I've rented quite a few Camry's in the past year and a half. I'm always happy to get back into my Avy. When I think why - it just rides more smoothly, accelerates effortlessly (the rental Camry's were all 4-bangers) and it's just more comfortable to ride in.

The word "Serene" describes the Avalon's ride pretty well.

 

I ride around in my father Buick LeSabre. The Avalon is far superior in engine noise and ride comfort plus interior noise. It could easily be said to be a step up. perhaps and step and a half.

 

I have had Lexus LS-series and driven Camrys, new Buicks (Lucerne etc.), BMW7-series, Audi A6, Jaguar XJR etc. I'd say Avalon is very quiet, but can't beat Lexus LS-series. They are eeriely quiet. However, it is well comparable to ES-series and seems to have more interior space.

To me, closest to Avalon (XLS) is oddly(?) the new Buick Lucerne. I sometimes get flashbacks of Camry too, but ship like size of Avalon and better materials makes the ride way more comfy. What I especially like in Avalon is that you barely feel any bumps or cracks on the road.. and we got plenty of those here in Bay area. Tires make a big difference, so if you put in those 19" super low profile Yokohamas, it's likely to make more noise.

Things that I don't like in Avalon are somewhat vague steering feel, pronounced body roll and torque steer. Steering feel probably derives from fat bushings and power steering that seems to be on steroids. Body roll and rocking are the price you have to pay for comfort. I have not driven any FWD with over 200 hp that doesn't have a significant torque steer. So, it's not a sports car - if you are looking for one, save your money and get Evo, WRX STi or M3 and learn how to drive.

Overall I really like Avalon. If you want to have an "undercover" luxury ride, roomy cabin, sufficient power and 25MPG++ it's definitely the way to go. JBL Synthesis does it's job very well, so get one with it if possible.

 

It's like a wet Noodle.

or riding a fat chick.

 

Remember those simulators from driving school when you were a teenager? That's about where I'd put it...

Just joking...

 

Too funny

 

My wife drives an '06 Avalon. Her mon drives an '07 Camry which I maintain.

Ride comparison - there is none.

The Avalon is truly superior in that dept.

 

So silence goes to the Lexus LS hands down.. How about ride smoothness? Close to the LS?

 

Am I missing something here?? You're comparing a $65k minimum priced vehicle to a $30++ vehicle?? Duh. My 06 Avy is great. I get 29 mpg combined mileage and don't hear squat. I personally don't think it's worth another $35k to hear less than squat!!!

 

I get 29 mpg combined mileage and don't hear squat. I personally don't think it's worth another $35k to hear less than squat!!!

I'm with ya brother! It's good to hear a little squat from time to time! :naughty:

 

oh dear god... :lol:

I'll throw in my .02 as a V6 Camry driver... I love the spunk and get-up that the engine has... gas mileage is decent for a 15 year old car, 21-23 on the highway if i'm lucky. And it rides almost like new since we've put new struts on it... so, it's comparable to the avy, but it probably pales in comparison to it sizewise.

 

I don't mean to be disagreeable but after having rented at least 20 Camrys I can tell you that it rides nowhere near as smoothly or quietly as the Avalon. The Avalon's weight alone makes for a much more different ride.

 

In my experience, there's a great deal of difference between the Avalon and Camry. The Avalon is much smoother, like "riding on cotton."

 

We're not discussing the Avalon vs the Camry - nor are we "comparing" a "$65k minimum priced vehicle to a $30++ vehicle". The discussion is intended to get an idea what the driving differences are like between the Lexus LS and Toyota Avalon. That's all.

 

"Lots of people talk about how the Camry rides softly and quietly.. How much more so does the Avalon do it?"

Looks to me like you were asking for a comparison between Avy and Camry?

 

Avalon All The Way!

My last 3 cars were 99 Buick Regal, 2005 Camry xle, and now an 08 Avalon xls. I have rented the malibu,Impapa, Chrysler 300, Buick Lucerne, Dodge Charger Honda Accord,etc.etc.
Hands down the Avalon is by far the best! I exchanged my oem tires for top of the line Bridgestone Turanza Serenety and the ride is even better, not to mention the workmanship. Went from Reno to Sacramento yesterday and averaged 31.4 mpg.!!!! You can't beat this car for the money.Only problem is the nav system.