2009 Toyota Avalon Limited

The 2009 Toyota Avalon Limited pulls out all the stops when it comes to passenger comfort and convenience. As the top-of-the-line Avalon available for '09, it includes such trim-only standard features as premium leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, a power driver's seat cushion extension, a wood-grain-style and leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and a Smart Key system with push-button start. The entertainment system also upgrades to a 12-speaker, 360-watt JBL Synthesis AM/FM audio system with an in-dash 6-CD changer and MP3 input jack. Other standard features for the Avalon Limited include a power glass moonroof, dual-zone climate control, an information display, and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel. Owners can add such options as a navigation system, a DVD player, satellite radio, and adaptive cruise control. Standard exterior features for the Avalon Limited include high-intensity-discharge headlights, front foglights, heated power exterior mirrors, and dual exhaust pipes.

A 3.5-liter, double-overhead-cam V6 engine, generating 268 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque, drives the '09 Avalon XLS. The engine connects to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift feature, and powers the XLS from 0 to 60 in about 6.5 seconds. The V6 posts fuel economy numbers of 19/28 mpg. New standard safety features for 2009 include traction control and stability control, which improve the sedan's traction and balance in slippery or uneven road conditions. Toyota also adds brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution to the Limited's four-wheel antilock brakes for 2009, which help drivers maintain control of the vehicle during emergency braking. In addition, active front headrests, which help reduce whiplash in some types of rear-end collisions, join the standard equipment list for 2009. A full range of airbags, including a driver's knee airbag and side-curtain airbags for both rows of seats, come standard. The '09 Avalon Limited rides on 17-inch alloy wheels.

By R. Feeman