However, when pushed hard into a corner (and I mean hard), the big sedan encounters marginal plow and understeer, but in a

I have no doubt that 99.9 percent of Avalon buyers will be more than pleased with the handling dynamics of their comfy craft. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

very predictable, forgiving, manageable way, which makes keeping all four wheels rubber-side down and on the road a very doable task. Strangely, Toyota only makes its Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control technologies available with XLS trim, leaving me to ponder who really needs it more - drivers choosing the performance suspension of the Touring model, or those opting for the softer ride of the XLS? Despite this incongruity, I have no doubt that 99.9 percent of Avalon buyers will be more than pleased with the handling dynamics of their comfy craft. Believe me, it's light years ahead of what was being produced domestically not so long ago, when marshmallow setups reigned supreme in four-door sedans.

Fortunately, Toyota hasn't shortchanged anyone when it comes to stopping the Avalon, which is equipped with four-wheel antilock

The Avalon is equipped with four-wheel antilock disc brakes, fortified with Electronic Brake-force Distribution. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

disc brakes, fortified with Electronic Brake-force Distribution. Apart from a soft pedal, the binders on my test unit felt strong and very responsive. Slight nosedive accompanied an emergency stop, but vehicle control was never compromised as cessation rapidly arrived. Very praiseworthy is the host of airbags Toyota has fitted to the Avalon as standard equipment. Each Avalon receives driver and front passenger frontal airbags and front seat-mounted side airbags, and the driver also receives a knee airbag. Everybody along for the ride receives the benefit of front and rear side curtain airbags. In total, that's a lot standard-fare bag-brag.