2013 Toyota Avalons create mixed first impressions at our track

Toyota usually leaves spacious luxury car duties to its premium Lexus brand. But Toyota dealers have many loyal customers with needs for big-car room, luxury and utility but at a non-upscale price. And for years the Avalon has been a cornerstone of that demand.

For 2013, the roomy Avalon has been redesigned and, apparently, pointed in a new direction in Toyota's latest attempt to appeal to a younger customer. And while it's still roomy, we wonder if the company has been stung with the Avalon being labeled a geriatric cruiser. If so, that might explain the car's new sleek look, inside and out. Also, one of the biggest changes is the addition of a 200-hp, four-cylinder hybrid option—a first for the Avalon. (See our hybrids buying guide.)

The standard engine remains Toyota's slick and punchy mainstay, a 268-hp, 3.5-liter V6 hooked up to a six-speed automatic.

We bought two Limited versions, one V6 and one hybrid, with prices ranging from $40,445 to $42,501, respectively.

Previous Avalons focused on comfortable, quiet cruising and rather reluctant handling. With a limo-like rear seat and simple controls, it was an easy-going, stress-free car. Whatever the Avalon lacked in panache and driving involvement it made up for by being a sensible and unobtrusive companion with commendable fuel economy.