Although the current-generation Avalon->ke350 is only two years old, Toyota->ke88 is doing its best to keep the full-size sedan->ke142 fresh and attractive to American customers. With a mid-cycle refresh set to arrive sometime in 2016, Toyota is introducing numerous convenience and safety features across the lineup for 2015, as well as new exterior colors and visual options. Additionally, the Japanese are also launching the XLE Touring Sport Edition, an Avalon exclusive to the 2015 model year.

Based on the highly equipped XLE Touring grade, the Sport Edition enhances the Avalon's attractive styling and spirited driving dynamics through additional standard features that range from HID headlamps and perforated leather-wrapped seats to unique badges and interior trims. All, of course, for a small premium over the Touring grade. Production of the Sport Edition will last for only six months and it won't be offered outside the 2015 model year. Read on to find out what this special edition->ke2041 model is all about.

Click past the jump to read more about the Toyota Avalon Touring Sport Edition.

2015 Toyota Avalon XLE Touring Sport Edition

Specifications
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  • Model: 2015 Toyota Avalon XLE Touring Sport Edition
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Toyota Avalon Touring Sport Edition in detail

Unlike other trims, the XLE Touring Sport Edition can be ordered in only one exterior color. Unfortunately, Toyota isn't offering a bespoke color, but the Attitude Black paint job that's available without any additional cost across the entire lineup. The good news is the shade works well with the sedan's coupe-like silhouette and sporty front fascia. The blackened appearance is complemented by 18-inch, black-painted, machined-finish alloy wheels and unique Sport Edition badges on the front fenders. The limited-edition Avalon is also equipped with high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps with auto on/off feature and LED daytime running lights.

Inside, customers will find perforated, leather-trimmed and heated front seats with dark-blue stitching, an eight-way power-adjusted driver’s seat with power lumbar support, and a four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat. The black-themed cabin also receives a handful of dark-blue accents in the form of a lower dash trim and center console trim. The same shade of blue is seen on the special floor mats that come with the Sport Edition logo. Aluminum door-sills plates and a unique splash screen logo complete the exclusive interior.

While the exterior and the cockpit have received sufficient amenities to justify the sedan's limited-edition status, the drivetrain remains unchanged. The same 3.5-liter, V-6 engine sends 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

Pricing for the Avalon XLE Sport Touring is set at $37,170, which accounts for a $450 premium over the 2014 Avalon XLE Touring. A fair deal considering the extra features, although Toyota's "any color as long as it's black" strategy is somewhat of a drawback.

Toyota Avalon