2012 Toyota Avalon Total Car Score Analysis

The 2012 Toyota Avalon earns one of the highest Total Car Scores in the Large Sedan Category. This full-size premium four-door resides at the top-end of Toyota’s sedan lineup. 
 
Reviewers praised the Avalon for being very roomy, upscale and feature-rich. It was also lauded for delivering a cushy and quiet ride combined with impressive straight-line acceleration. The Avalon’s fuel economy was noted for being very good relative to other cars its size. 
 
On the negative side, the Avalon is said to suffer from sloppy handling, numb steering and an overall dull driving experience. It also exhibits quite a bit of body roll in corners. The Avalon’s exterior is considered bland and lacking personality. And though its trunk is large, the Avalon was criticized for its non-folding rear seats. 
 
Now in the eighth year of its third generation, the Avalon is expected to receive a full redesign in the next two years. For 2012, it remains mostly unchanged.

2012 Toyota Avalon Model Line-Up

The 2012 Toyota Avalon is sold as a large, five-passenger sedan. It is offered in two trim levels: base and Limited.  
 
The extremely well-equipped base model brings standard leather upholstery, dual-zone climate, reclining second-row seats, Bluetooth,17-inch wheels and USB connectivity. The Limited trim includes xenon headlamps, full power-adjustable heated and cooled front seats and a premium 12-speaker stereo. A voice-command navigation system is available on both models. 
 
Occupant protection comes from seven airbags including one at the driver’s knee. The Avalon received good crash test scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the best possible ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). 
 
The 2012 Toyota Avalon is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 producing 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. Energy channels to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.  
 
EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 2012 Toyota Avalon is 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined. 

Total Car Score is not affiliated with, associated, authorized, or endorsed by, or in any way officially connected to any of the Expert Resources, nor does Total Car Score endorse any of the Expert Resources, or its affiliates.
Click here to see more.