Overview & Reviews

The Chevrolet Avalanche is a distinctive utility vehicle that blends the comfort and passenger capacity of an SUV with the cargo capacity of a long-bed pickup truck. Its unique "midgate" feature allows it to be converted from a five- or six-passenger crew cab pickup with a short cargo box into a two- or three-passenger pickup with a long cargo box. A lockable hard plastic cover keeps the bed contents safe.

Produced for two generations, the Avalanche was based on Chevy's related full-size trucks and SUVs and therefore shared basic underpinnings and powertrains. Though it may command a price premium on the used-car market, the Avalanche also has more to offer than most pure trucks or SUVs. For the shopper in need of a jack-of-all-trades vehicle, either generation of this unusual truck should make for a smart choice.

Used Chevrolet Avalanche Models
The most recent Avalanche is the second-generation model produced from 2007-'13. Sleeker exterior styling, a sharper and more precise driving feel and increased interior refinement were its chief advantages compared to the first-generation model. It was offered in three trim levels: base Avalanche LS, midgrade Avalanche LT and plush Avalanche LTZ. Numerous luxury and technology features were available, including Bose audio, leather upholstery and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Rear-wheel drive by default, this Avalanche was also offered with two four-wheel-drive (4WD) systems -- one with a single-speed transfer case (introduced on the 2010 model) and one with low-range gearing (previously the only option). All models started with a 5.3-liter V8 that initially produced 320 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque (310 hp and 335 lb-ft with 4WD). A 6.0-liter V8 with 366 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque was optional from 2007-'09. (Note that rated power on these engines varied slightly through the years, but you shouldn't notice any real-world difference in performance.) Earlier Avalanche models had a four-speed automatic transmission, while a six-speed automatic (which helped improve fuel economy) became standard for 2009.

In reviews of the second-generation Chevrolet Avalanche, we consistently praised its exceptional versatility on account of the adjustable-length bed. From behind the wheel, we found the Avalanche to be comfortable and smooth-riding for such a workhorse, with robust acceleration from either of the proven V8 engines. The towing capacity impressed us at over 8,000 pounds, easily outdoing the car-based Honda Ridgeline, though trailing pure trucks with V8 power. Maneuvering in tight spots was a challenge, however, due to the Avalanche's massive size and considerable blind spots astern. Still, with its updated platform, it was markedly more pleasant to drive than the previous-generation model.

Aside from the powertrain changes noted above, this Avalanche received standard side airbags for 2008, and the LTZ was upgraded for 2009 with standard Bose audio, heated and ventilated front seats and leather upholstery. The final-year 2013 model was technically known as the Black Diamond Avalanche; it was treated to special badging and some additional features as standard.

The first-generation Chevrolet Avalanche was produced on an older platform from 2002-'06, making a name for itself with its innovative midgate, which was largely carried over to the second-generation model. This Avalanche is also very similar to the newer version in terms of passenger space. At its debut, the first-generation model was offered with two- or four-wheel drive and in 1500 (half-ton) or 2500 (3/4-ton) designations. The 1500 came with a 5.3-liter V8 good for 285 hp. The 2500 model had a 340-hp 8.1-liter V8 as well as higher towing and payload capacities. Both engines came standard with a four-speed automatic transmission.

In reviews of the original Chevrolet Avalanche, we gave it high marks for its trick adjustable bed and comfortable seating. Downsides included compromised outward visibility, low-grade interior materials and awkward exterior styling. The latter was partly attributable to the truck's standard-issue gray-color lower body cladding. Chevrolet wisely made it an option starting in 2003.

There were a few other notable changes during this Avalanche's run. The 2003 model year also saw the arrival of standard multistage airbags, optional stability control and a number of new features, while 2004 saw a slight drop in rated power for the 8.1-liter V8 (to 320 hp). Stability control was made standard across the board for 2006.

