2011 Toyota Avalon Trims and Specs

The 2011 Toyota Avalon Base comes nicely equipped, sharing the same powertrain as the higher-end Limited trim. The 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve engine, with Dual Independent VVT-i, optimizes power with 268 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. The front-wheel-drive Base brings a standard six-speed automatic transmission, mileage estimates of 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, and handling that, while not the most driver-involved in its class, still offers a comfortable and quiet driving experience.

The redesign of the 2011 Avalon has refreshed, if not dramatically changed, the look of the car. Outside, the Base now offers wide-angle foglights, new halogen headlamps, and LED lightpipes in the taillights for a distinct look. The standard heated side-view mirrors now integrate turn signals and fold manually, and even the Base comes with a standard power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade.

The interior of the Base has been redesigned as well, with an eye toward mature consumers (typically the Avalon’s audience). The leather seats provide eight-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat and four-way adjustment for the front passenger seat, and offers a flat seat bottom that allows for easy entrance and exit. The Base also supplies wide-opening doors, reclining rear seats, large, easy-to-read fonts on the controls, and praise-worthy ergonomics. In addition, dual-zone automatic climate control includes air filtration. Standard technology includes power locks and windows, cruise control, and remote keyless entry. Even the Base features a standard backup camera that projects in the rear-view mirror and the HomeLink Universal Transceiver (which allows for the activation of up to three different remote controls from one unit mounted on the Avalon’s visor). The Base also rocks a nine-speaker AM/FM/CD player with MP3 capability, XM radio (with a 90-day subscription), an auxiliary audio jack, a USB port for iPod connection, and Bluetooth technology.

The 2011 Toyota Avalon Limited enhances the Base model with a few new bells and whistles. The fourth-generation Limited rides on the same powertrain as the Base: a 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve engine with Dual Independent VVT-i, providing 268 hp, 248 lb-ft of torque, and an estimated 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The front-wheel-drive Limited has a standard six-speed automatic transmission and handling that, while not providing the most exciting ride on the block, offers a comfortable and quiet driving experience.

The 2011 Avalon has been redesigned, and the Limited’s exterior offers a new look with more chrome details and a wider grille. The Limited rides on newly styled wheels with a dual five-spoke design. High-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights replace the Base trim’s halogen lights, for longer life and better illumination. The high-end Limited trim features rain-sensing windshield wipers and adds puddle lamps to the heated, foldable side-view mirrors of the Base.

Inside, seats are now covered in perforated leather and heated and ventilated for comfort. The eight-way power-adjustable front seats provide a driver’s seat cushion that extends for added comfort, and the flat, supportive seat cushions and backs make for easy entry and exit from the car. The Limited’s standard technology offers the features of the Base trim (power locks and windows, cruise control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with integrated standard backup camera, Bluetooth technology, USB port for iPod connection), but adds the Smart Key System, which uses sensors to unlock and start the car automatically. The stereo is enhanced to a JBL Synthesis 660-watt, twelve-speaker stereo with a 6-CD changer. A power rear sunshade automatically retracts when the driver shifts into reverse. Unfortunately, however, the voice-activated DVD navigation system remains an optional feature, even for the high-end Limited.