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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  Dream come true - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By avalanchehill - February 8 - 7:11 pm

  Its the best driving vehicle Ive ever owned. You can take 5 people up front and haul all of the luggage in the dry. You can haul a 4x8 sheet of plywood or other materials if needed in the dry .It has two tool boxs that you can use for what ever ,I use mine for a fishing rod and equipment ,umbrella tie downs ,even a extra pair of shoes . Being able to take the panels off of the bed is great ,you can take two panels off and haul a stove or refrigerator ,you dont have to take all of the panels out and you have a bag to store them in .

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  I love this truck.. - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Xplorer021 - January 29 - 3:50 pm

  This truck is awesome. You get so much versatility with it. I bought the tent to go caming in and it works great. On long road trips with friends the waterproof bed is more than enough to keep everyones luggage dry and there is more than enough room for all of the luggage. I can load it up with a trailer of 3 ATVs and have six people ride comfortably and still have room for 3 dogs in the back with 2 large coolers. The dogs love it. They ride great under the covers sleeping most of the time and you dont have to worry about them jumping out. We take the one closest to the back window off to give them plenty of air. There is plenty of leg room for everyone and cupholders. Great overall buy.

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  My 2nd Avalanche - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Greg Pacienza - January 27 - 4:32 pm

  Great truck.Easy to drive and great on week-end trips. Bad gas mileage, but everything else makes up for that. On- star is new and a great value too.

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  Outstanding Concept - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Bob - January 10 - 5:47 pm

  Owned a 2004 for a month. Pleasure to drive. Excellent ride. As a custom home builder need to pick up supplies very often. Avalanche converts to "truck" within 15 seconds and can easily put 9 long pieces of wood in it which are protected from the weather. Smartest vehicle buy I have ever made!

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  great vehicle - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By gregg fail - January 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a very dependable vehicle and the ride is outstanding. The versatilty of the mid gate and the three peice topper is also very nice. The quality is very good and the styling looks terrific.

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  Quit making it cheaper - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Wall - December 22 - 2:46 am

  GM keeps raising the price and removing quality from the interior. I have had a 2003, 2004 and now a 2005. In 04 they took the nice carpeting and replaced it with the flat cheap stuff they use now. For 05 they took away the nice chevy floor mats and put in cheap $5 Walmart specials and took away the double visors. For 05 they also changed the rear end options you cant get the 3.73 anymore you get either a 4.10 or 3.42. They also took away the nice dark charcoal seats leaving you with tan or light gray. Both will show the dirt. I pulled the nice mats out of my 04, even dirty they look better than the cheap 05s. Someone should slap their beancounters. Its a $40000 vehicle. Stop already!

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  2004 Avalanche - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By hunter - December 18 - 5:04 pm

  Very good ride quality when compared to pickups - especially over rough surfaces. Hydroboost brakes big improvement over 03. I use this truck as a daily commuter and as a recreational vehicle for hunting, camping, etc... Interior refinement is required - maybe the next generation will put it on par. Overall, the most versatile SUV/pickup on the market.

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  First Time Truck Owner - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Arthur Russell - December 7 - 7:41 pm

  The avalanche has plenty of power and handles very well for a large vehicle. The only problems so far was a knocking sound that was later diagnosed as a loose cross member. The vehicle has been a real pleasure to own so far.

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  Love it!!!!! - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By byerda - December 1 - 1:29 pm

  I bought the Z66 package and it rides great! smooth acceleration plenty of power and looks cool without the body hardware. Took it to the dealer to fix a suspension noise, they found it, fixed it, same day. Best riding vechicle I have ever owned.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By penrose - October 15 - 2:00 am

  First week with about 200 miles on it. Sold my 2003 Dodge for a 2004 Z66 and this is quite an upgrade as far as ride and comfort. Taking $10,000 off the sticker didnt hurt either.