• Year: 2006
• Make: Toyota
• Model: Avalon
• Trim: XL
• Body style: 4 Dr Sedan
• Mileage: 78488
• Engine: 6 Cyl. 3.5
• Trans: Automatic
• Exterior Color: Titanium
• Interior Color: Graphite
• Stock: 100370A
• VIN: 4T1BK36B76U116287

Brake Assist steps in when you stab the brakes, as if you were in a panic stop. Very hard, sharp application of the brake pedal automatically triggers full braking response from the anti-lock brakes (ABS). Brake Assist helps the driver stop the car as quickly as possible even if the driver makes the common mistake of relaxing pressure on the brake pedal because it was pulsating.

Climbing inside reveals an elegant cabin, remarkably clean and uncluttered, and very roomy. Choose the leather upholstery and it feels quite luxurious. The leather used for the seat and door trim is first class, with attractive stitching used to tie it all together. Wood trim is tastefully used and beautiful, and it warms up the cabin.

The front seats are firm but not hard and relatively flat. They're quite comfortable and feature power adjustments and memory functions. In addition to heated front seats, the Limited model features a fan in the seat cushion and seat back that blows cabin air through the perforated leather trim to improve comfort. Knobs for seat heating and cooling are conveniently located on the center console. The front of the driver's seat bottom is power adjustable, offering improved thigh support. And the steering column tilts and telescopes. In short, these seats will not permit any form of discomfort, no matter what the conditions. They provide an apt analogy for the entire car, a vehicle possessed of small comforts that add up to a satisfying environment to soothe the driver.

The overall impression of the Avalon interior is upmarket and high quality. The steering wheel in the Limited model is attractively trimmed in wood and leather. The Optitron instruments are elegant and technically appealing displays. Retracting lids hide controls for audio and navigation, reducing clutter. The action of the retracting covers is slow and measured, with the look and satisfying feel of high-end audio equipment. The painted silver plastic covers and panels aren't the strongest feature, however, and we wonder how good they'll look in five years.

Controls for the excellent navigation system are behind a panel in front of the shifter that folds out like an ashtray. It's an unconventional design, but it works and the controls are fairly easy to reach. The buttons used to control navigation, climate and audio are superb, big, clearly marked, illuminated and easy to operate. We recommend getting the navigation system.

This is a roomy car and its roominess extends to the back seats. Rear legroom is particularly generous with three-across seating facilitated by the totally flat floor. We rode in the rear seat, directly behind a six-foot driver, with legroom to spare. In fact, there's enough room that we could imagine the Avalon as a taxi cab. The rear seat is comfortable, and offers 10 degrees of adjustment to create five sitting positions. Reclining the backrest effectively increases headroom, so people of varying heights and sizes can find comfort.

The trunk is family sized, with a pass-through door for long gear such as skis. Wood accents, particularly on the Limited, are attractive and judiciously placed. The chrome door scuff plates on the Touring grade, particularly, are notably attractive and distinctive.

The Limited model comes with a Smart Key that eliminates the need to pull it out of your pocket or purse. To use it, just walk up to the car. At a touch, all four doors unlock. Climb in. Foot on the brake, touch the Start button and the car hums to life. No fumbling with keys.

The Toyota Avalon may be the best of the full-size sedans. Completely redesigned just a year ago, the Avalon takes full advantage of the latest technologies in safety, efficiency, and performance. It's roomy, smooth and comfortable.

NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent John Stewart filed this report from Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.

This third-generation Toyota Avalon was launched as a 2005 model and carries into 2006 unchanged. It projects more character and looks more contemporary than the previous generation yet the actual changes were subtle.

This latest Avalon features a wider, longer stance than before and the overall length is five inches longer. That additional length is especially apparent from the rear, where a tall deck, large tail lamps and dual exhaust outlets suggest an expensive touring sedan. The handsome rear deck line remains undisturbed by a wing, except in the Touring grade, which mounts a rear lip spoiler consistent with its sporty wheels and brighter accents.

The front of the Avalon is dominated by a horizontal grille with chrome-accented bars, and a wide lower intake valence calling attention to its greater width. The lines created by the valence are extended by use of fog lamps on the Touring, XLS and Limited models.

At first glance, Avalon appears as an elegant, if unassuming, sedan. A second glance and it looks sleek, powerful, and advanced.

Smooth, comfortable, easy.

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