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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  Picmes Experience - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By picme2 - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Excellent performance. ABS system has saved me more than once in highway traffic. Rides smoothly. Excellent vision of the road. Comfortable interior. Towing is effortless. Turning ratio is pleasing considering the length of the vehicle. Needs room for maneuvering (ie. small driveways, close parking lot conditions, etc.).

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  TLC - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By tlccribbs - December 4 - 12:43 pm

  I had a Tahoe before and I needed a truck for work but, I wanted the same amount of comfort and luxury that I had before. I was able to get the best of both worlds with this vehicle. The Avalanche is an outstanding vehicle for play and work.

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  Best of both worlds - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By wesg33 - November 22 - 2:01 pm

  This is the perfect vehicle for someone who needs a truck, but would rather have an SUV. Ive had mine for almost three years now and still havent seen a vehicle that I would rather have. In fact Im thinking about trading this one in for a new one soon. I sometimes fold the midgate down, take off one panel, and am able to haul 12 metal studs. Its also nice to be able to haul 8 drywall or plywood completely dry. I dont use it for this very often, but it sure is nice in a pinch. I also love having the bed panels, it allows me to haul quite a few tools in the dry.

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  Great, Great, Great - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By HOUSTON - November 21 - 3:20 pm

  This truck met most of our expectations. The ride is super smooth, very comfortable and the Bose system if very nice. It turns corners pretty good for a truck.

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  Need some inprovements - 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By zonesarge - October 31 - 10:54 pm

  The vehicle is a good riding vehicle Very comfortable to drive. Have had several problems with vehicle. Need something to tell you when the tail gate is down maybe a light on the dash. Very hard to see to the rear of the vehicle

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  Red Chevy avalanche - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By John C - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought the truck in July, i mostly got it for the 4 door part of it, its a crew cab with out the long bed, so turning is easier, the ride is good and the looks are excellent,

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  Its an OK truck! - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By ROB - September 25 - 4:27 pm

  Nice truck. I love the capability of offroading. I went through 24" of snow and didn’t get stuck. But the EPA estimated fuel mileage not even close truck gets about 8mpg city 12-15mpg EPA estimates are crap and it seems the more gas prices go up the worse the fuel mileage gets, and it’s hard on the wallet. Chevy makes great truck but would get better mileage if they put manual available in the Avalanche and offered a diesel, or just added a 5th gear to the automatic.

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  owner - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By avalanche owner - September 14 - 2:00 am

  this truck is excelent i have a magna charger super charger on it and you cant tell when you are towing a trailer the prob i have with this truck is the drivers seat is going flatat bottom part of you sit on i am thinking abought going over to the dealer to complane abought this my friend has a 2002 hd 2500 his seat is so flat that the fABRIC IS NOW BAGGIE ON THE SEAT MY LAST TRUCK WAS A 1997 TAHOE WITH A 170000 THOUSAND MILES ON IT THAT WAS THE BEST SEAT I EVER HAD IT DIDNT GO FLAT SPORRY OWNER OF A 2003 AVALANCHE SEAT

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  Great for towing - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By bbp2459 - September 4 - 5:55 pm

  This has been a great truck/SUV for towing & hauling...in style! Very comfortable seats. Having the ability to fold down the midgate gives a lot of versatility. Considering its towing capacity, it is also not so big that you cant park it easily.

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  I love my new Avalanche - 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Robyn - August 8 - 6:31 pm

  I knew the second I started the engine and pulled away from the dealership that this was the truck for me. It is so stylish and eyecatching. Big, beautiful and red. It is so quiet and comfortable I can not say enough nice things about it, only one negative, it seems so wide and hard to parrellel park. I can not wait to take it out on a long haul with my horses attached and finally feel some comfort with style.