Toyota Avalon improves its looks and luxe (pictures)
The largest Toyota sedan offers amenities and tech rivaling its Lexus-badged cousins, but with a smaller price tag.

2014 Toyota Avalon Limited
Previous generations of the Toyota Avalon had, at least in my mind, a reputation as an old person's car.
2014 Toyota Avalon Limited
Toyota has injected the fourth-generation Toyota Avalon sedan with a youth serum in a bid to attract younger buyers.
Streamlined
The 2014 model features a slicker profile and a more streamlined version of the automaker's corporate grill.
Headlamps
Quad HID headlamps and LED daytime runners accent and illuminate. Active high-beam tech prevents drivers from dazzling oncoming traffic.
Full-size
The Toyota Avalon is a full-size sedan that is significantly larger than the Toyota Camry.
Front-wheel drive
However, the front-wheel drive configuration and underpinnings will be familiar to anyone who's looked at a Toyota spec sheet.
Engine bay
Lift the hood and you'll be met with a heavily padded engine cover, which contributes to the Avalon's quiet performance.
2GR-FE engine
Under that cover is the automaker's 2GR-FE engine, which outputs 268 horsepower.
Six-speed automatic
That engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that features sport and manual shift programs.
Drive modes
The power train also features Sport and Eco drive modes that adjust the character of the performance.
Safety tech
The Avalon Limited comes with a respectable level of standard safety features.
Rear camera
The standard rear camera's feed is sharp and bright.
Dynamic guides
The view out of the back also features dynamic guide lines that steer with the front wheels.
Interior
The Avalon's interior uses a good blend of materials, shapes, and textures.
Entune navigation
Entune navigation, standard here but optional at lower trim levels, features crisply rendered 2D maps and logical routing software.
Capacitive buttons
I'm not a fan of capacitive buttons on the dashboard, but the Avalon's touch points feature nicely machined cutouts.
JBL Synthesis
The 11-speaker JBL Synthesis stereo is surprisingly bass-friendly.
Entune apps
Via a paired smartphone or over the satellite radio connection, Entune apps enhance the cabin tech experience.
Qi wireless charging
At the base of the center stack, our test model was equipped with an optional Qi wireless charger.
Playing with power
Dropping a compatible phone on this pad charges its battery without connecting cables.
Connections bay
In a pocket, you'll find the conventional 12-volt power port, auxiliary and USB inputs, and the power switch for the Qi charge pad.
Blind-spot monitoring
Blind-spot monitoring and multiple levels of stability control round out the safety tech.
Adaptive cruise
An optional Tech Package adds Adaptive Cruise Control and a Forward Pre-Collision alert system.
Push to start
Easy access seats, smart key entry, and push-button start are nice convenience features.
Instrument cluster
Instrumentation is simple and clear.
Multi-info display
Between the gauges is a small information display that can be cycled through a wide range of data.
Wing mirrors
Strakes along the bottom edge of the wing mirrors reduce wind noise at speed.
Rear climate controls
The spacious rear seats have their own third climate control zone and independently controlled, heated surfaces.
Easy rider
The Avalon's ride was smooth and comfortable, but not so soft that it felt messy.
Check out the full review
With luxury rivaling its Lexus cousins, there's a lot to like about the 2014 Toyota Avalon Limited.