2013 Best Resale Value Awards: Best Full-Size Car

Toyota's flagship sedan has long been known for its near-Lexus levels of comfort, refinement, and long-term reliability, all traits that help make this a resale value leader. For 2013, the Avalon arrives in fresh form with more expressive looks inside and out, the latest in-car technology, and higher-caliber fit and finish. Just as important is what has changed under the hood, and what that difference yields in both fuel efficiency and resale value.

In addition to the refined and familiar V6 engine from past models comes the first Avalon hybrid. The system uses a 4-cylinder engine and electric motor/battery pack, the kind of setup that has been successful in vehicles such as the Prius and the 2013 Lexus ES 300h. The reward in the 2013 Avalon Hybrid is the magic 40 mpg certification, a considerable figure in a full-size sedan.

Fuel economy gets a bump in V6 Avalon models, too, reaching 31 mpg while offering the powertrain's legendary smoothness. Of course, fuel economy isn't the sole reason to buy and retain an Avalon. Comfortable, quiet cruising are key here, and the 2013 Avalon does both better than ever for driver and passengers alike. Features such as heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, navigation, and premium JBL sound system make commutes far more enjoyable.

Also of high value in the 2013 Toyota Avalon is safety. Features like blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert and stability control will help keep you confident on the road for years to come. It all adds up to a full-size sedan that brings big value in the near and long terms.