2020 Toyota Avalon

The Avalon is available in XLE, XSE, Limited, TRD, and Touring trims, plus hybrid variants of the first three. The base trim, the XLE, starts us off with signature sporty accents paired with 17-inch silver alloy wheels and front LED lighting systems. You also get to choose from distinct colors such as Opulent Amber and Parisian Night Pearl, while Supersonic Red is available exclusively for the TRD. Meanwhile, some cool elements found on higher trims include heated power mirrors with turn signal indicators, a sleek rear spoiler with Piano Black finish, and wheels ranging in size from 18-19 inches.

Under the hood sits a 3.5-liter V-6 engine. This unit runs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and returns 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Not bad for a base engine. The hybrids offer something a bit different: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. The duo outputs 176 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. It also delivers smooth shift transitions and comes with Eco, EV, and Sport modes for custom control.

There are many things we love about the Avalon, one being how great this sedan performs on the road. You've got disc brakes that won't lock up even if the ground is wet, and the hill start assist gives you an extra push when going uphill. Plus, you can add in a variety of optional accessories, including black mud guards to keep the paint from chipping or getting dirty. The Touring adds in sound-insulating materials and an adaptive variable suspension, while others opt for a more aggressive, sport-tuned suspension. But it's the TRD trim that gets the most exclusive options. This includes track-inspired coil springs, larger front disc brakes for extra stopping power, and a spirited suspension system unlike any other.

You'll find plenty of fun and functional features inside the Toyota Avalon. Basics include synthetic leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an interactive infotainment system with a 9-inch touch screen. The latter is particularly helpful for accessing Bluetooth and Apple smartphone integration. On higher trims, you'll unlock features such as dual-zone air conditioning with rear outlets and an additional electric compressor and humidity sensor on the hybrids. You can even upgrade to ultra-suede upholstery, TRD-tuned red accent stitching, or wireless smartphone charging.

The 2020 Toyota Avalon is a dependable sedan with the latest safety systems in tow. Kicking things off is an integrated backup camera with park-assisting dynamic grid lines. There are also 10 air bags included to help cushion the impact during a collision. Finally, there's Toyota Safety Sense P, a suite of advanced features such as dynamic radar cruise control and lane departure warning. You can also invest in a 360-degree camera, but only with the Limited or Touring.