ToyotaLexus

I got a 2001 Avalon as a loaner car last Friday.(the Lexus dealer
is also the Toyota dealer) I cannot get over how much bigger the
more rear legroom the Avalon has over the LS430. I'm 6'2" and
when I adjust the driver's seat to my position, the backseat has
room to fit another one of me. On the LS430, I cannot do this,
as my knees will be firmly planted in the back of the driver's seat.
(my head will also be touching the seating even if I'm sitting
as low as possible)

I checked with Toyota's website, and the Avalon has 4 inches
more of rear legroom than the LS430??? I'm assuiming Toyota
uses the same standard to measure both of its vehicles.

Anyway, will there be a long-wheel-based LS430? I'm seriouly
considering trading in the LS430 for the Avalon. The reason is
that I rarely drive it myself. Always carry the folks and/or
business friends...

LS007

I believe the LS430 is still larger. Here is a compare from Carpoint.

Interior
Dimensions Avalon vs. LS430

Front Headroom 38.7 in. 39.6 in.

Rear Headroom 37.9 in. 38 in. <--- Fractionally smaller in Avalon

Front Legroom 41.7 in. 44 in. <--- LS430 gives you more front legroom (more important to many, including me at 6'5")

Rear Legroom 40.1 in. 37.6 in. <--- See above re: front legroom

Front Shoulder Room 58.4 in. 58.3 in.

Rear Shoulder Room 58.1 in. 58.2 in.

Front Hip Room 55.2 in. 56.7 in.

Rear Hip Room 55.1 in. 57.3 in.

VQT

Because Avalon is front wheel drive. I bet it has biger trunk space too.

Lvangundy

Same thing for me..I have my 90' LS and my grandparents have a 95' Avalon...the avalon has WAYY more rear room and the seats are WAYY more comfortable. Anyone know of a way to make the seats more tolerable in the 1st gen LS's? Maybe getting them recushoned?

fusi0n 1er

my om bought a 2002 Avalon and it's much more roomier and has a bigger trunk.....my 1st gen. LS is kinda slower and less roomier........figures......

pongydoo

It is because the LS is rear wheel drive and the drivetran has to be on the back but Avalon is the front wheel drive which leave more space in the back plus LS have another 22+ liters gas tank which take up a lot of the trank space. Most of the expensive cars such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, etc) are back wheel drive which create smoother ride.

Ku@

my dad's avalon use to be really roomy
i think it was the seat deisgn which is design to sink in the passenger

BrickHead

The current LS (2001 - present) has the gas tank beneath the rear seat. I believe the Avalon is classified as a 'large' car. It was originally designed to compete with Buick LeSabre, Ford Crown Vic, etc.. That's why a 3-person front bench was an option so it could carry 6 persons! The Avalon's reat seat is actually more roomy and comfortable than a Crown Vic's. However, the LS430 weighs 400 to 500 pounds more than the Avalon. The redesigned 2005 Avalon is rumored to have reclining rear seats...