Just like Hyundai, Toyota too has made some changes to its Avalon sedan to keep it fresh for another year in the market. The car’s styling is slightly modified in order to become more modern and upscale as Toyota says, but it still looks like a buffed up Corolla! Avalon also comes with enhanced equipments, but the powertrain remains the same as last year.

And that meant you get a 24-valve, dual-overhead camshaft VVT-i 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower. Mated to a multi-mode six-speed automatic transmission, this engine is optimized to return 20 mpg in the city, 29 highway, and 23 combined while it classifies as a Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV).

The new Avalon is packed with active and passive safety features. You get Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, and TRAC traction control system, as well as seven airbags, including a front knee bag for the driver, and front side curtain airbags for both rows. And all these stuff are standard!

Available in two trim levels, 2011 Toyota Avalon is a very feature-rich car, and it has to be if it wants to compete with Korean cars in this segment. Standard equipment include eight-way leather-trimmed power driver’s seats, back-up camera, dual zone automatic climate control with air filtration, moonroof and 17-inch alloy wheels. Limited will have additional standard equipment, such as an eight-way passenger’s seat with lumbar support, driver’s seat cushion extension, rain-sensing wipers, Smart Key and cooled leather seats. Avalon grade can be upgraded with features like a JBL Synthesis sound system and heated front seats, while Navigation is optional for both grades.

Toyota also offers an optional audio system with 12-speaker, 660-watt JBL Premium Synthesis audio system with enhanced two-coil sub-woofer. The system uses 12 speakers and a 12-channel digital amplifier to deliver profoundly rich, full sound to all seats of the vehicle.

Sales of the new Toyota Avalon will begin from Spring 2010. Pricing is TBA.