2020 Toyota Avalon bails on bland, doubles-down on daring design

This is the bold-looking fifth-generation Toyota Avalon.

The Avalon is available with either a 3.5-liter V6, or in this case, a second-generation hybrid system with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.

New for 2020, all-wheel drive is optional.

The Avalon's standard eight-speed automatic transmission represents a big step forward from the previous generation's six-speed auto.

The front side profile brings to mind the handsome Lexus LC500, and that's a good thing.

The 2019 Avalon Limited benefits from an upgraded leather interior that feels as good as it looks.

The Limited trim level has available wood accents, sourced from the instrument-makers at Yamaha.

With as much grille space as the Avalon has up front, some of it had to be fake.

Toyota is employing laser ablation technology to the taillights of the new Avalon. This gives them a totally unique appearance.

Character lines abound on the 2019 Toyota Avalon, with its exterior certainly looking a lot busier than the outgoing model's.

The whole multiple exhaust tips in a diffuser-like rear bumper valence is selling the "aggressive and sporty" thing a little hard but it doesn't look bad.

The Avalon offers a mix of a large capacitive touch screen and dedicated physical buttons for the things you'll be using most. and puts it all in a nice-looking floating stack.

Qi wireless charging is now standard thanks to a host of upgrades to Toyota's Entune 3.0 infotainment system.

One of the coolest features of the fifth generation Avalon is the addition of smart watch integration as well as Alexa connectivity and Apple CarPlay. Android Auto connectivity is due this year.

Keep clicking or scrolling for more images of the 2020 Toyota Avalon.

The Touring trim level ditches the Limited's quilted leather for a much racier look.