MotorTrend

A FLAGSHIP SPLIT IN TWO

Toyota’s past and future collide in the 2019 Avalon, a flagship full-size sedan that must regain the trust of buyers put off by the outgoing model’s stiff ride quality. Yet Toyota must also attract younger buyers with a car that’s sportier than any of its previous four generations. So does the Avalon return to its roots as a mature, vaguely premium, comfortable sedan, or does it lean further toward the Nissan Maxima’s sporty side of the spectrum?

Yes.

Toyota’s Avalon strategy splits the lineup in two, and we aren’t referring to the 301-hp V-6 and 215-hp four-cylinder hybrid powerplants. If your definition of Avalon is a comfortable American-style cruiser, stick with the XLE and Limited grades. They

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