I have a 2015 Touring. The car handles well but it rides a bit stiff. The suspension is built for handling, not comfort. The 45 profile tires add to the stiffer ride. It comes down to what you want more – handling or a smooth ride. The Touring focuses on handling, but the Premium gives a better ride.
@scofield
I agree. I’ve had a 3rd-gen Touring and a 5th-gen Limited, and also drove a 2016 XLE Premium for work. Despite being newer, the older models felt more responsive. The Limited and XLE floated over bumps. The suspension choice really impacts the driving experience.
@Patton
Yep, the 2015 Touring feels stiff. On the highway, it’s fine, but on side roads, you can feel every bump. It’s all about what you prefer – handling or comfort.
@Patton
Does the 2016 Limited offer a smoother ride on side roads and highways like the Premium Avalon of the same year? Or is it similar?
TomToyotaFan said:
@Patton
Does the 2016 Limited offer a smoother ride on side roads and highways like the Premium Avalon of the same year? Or is it similar?
The 2015 Touring comes with 225/45/18 tires. It’s a different setup from other 2013-2017 Avalons. The Premium had 215/55/17 tires. You can’t switch to the 55 profile in my Touring due to wheel well space. The Premium can go larger or smaller, but the larger the rim, the lower the profile. If you want, you could go for 16-inch tires with a 215/60/16 profile on your car, but on mine, it wouldn’t work. I think a set of Michelin tires might make it a bit smoother, but they’re expensive.
@scofield
I agree, I think 17-inch tires are the sweet spot. The older Tourings had 215/55/17 tires, and that combo worked well with the tighter suspension.
@scofield
I don’t know. I have a 2016 Limited with 18-inch rims. It’s a bit bumpy if I’m the only one in the car, but it smooths out with passengers. The smaller rims seem to give a smoother ride because there’s more rubber on the road. I’ve accepted that the ride isn’t perfect, but I prioritized grip with Continental Sport+ all-season tires instead of a smoother ride.
@Vale
What tire size are you using – 225/45, 225/50, or 235/45, 235/50? I assume all are 18-inch rims?
Heath said:
@Vale
What tire size are you using – 225/45, 225/50, or 235/45, 235/50? I assume all are 18-inch rims?
225/45
@scofield
Yeah, the suspension is a bit stiff. I’ve heard they improved the ride in later models.
Any chance we could see a pic after the tints? Would love to see how it looks.
Nice, I have a 2013 Avalon Limited. These cars are underrated and really reliable. I hope Toyota brings back the Avalon someday. It’s a great car, take care of it!
What percent tint did you go for? It looks really good .
She’s a beauty .
Beautiful car! We have a 2019 Avalon, love that model.