Comparison: 2019 Toyota Avalon vs 2019 Volkwagen Arteon

Large sedans are becoming an increasingly rare sighting in the automotive universe these days. GM, Ford and Cadillac have abandoned this segment or just about, and while the German prestige brands are still there, you’ll have to spend more than $100,000 to get one. Today we look at two full-size sedans that are still available at a realistic price.

2019 Toyota Avalon

Driving ecstasy is not the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to the large Avalon sedan. This quiet 4-door is known for its comfort and reliability, but dynamic driving never has been the focus here.

And yet, the model has made progress recently. It's no coincidence that the newest Avalon comes in the wake of the next-gen Camry launched in 2018. The two cars share a new platform that debuted with the Camry, and Toyota says it has transferred to the new Avalon the same nervier handling and the same chassis responsiveness as you get in the Camry.

The styling is more daring, which is a welcome step forward. If the extroverted styling works for Lexus (it certainly hasn't hurt that brand’s sales), the thinking goes, then maybe premium-car buyers who prefer the Toyota brand will go for it.

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