Is it common for this Avalon to be close to the ground? It’s much lower than other cars. Is this by design for the hybrid?
Also, is it good to get air suspension on this car? I want a Lexus LS floating ride.
Assuming you’re referring to the 5th gen, yes; several trims have lower ride heights, and it rides lower than any previous generation of Avalon. The hybrid configuration does not affect ride height; only the trim does.
There are aftermarket air systems for the platform. They’re expensive and costly to install, and this is an economy vehicle that few people modify to that extent, so it’s difficult to find info. FWIW, the touring trim shares an AVS system with the concurrent LS, which hasn’t had standard air suspension since 2010, just as an option. The handling and ride that made the LS famous also had a lot to do with other suspension geometry and being RWD, neither of which you can recreate on a 5th gen Avalon. Essentially, you may be disappointed by the air suspension—especially given the cost—if you’re chasing that LS ride.
@Miller
The only thing I disagree with in your statement is it being an “economy” vehicle. The Avalon was the top of its line in the TOYOTA Sedan class. Yes, the LEXUS had higher-level sedans, but $43k is not an “ECONOMY” vehicle.
@Pippin
It’s a beautifully built, luxurious flagship. But it’s still an econo car by definition. It’s marketed to run on 87 despite the same 2GR calling for premium in other cars. It’s built to require less maintenance at the cost of including features that luxury equivalents have to make total ownership easier and cheaper. It doesn’t mean it’s not a luxurious vehicle, but from R&D all the way to fit and finish, Toyota prioritized economy by design to keep the vehicle in the selling class they needed. Again, incredible car, but it doesn’t take too many miles in a genuine luxury vehicle to see the difference.
@Miller
And in comparison to the Lexus ES300/350?
Pippin said:
@Miller
And in comparison to the Lexus ES300/350?
The ES definitely gets better NVH treatment, more refined exterior, upgraded options, fewer expenses spared. Slightly difficult to compare in terms of handling, but powertrain felt very similar. I was surprised by how much smaller the ES is and how tight and spry it felt as a result, slightly thicker doors/liners as well. The wheelbase is much shorter; the back extends less beyond the rear wheels, and the driving position feels closer to the front wheels.
@Miller
It’s because the ES shares the Camry platform; the Avalon shares the same but is stretched a little.
I have a 2021 Avalon XSE. I didn’t want a Camry because everyone has one. I looked at the Lexus ES300/350 and didn’t feel it was worth the extra 6-8k.
I looked at Honda and Acura; they both seemed to whine too much on acceleration getting up to highway speeds from a traffic light.
I looked at Audi, and I felt it was way overpriced for something of similar size. My previous vehicle was a 2008 Dodge Charger RT with a V8 Hemi. I needed something with better fuel mileage.
One thing I don’t care for in both the Camry and Avalon is the narrowed driver and passenger knee room. The center console and door panels do not need to narrow in like they do.
I could not have said it better.