2009 Toyota Avalon Review

The Avalon XL ($27,845) is well equipped, with a full complement of power accessories and features such as an eight-way power driver's seat, dual-zone climate control with cabin air filter and audio and climate controls on the steering wheel. The nine-speaker audio system includes a six-CD changer. Cloth upholstery and 16-inch alloy wheels are standard.

The Avalon XLS ($32,145) adds fog lamps, 17-inch wheels and leather seating. The XLS also comes standard with a power moonroof, heated outside mirrors with electrochromic auto-dimming on the driver's side, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and Homelink universal transceiver, and an anti-theft system.

The Avalon Limited ($35,185) upgrades with a 360-watt JBL Synthesis audio system with 12 speakers and Blue Tooth connectivity, a power rear sunshade, Toyota's Smart Key proximity key system, HID headlamps, a wood-and-leather-trimmed shift knob and steering wheel, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and driver and passenger seat heaters and cooling fans.

Options include the power moonroof ($860) and anti-theft system ($220) for the base XL model. The XLS offers heated seats ($440), an eight-way power front passenger seat with heating ($740) and the JBL Synthesis sound system ($840). A navigation system is also available. Dynamic laser-guided cruise control ($600) is optional only on the Limited.

Safety features on all Avalons include active front seat headrests, which are intended to cradle the head more effectively in a rear impact and limit whiplash injuries. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is standard. All models also have anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Occupant protecting features include front-impact airbags, a driver's knee airbag, seat-mounted side-impact airbags for front passengers and curtain-style, head-protection airbags for outboard passengers front and rear.