super-Nintendo-style cross that was the most annoying to use.