The 2012 Toyota Avalon is smooth, comfortable and classy, but don’t confuse that with dull or boring. Since the late 1990s the Toyota Avalon has been thought of as the upscale model in Toyota’s sedan family. It was also the first car made here in the U.S. The carryover design of the 2012 Toyota Avalon does not look substantially different. There are only a few changes to the front bumper and grille and taillight tinting. In 2012, the Avalon has risen to a higher level of luxury and comfort and should no longer be compared so closely to its sister car, the Camry. The Avalon is most noted for its upscale design, substantial legroom and safety features. The 2012 edition does not disappoint.

The 2012 Toyota Avalon comes in two trims, the base Avalon and the Limited, or XLS. Both come with a remarkable list of standard features that includes remote start, keyless entry, 17-inch alloy wheels, power locks and accessories, two-zone climate control, reclining rear seats, a telescoping steering wheel, multi-disc CD changer and a iPod/USB port. The Avalon XLS comes with 17-inch wheels, fog lamps, rain-sensing wiper blades, leather seats, wood trim, Bluetooth capability and heated mirrors.

The Toyota Avalon has a standard 268-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine that gets an estimated 19 mpg city/28 highway, an improvement over previous model years. The Avalon also has a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The Avalon is known for its tight turning radius and light, uncomplicated steering. If you are looking for the really smooth ride the Avalon is known for, then the Limited XLS model is what you want.

Standard for both Avalon trims is an auto-dimming electrochromic rear-view mirror that incorporates a rear-view monitor that displays when the transmission is put in reverse. This includes on-screen back-up help for the driver. While this and many other of the Avalon’s features are attractive, it doesn’t have quite the full complement of premium-model items, such as advanced driving aids and real wood trim.

According to its promotional video, Toyota has a standard reclining rear seat as well as a “nearly flat” rear floor. These features are exclusive to the Avalon. Once you get past the cheesy pitchman, the rear passenger seat does appear to be incredibly roomy. The reclining rear seats are a luxury not to be missed. Toyota is marketing the Avalon as being a classy choice for a larger sedan. Clearly, it is on the right track with Bluetooth hands-free phone, WiFi, a 9- or 12-speaker JBL system and XM satellite radio (and don’t forget your subscription).

The safety features of the Avalon are what really set it apart from other sedans of its size - even the comparable Buick Lacrosse. Even though they are almost the same size and design, the Avalon has a slightly higher price, but for all its safety features and 5-star NHTSA rating, it is considered a better buy. The Avalon has standard front and side impact airbags as well as overhead airbags, and the XLS comes with driver knee airbags. Both Avalon trims have Toyota’s Star Safety System as a standard feature. It combines Toyota’s Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) antiskid system that fights sideways slides, an antilock braking system (ABS) that helps control emergency stops and traction control.

The 2012 Toyota Avalon is a good value for those who want an uptown car at a downtown price with down-to-earth features and comfort.