The last thing I expected was performance. The second-last was sporty handling. In the Touring edition I got both. The 3.5 liter V-6 produces 280 horsepower, up 33% from the previous model. Connected to a 5-speed automatic, it gives 0-60 sprints in 7.0 seconds, enough to awaken those sleeping giants in the back seat.
The 5-speeder includes sequential shifting, enabling the driver to control gearshifts manually. But that's where the Avalon and this critic disagree. Those who buy this car have little interest in changing gears. What's more, said shifter is awkward and contrary. It uses a notched quadrant, a la Mercedes, but places the manual shifter to the left, which isn't intuitive. I'm not too shy to admit that I drove halfway across Vancouver in 2nd gear, thinking the "S" symbol meant "sport." At least my goof endorsed the wide torque range available: quieter than a butterfly's wings, smoother than a railway locomotive. Except, and this is really odd, when idling. I haven't heard such tappet ticking since I last drove a Morris Minor.
Through sweeping curves the Touring handled like a thoroughbred. In tight turns it was not happy. Still, this is a car where size and driving pleasure are seldom at odds.
