The Avalon XL and up scale XLS still ride on a relatively long wheelbase, but where this year differs, is by an inch here and an inch there in several critical areas that incrementally improve interior space and substantially improve exterior looks. Toyota Avalon XLS interior. At about an inch larger in overall width, shoulder room improves throughout the passenger compartment, and the extra breadth, along with an inch higher roofline, allowed designers to amend the car's appearance, which now vaguely resembles the luxury Lexus GS sedan, a huge improvement over the former model's bland me-too styling. Drivers will note that since the front seats were moved forward by an inch, entry and exit is improved, along with outward visibility. Back seat passengers also benefit with improved foot and leg room, further aided by raising the rear seat by an inch and moving it back by about a half-inch.
All passengers benefit from improved head room, courtesy of the higher roof arch.
The VSC combines the transmission's traction control system, the antilock brakes and engine speed alteration to minimize skidding on slippery surfaces. Also optional on the XLS is a Mercedes-style Brake Assist that automatically applies full braking force when the driver fails to in emergency stops. The XLS also has standard rear seat ventilation outlets. We're not sure where the 115 volts comes from, but apparently the car has a built-in DC to AC power inverter to run the portable PC or some other electronic device. Total watts available won't be much, so I wouldn't recommend taking the microwave or espresso machine to a tailgate party.