Review: On Point with the 2015 Avalon Hybrid Limited

Oh what a relief it is to know that the designers and engineers of the 2015 Avalon Hybrid didn’t stray far from the 2014 “silky smooth ride” model I reviewed last year. They have maintained a thoughtful and elegant design where organization and convenience reign supreme. This four-door large sedan, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine, is roomy for passengers in the front and back, and as expected with a hybrid, quite efficient on fuel for its class.

This sculpted five-seater with 17-inch alloy wheels and P215/55R17 tires is equipped with the Star Safety System including 10 airbags and anti-theft system with engine immobilizer. Available in colors like silver metallic, this Avalon Hybrid brilliantly lights up the nighttime road with the high intensity discharge Quadrabeam headlights with auto on/off feature. It also features LED daytime running lights along with the wide angle fog lights.

The ride? On the highway, I felt like I was soaring without leaving the ground. On neighborhood roads, I couldn’t wait to get to the highway. The brakes were a little touchy, but not enough to truly bother me. Just like the trunk space is not the largest, but it will suffice.

The perforated leather seats are comfy in every way imaginable. You and your passengers will appreciate the three-zone climate control with air filter and rear-seat vents as well as the heated and ventilated front seats, 10-way power passenger seat and heated rear seats.

From the rain-sensing windshields wipers to the auto-dimming rearview mirrors with compass, map lights and Homelink to the power rear window shade, this Avalon Hybrid stays on point in its attention to detail. Everything is placed exactly where you need it to be—the cup holders, the multimedia system, and three 12-volt auxiliary power outlets, along with the availability of the Qi wireless charging capability for eBinTM storage tray. I’m looking forward to how the designers and engineers will exceed their reputation in the 2016 model.