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Too Many Avalon Models - Confused 8-(

Discussion in 'Toyota Hybrids and EVs' started by kenmce, Jul 25, 2019.

  1. kenmce

    kenmce High Voltage Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
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    Limited
    I'm thinking of moving up from a Prius to an Avalon. ( Bumps in the road seem bumpier than they used to. ) Problem is that there are about six different Avalon models plus the hybrids. I'm having trouble understanding the significant differences.

    The brochures mostly talk about stupid things like aluminum trim Vs. plain black trim Vs. wood trim, shinier tire rims, or having an improbable number of speakers. I don't care about things like "smoked chrome bezels."

    Can anyone help me understand the serious differences between the models? I really don't care if they have some snazzy new way to open the moon roof. I'm thinking to buy used so I'm looking at things that are consistent with a particular model, not just the latest model.


    XLE - Seems to mean base model.

    XLE Plus - Moon roof, fancy mirror.

    XLE Premium - Phone charger, blind spot monitor.

    XSE - Supposed to be somehow sportier but has same engine as base model.

    Touring - Active suspension ( anyone tried this?) or "touring" ? suspension. Plays VROOM, VROOM noises so you can pretend you are driving a sports car. Also "Active Noise Control", but how well does this work???

    Limited - Top of the line. Heated and cooled seats. "laser-ablation design with dynamic auxiliary turn signals." Is this a way to say prettier turn signals? $7,000 more than base model, but why?
     
    bisco likes this.
  2. LewLasher

    LewLasher Member

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    My opinion is that any difference that you don't understand is not worth paying extra for.
     
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  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i would kill for cooled seats
     
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  4. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    They are FANTASTIC:).

    We have a trip tomorrow in te heat scheduled:cool:.

    Guess which ride we’ll be taking:whistle:?

    My backside will be in heaven (y).
     
    bisco likes this.
  5. Aaron Vitolins

    Aaron Vitolins Senior Member

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    I've never been impressed with Toyota and Lexus cooled seats. My mom has a Lexus rx450h with it and it doesn't make much difference. Her old Buick enclave would freeze your butt and back!
     
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  6. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Currently over 90 F here and the seats in the RX450h make a difference ;).

    Move where it’s hotter and you’ll see:).

    It’s also a quiet ride compared to the Prime. So a great bonus on a warm, traveling day(y).
     
    bisco likes this.
  7. Aaron Vitolins

    Aaron Vitolins Senior Member

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    Yesterday was 95 here, so it's definitely hot. Lexus needs to improve on the cooled seats. No other car better than a Lexus.. but a hybrid Lexus, but that's one of my only disappointment of it. It is so wonderful and it does almost everything right.
     
    Tideland Prius and Raytheeagle like this.
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    maybe somethings wrong
     
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  9. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Maybe I don’t know what I’m missing :oops:.

    But these cooled seats are the bees knees;).

    103 here today at the hottest point and didn’t end up sticky:).

    To me that’s a win on leather(y).
     
    SFO and bisco like this.