User Reviews:

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  2011 disaster - 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Bill - November 19 - 7:27 pm

  Bought a 2011 5 years ago....had 70,000 miles. 3 years ago when I hit 118,000 miles, motor blew. Ingersoll chevy (local dealer/repair) told me "you must have put in the wrong oil at one time" which I never put any oil in it, as they had beenthe ones servicing the Trucks oil...? so.... after spending $7500.00 for a new motor, and then 1 week later $650.00 for an oil sender (which wasn't under the warranty from the motor replacement- Ha!) then 2 years later the tranny went and Ingersoll got another $5500.00 from me. 1 year ago the tranny cable broke -$700.00 (of course not under the new tranny warranty) . Now, 3.7 years later after the motor was replaced (7 months after the warranty passes), the motor just went again. Question is this, is it a lousy truck, rip-off dealership/repair shop, or is it me who keeps bringing this truck to a dealership/repair shop that has no regards for steady loyal customers hoping they will realize there is something not right with any of his.... Think about it.. if I get another motor I will have spent $22,350.00 in less then 4 years for this 2011 Black Nightmare.- that sadly looks like a great truck from the outside.... Ugghhh

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  Squeek ,Rattle and Barely Roll - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By DBLD - February 12 - 7:30 am

  Leather seats are very comfortable but heated seat on drivers side stoped working shortly after purchase. Interior squeaks and rattles all over!!! (dash,console,doors,etc.) MPG is horrible sticker said 12-16, this one gets 12.5 going down hill on the highway and thats on a good day!!Bed cover leaks like its not even there!! Tranny and drive line pops,dangs and jerks carnival ride! Im going bankrupt on fuel, trading for Ford or Dodge ASAP!!

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  Poor - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By jc - March 7 - 8:41 pm

  Very overrated. typical Chevy, poor mpg. Lots of cab noise. Many blind spots, instrumentation is poor, must take eyes off road for extended periods of time to figure controls, out of standard arm reach

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  Problems - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Richard - March 6 - 4:15 am

  Ive had intermediate steering shaft problems, replaced both Idler arms , water pump , blower modular, stereo, and now my transmission is burnt out Im real disappointed. What happened to reliability and pride in workmanship. I paid cash for a truck loaded with problems. Dont buy this truck! After 3K miles the first truck was replaced because the steering problems could not be corrected. All the problem above are on the second truck. Ive had it with this truck.

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  Problems - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By mekastle - December 7 - 4:09 pm

  We are having to replace the brakes every 20,000 miles. Dealer says that is normal. GM says they stand behind dealer. Would be unsafe to stand in front because brakes dont work. At same visit, tech says brakes shot, service manager says brakes ok. Three months later, brakes and rotor have to be replaced. GM says believe dealer? Two different stories, how can they believe both? I will never buy another GM product no matter how much I like the design. Nice to look at, practical design does not get me where I am going. If GM blindly accepts whatever the dealer says, I do not trust them and will no longer deal with them. No tears from me in they go bankrupt, maybe they deserve it.

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  Pure J.U.N.K. - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Chebby - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Sorry I ever saw one of these things. Seemed pretty cool at first but quickly got ugly. Sucks gas like my old Hemi Cuda of 1970 vintage. Poor build quality and generally worthless design. Not really a truck and not really an SUV. It gets increasingly uglier every day and the plastic trim everywhere, inside and out, wont stay attached. Will dump it on the used car market soon. Certainly, Dodge and Ford have the edge.

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  Ok, but many problems - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Shawn Martin - April 28 - 4:22 pm

  The truck is neat in its design, but this makes it very, very large. Performance is poor (sloppy brakes, sloppy steering, handling and acceleration). I had mine back to the dealer six times within the first 9 months at which point I sold it to buy a different brand. Great concept, but GM needs to do a lot of work on overall build quality, interior design quality and performance (needs a little sport).

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  the Terrible 5.3L engine - 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By D. R. Jared - December 5 - 5:53 pm

  There have been complaints about the 5.3L engine since 2007, yet GM has done nothing about it. With only 62000 miles, I had to have $1100 worth of repairs to the engine, due to poor design. The engine had developed a solid engine miss, only 20,000 miles after purchasing the truck used. The independent mechanic shop had to look up the cause/effect/recommended repair on their independent web reference. The result: due to a design fault in the valve cover(s) , a replacement had been designed by GM that - supposedly - fixed the problem; oh, that and a premature tune-up, because the spark plugs had been completely gunked up with oil from the poor design. Now, only 20,000 miles later, the same problem has popped up again. A different repair shop described the same remedy as before! This shop owner said he LOVED this engine, as it earned him a lot of money! Personally, he owns a similar truck, but with the 6.0 L engine.

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  general motors has sold us out - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By jonboy - February 9 - 2:00 am

  would not buy another one, fit is terrible, rattles, paint has blemishes, vehicle wanders all over road, transmission clunks, and the mileage is not what the manufacture says it is. The worst design i could have purchased. Neat concept but the bed leaks and the plastic is fading. Ok mr.goodwrench whats next.