Our test car was an XLS, so there were standard features aplenty. But it also had the $1,555 leather trim package, which includes memory for the driver's seat and heat for both seats. The optional moonroof
added $980 to the sticker.
Inside, the Avalon looks every bit the luxury car it was designed to be. The carpet is thick, the leather
creamy to touch, the instrument panel well designed. There is wood trim on the dash, console and door panels.
A dual power-operated 50/50 front bench seat is available to accommodate up to six passengers. It comes with
a fold-down center armrest and a column-mounted shifter. Five-passenger bucket seat models have a center
console with transmission shifter.
Both XL and XLS models can be finished in a choice of high-density velour fabric or premium leather. Interior
colors include ivory, quartz and black. Nine exterior colors are available, four of which are new for 1998.
The list of standard features includes luxury-car musts: automatic air conditioning, 170-watt cassette
stereo, cruise control, power windows, power locks with anti-lockout feature, tilt steering wheel, dual