Overall, the Avalon is eight inches longer than Toyota's top-selling Camry sedan. By most exterior dimensions, Avalon is roughly the same size as the Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Impala, and Chrysler 300. Compared to European luxury sedans, it's larger than the mid-size Mercedes E-Class, but smaller than the full-size S-Class sedan.

Lots of the Avalon's styling features have been optimized to reduce wind noise inside the car, including the shape of the windshield pillars and side mirrors and low placement of the wipers under the hood line. The Avalon Limited upgrades with unique, sound dampening glass in the windshield.

The Limited mirrors also include a couple model specific features, starting with LED turn signals that are visible to other drivers in the glass. We like the bright LED lights under those mirrors, because they flood the ground below the doors with light as you approach in darkness.

The Avalon underwent a wheels-up overhaul for 2005. For 2008, it received what the car industry calls a mid-cycle update, or noticeable styling tweaks that are as extensive as a car usually gets between complete redesigns. The 2009 model looks identical to the '08.

In front, the grille and bumper are trimmed with horizontal chrome bars, with fog lamps integrated into the lower bumper on XLS and Limited models. In side view, subtle character lines below the windows and above the door sills add a hint of sculpting to the Avalon's flanks. From the rear, the tall deck and big rear valance enhance the air of elegance and substance, while smoked tail light lenses add a hint of flair.