The 2011 Avalon goes on sale in April. Pricing has not yet been announced.
Toyota gives the 2011 Avalon a more memorable and substantial grille, along with a bigger helping of chrome trim, redesigned rocker panels and new headlights. New 17-inch wheels on the Limited grade get a 10-spoke design with a flashy mirror finish.
Interior changes include what Toyota says are "highly readable" gauges "that use graduated white illumination with white pointers." The gauges are set in a new instrument panel. Rear headrests have been reshaped and enlarged. New standard equipment includes Bluetooth, XM Satellite Radio, and USB and auxiliary connections for iPod and other audio devices.
The redesigned Avalon gets the carry-over 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 linked to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Avalon will be available in two grades, base and Limited. Both grades have standard eight-way leather-trimmed power driver seats, a back-up camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, a moonroof and 17-inch alloy wheels. The Limited model adds such standard features as rain-sensing wipers, Smart Key and cooled leather seats.
