2010 Toyota Avalon
The Toyota Avalon gives the driver the satisfaction of driving a luxury car without paying that luxury price tag. The Avalon is a 2010 Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety as well as number 1 in affordable large cars according to US News Rankings and Reviews. Starting at an MSRP of $32,245 for the basic package this car is an alternative to entry-level luxury cars without giving up the luxury feel. The Toyota Avalon is a 3.5 liter V6 6-speed automatic with solid performance and great reliability. With an EPA estimated 20/29 miles per gallon this car does well on fuel economy as well.
The standard Toyota Avalon comes equipped with leather-trimmed driver and passenger seat; reclining rear seats; a back up camera and a power moonroof. The Toyota Avalon Limited edition comes standard with a smart key system; heated front seats; and driver’s seat and outside mirrors memory system with 8-way power passenger seat. In both models, the interior also includes a multi-function display with information such as outside temperature, instant fuel economy, average fuel economy, distance to empty and average speed as well as trip computer information. The back seat is a 60/40 split with adjustable headrests and a center armrest with cup holders. Both models come with wood-grain-style interior trim as well.
The exterior of the car is as nice as the inside. With 17-in alloy wheels with 6-spokes on the Avalon and 5-spokes on the Limited edition this car provides a smooth ride. The vehicle also includes wide-angle fog lamps and LED tail lamps. Chrome-tipped dual rear door handles give this car the luxury look it deserves. It also comes standard with high solar energy-absorbing glass. In the Avalon Limited rain-sensing intermittent windshield wipers also come standard. The Limited version also comes with power heated outside mirrors with driver-side auto-dimming and turn signal indicators.
An option package for both the Avalon and the Limited edition includes a voice-activated, touch-screen DVD navigation system with integrated back-up camera, 4-disc CD changer with MP3 playback capability with 12 speakers include subwoofer, XM radio with XM NavTraffic, USB port with iPod connectivity and hands-free phone capability and music streaming with Bluetooth technology.
The standard safety features in this are what made it the 2010 Top Safety Pick. All vehicles come with vehicle stability control with traction control; anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. In the driver and front passenger seat there are front seat and side airbag as well as front and rear side curtain airbags. There is also a unique driver’s knee airbag that will prevent the driver’s knees from hitting the dashboard in an accident. In the back seat there are child safety locks on the doors as well as lower anchors and tethers for children. The front and rear of the car have energy-absorbing crumple zones while the side has side-impact door beams. The car also comes standard with an anti-theft system and internal trunk release. For a safer drive the vehicle also a system that will let the driver know when the tire pressure is low as well as a battery saver feature that will turn the dome light off after 20 minutes.
It’s clear to see why this car is considered an alternative to the luxury car. With all of its standard features and great available options this car deserves its number one spot in the rankings.
