It is also wider than the original lid, for easier trunk access. Inside, only the use of imitation wood trim keeps the Avalon XLS from being confused with its relatives from Lexus. The design is elegantly simple and very functional. My test car had light- colored leather seating surfaces, with darker door trim and instrument panel material, a very contemporary luxury look. Five-passenger Avalons have very comfortable front bucket seats, power adjustable with driver' side memory on XLS models, and a large, useful center console.
Rear passengers have good legroom and greater than average headroom.
Front and rear dome lights and separate interior spotlights for all outboard positions are very convenient. Windows, door locks, and mirrors are power- operated, as expected. Dual front airbags, antilock brakes, an engine immobilizer system, and 3-point harnesses for all occupants except the center front are standard. Strengthening and stiffening of the Avalon's chassis structure for 1998 not only improves crashworthiness, it makes a quiet and refined car even more so. The Avalon XLS is very much a contemporary luxury car on the road.