Engineers have imbued the Avalon with impressive acceleration thanks to a new 280-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine. With roughly 30 percent more power than the previous generation and significantly more oomph than its V6-powered competition, the motor has the punch to make short work of freeway on-ramps and passing slower traffic on your favorite two-lane stretch of country road.

One downside, especially in these days of skyrocketing pump prices, is the cost associated with running the engine’s recommended 91-octane premium fuel (it will run on regular, but not optimally). The V6 makes fairly good use of this precious commodity however, returning respectable EPA fuel economy estimates of 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

A five-speed automatic is the only transmission offered, and it’s a good one with smooth, sure gear changes. The transmission’s manual shift feature works well, but seems unnecessary on a car built more for comfort than for speed.

Despite the move to rear- or all-wheel drive by several of its top competitors, Toyota has chosen to stick with the familiar front-wheel-drive system. While we’re sure we could find folks willing to debate the wisdom of this decision, we think the inherent advantages of front-wheel drive makes this the sensible way to go for the majority of buyers.