The Toyota Avalon III, specifically the facelifted model produced from 2007 to 2010, represented a significant evolution of Toyota’s full-size sedan. Positioned as a more luxurious and spacious alternative to the Camry, the Avalon aimed to capture buyers seeking comfort, reliability, and a refined driving experience. The 3.5 V6 variant, equipped with the ECT-i automatic transmission, was a mainstay of the lineup, offering a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. This configuration was generally considered the premium offering within the third-generation Avalon range, sitting above the base 3.5L model and offering a more powerful and refined experience.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Avalon |
| Generation | Avalon III (facelift 2007) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.5 V6 (268 Hp) ECT-i |
| Start of production | 2007 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 12.4 l/100 km (19 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8.4 l/100 km (28 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Emission standard | ULEV |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 268 Hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 77.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 336 Nm @ 4700 rpm (247.82 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 2GR-FE |
| Engine displacement | 3456 cm3 (210.9 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 93.98 mm (3.7 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 83.06 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, Dual VVT-i |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.2 l (6.55 US qt | 5.46 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 8.3 l (8.77 US qt | 7.3 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1583-1637 kg (3489.92 – 3608.97 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space | 408 l (14.41 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 5019 mm (197.6 in.) |
| Width | 1849 mm (72.8 in.) |
| Height | 1486 mm (58.5 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2819 mm (110.98 in.) |
| Front track | 1580 mm (62.2 in.) |
| Rear track | 1565 mm (61.61 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 135 mm (5.31 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.29 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.2 m (36.75 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission ECT-i |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | McPherson, Transverse stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 297.18 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 281.94 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/60 R16; 215/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16; 7J x 17 |
INTRODUCTION
The 2007-2010 Toyota Avalon III facelift continued Toyota’s commitment to providing a comfortable and reliable full-size sedan for the North American market. Built on the 1HX0 platform (shared with the Lexus ES), the Avalon aimed to offer a more upscale experience than the Camry, with a focus on interior space and a smooth ride. The 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with the ECT-i (Electronically Controlled Transmission – intelligent) automatic transmission was the primary powertrain option for buyers prioritizing performance and refinement. This combination represented the upper echelon of the Avalon lineup, offering a noticeable step up in power and driving dynamics compared to the base model.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Avalon 3.5 V6 is the 2GR-FE engine, a 3.5-liter (3456 cc) naturally aspirated V6. This engine utilizes a 60-degree V-angle configuration, contributing to its smooth operation and relatively compact size. The 2GR-FE features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) design with Toyota’s Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (VVT-i) system on both intake and exhaust valves. This system optimizes valve timing based on engine speed and load, improving both power and fuel efficiency. Fuel delivery is handled by a multi-port fuel injection system. The engine produces 268 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 247.82 lb-ft of torque at 4700 rpm. The ECT-i automatic transmission is a six-speed unit designed to provide smooth and responsive shifting. It features adaptive shift logic, adjusting shift points based on driving conditions and driver input.
Driving Characteristics
The 3.5 V6/ECT-i combination in the Avalon delivers a comfortable and capable driving experience. While not a sports sedan, the engine provides ample power for confident acceleration and highway cruising. The six-speed automatic transmission is well-tuned, offering smooth shifts and keeping the engine in its optimal power band. Compared to the base Avalon engine, the 3.5L offers a significant improvement in responsiveness. The gear ratios are optimized for both fuel economy and acceleration, with a relatively tall final drive contributing to relaxed highway cruising. The Avalon’s suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and providing a smooth ride. However, this does result in some body roll during cornering. The steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in city traffic.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 3.5 V6 Avalon typically came standard with a generous array of features. These included power-adjustable front seats, a premium audio system, automatic climate control, and alloy wheels. Higher trim levels, such as the Limited, added features like leather upholstery, a sunroof, navigation system, and upgraded audio. Optional extras included features like a rear-seat entertainment system and advanced safety technologies. Interior upholstery was typically cloth on the base 3.5L, upgrading to leather on higher trims. The dashboard layout was functional and well-designed, with easy-to-read gauges and intuitive controls.
Chassis & Braking
The Avalon III utilizes a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. The front suspension features independent McPherson struts with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, while the rear suspension employs a McPherson strut setup with a transverse stabilizer. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. The braking system is assisted by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) to prevent wheel lockup during hard braking. The Avalon’s chassis is designed for comfort and stability, prioritizing a smooth ride over sporty handling. The relatively generous wheelbase contributes to ride comfort and interior space.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 2007-2010 Toyota Avalon 3.5 V6 was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and reliable powertrain. However, some critics noted that the Avalon lacked the sporty driving dynamics of some of its competitors. Compared to the base Avalon engine, the 3.5 V6 offered a significant performance upgrade, but at a higher price point. Fuel economy was respectable for a full-size sedan, but not class-leading. The Avalon’s reputation for reliability was a major selling point, and it consistently scored well in consumer satisfaction surveys.
Legacy
The 2GR-FE engine, in general, has proven to be a remarkably durable and reliable powerplant. The Avalon 3.5 V6 is known for its longevity and relatively low maintenance costs. In the used car market, these Avalons continue to be sought after by buyers looking for a comfortable, reliable, and spacious sedan. While not a collector’s item, well-maintained examples hold their value reasonably well. Common maintenance items include routine oil changes, coolant flushes, and occasional replacement of wear items like brakes and tires. The ECT-i transmission is also known for its reliability, but regular transmission fluid changes are recommended to ensure optimal performance.
