The current Toyota Avalon may still look fresh, but with the fourth generation nearing its third anniversary, the world's largest carmaker has seen fit to give its full-size sedan a mild nip and tuck just in time for the 2015 Chicago Auto Show.

Visually, the 2016 model year brings in a few tweaks, including some borrowed from the facelifted US-market Camry. There's a downturned chrome-laden lower front grille, a narrower upper grille, slim front indicators that replace the previous fog lights, revised LED head- and tail lights, as well as a chrome accent on the rear bumper insert. New 17- and 18-inch wheel designs complete the exterior overhaul.

In contrast, very little has changed on the inside, just grey accent stitching in combination with a light grey interior. What has changed, however, are the streamlined trim levels – from now on, V6 models are available in XLE, XLE Plus, XLE Premium, Limited and Touring trims, while the Hybrid gets XLE Plus, XLE Premium and Limited variants.

The larger seven-inch Entune Audio Plus touchscreen, premium woodgrain trim and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) are now standard across the range. XLE Premium adds Entune Premium Audio with Navigation as well as Qi wireless charging, while sportier Touring models get a more aggressive front fascia, LED headlights and dark grey 18-inch wheels.

The range-topping Limited is distinguished through new Super Chrome wheels (18-inch on the V6, 17's on the Hybrid) and optional advanced safety systems such as automatic high beam, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System and Lane Departure Alert. With the rejigging of trim levels, the suspension has also been revised accordingly, with a softer setup from XLE to Limited, and a sportier tune on Touring models.