I can relate and agree with you about wanting a "large floating boat". However I do not see that happening in any vehicle line up. It seems Cadillac was the first to take their "boats" and make them sportier, (remember the add, "when you turn your car on, does it return the favor"?) Lincoln fell behind and eventually now it seems that their current line up is starting to sell, but gone is the Continental of the 70's - 90's. They have become sportier as well. As we were shopping last year for a new car, my wife said, "I want a car that is more "me"". And in this she meant sportier. At one time, we were looking at the KIA Cadenza, but KIA has seemed to ignore the US market with that model and is pushing the Stinger. Sharp looking car, but we're 64 and I don't see that as being an automobile for us when we're in our 70's!
I think the Avalon does a pretty good job of bridging the gap. We had an '05 Avalon and is was a nice ride, but sure would not have won any design awards. Our 2020 limited is a good ride, doesn't float like a "Detroit land yacht" and has some real nice styling. Much discussion on that grill however! As the boomers have gotten to retirement, it seems we have desired a more sporty looking car, as the makers are not only looking to us to purchase, but also the "younger" crowd. Toyota had to do something, if you look at the sales numbers of the Avalon over the years, they have dropped. I think they made a smart move with the TRD model, although not for me, I'm sure it is appealing to a younger group.
I think the Avalon does a pretty good job of bridging the gap. We had an '05 Avalon and is was a nice ride, but sure would not have won any design awards. Our 2020 limited is a good ride, doesn't float like a "Detroit land yacht" and has some real nice styling. Much discussion on that grill however! As the boomers have gotten to retirement, it seems we have desired a more sporty looking car, as the makers are not only looking to us to purchase, but also the "younger" crowd. Toyota had to do something, if you look at the sales numbers of the Avalon over the years, they have dropped. I think they made a smart move with the TRD model, although not for me, I'm sure it is appealing to a younger group.
