Engine: 3.5 liter DOHC 24-valve V6

Engine Options: 268-hp 3.5 liter DOHC 24-valve V6

Transmission: 5-speed automatic

Transmission Options: 5-speed automatic

Standard Safety Equipment: frontal airbags, front-seat mounted side-impact airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, driver's knee airbag, ABS, EBD, tire pressure monitor

Optional Safety Equipment: Vehicle Stability Control, traction control, Brake Assist

Basic Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles

Assembled In: Georgetown, Kentucky

Model Tested: Toyota Avalon Limited ($34,065)

Standard Equipment: dual-zone climate control with air filtration; remote keyless entry; power door locks with anti-lockout feature; power windows with driver and passenger auto up/down, pinch protection and retained power; Optitron instruments with chrome accents; maintenance indicator light; steering-wheel-mounted audio and climate controls; multi-function information display with audio, climate control, temperature and trip computer; cruise control; engine immobilizer; tilt and telescoping steering column; full-size spare tire with matching alloy wheel; power moonroof; four-way adjustable power passenger seat; heated outside mirrors with electrochromic auto-dimming on driver's side; auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and Homelink universal transceiver; aluminum door scuff plates; anti-theft system; 360-watt JBL Synthesis audio system with six-disc CD changer and 12 speakers; one-touch auto-reverse power rear sunshade; power driver's seat cushion length adjuster; Smart Key; HID headlamps; wood and leather trimmed shift knob and steering wheel; rain-sensing windshield wipers; driver and passenger seat heater and fan

Options as Tested: Vehicle Stability Control ($650) includes traction control and Brake Assist; voice-activated DVD navigation ($1,900) deletes cassette player; Dynamic Laser Cruise Control ($600)

Destination Charge: 580

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: front-wheel drive

Horsepower: 268 @ 6200

Torque: 248 @ 4700

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 22/31

Wheelbase: 111.0 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 197.2/72.8/58.5 inches

Track Front/Rear: 62.2/61.6 inches

Turning Cycle: 36.9 feet

Seating Capacity: 6 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 38.8/55.8/41.3 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 38.8/55.8/41.3 inches

Trunk Volume: 14.4 cubic feet

Payload:

Suspension, f: independent, MacPherson struts, L-shaped lower control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar

Ground Clearance: 5.3 inches

Curb Weight: 3595 pounds

Towing Capacity: 1000 pounds

Tires: P215/55R17

Brakes: vented disc/solid disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist

Fuel Capacity: 18.5 Gallons