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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  I wish I had my 1998 Tahoe back!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By ihatechevy! - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Judging from everyone elses reviews, I got a lemon. The engine and exterior build are fine, but the interior is shoddy at best. Within 24 hours of leaving the dealership, trim pieces had begun to fall off! Now, 3 months later, I am still headed back from time to time to have the dealer replace trim clips. I have also resorted to using pieces of windshield wiper blades to wedge in the dash to stop squeasks and rattles. My 6 year-old Tahoe didnt have this much interior noise! I cant believe Im paying $500/month for this. For this price, I couldve had a nice, well built German car...

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  chevy has a winner - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By dunnehy - May 7 - 2:00 am

  i love this truck had three suvs prior to this truck lots of changes from 2002 model drives almost like a car for now better than my suvs you dont need 4x4 get 2x4 with traction and you will not have any problems in winter this is my first cheny and if this truck continue performing like it is now i will continue to drive a chevy gas mileage is not good but what do you expect for a truck this big i have the 1500 2 x 4 with all the trimmings except for sun roof just let the mid gate down

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  very good vehicle - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By FF - May 5 - 2:00 am

  Overall this is a very good vehicle. I have 71K miles on this vehicle and have had no major problems. The tailgate still has a tendency to pop open, even after the dealer "fixed" it. The gas mileage is not that great, but what I would expect for a 4X4. I do like the midgate. In the winter I had the midgate down to utilize the full length bed, (I carry a lot of gear) and had no problems with the interior getting cold (I live in PA) and I do not have the heated seats.

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  A winner overall, except for........... - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Magic27037 - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I had to have the three truck bed top liners replaced because they leaked when I had the truck washed or when it rained. I read on the net that the early builts had a problem because they didnt seal everything as they should have when they built them...have no idea if that is true. I do know that GM took control after I called them because I couldnt get any satisfaction from the dealer I bought it from.The other dealer took action to try and resolve the leak problem. The original dealer just said that they never said the truck bed was "watertight", just water resistant....Dahhhhh I hope the problem is solved. The new panals are due in nexxt week.

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  Nothing Like It On The Road - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By harley02 - March 25 - 2:00 am

  This is one great truck/suv/vehicle. You get the best of all worlds. Very comfortable ride. My only issue is with the plastic clading...it scratches easy, which really sticks out. The only alternative is to order one w/o the clading, but then it looks strange..catch 22. BE AWARE..On-Star will cause issues if you plan to install an after market stereo system. The On-Star is tied to the stock stereo and if you replace the stock deck..no more On-Star. There are converters ($100) to keep On-Star. I wish dealer had told me prior to purchase regarding On_Star issue. Bottom line...great truck!!

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  2003 Chevy Avalanche - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By James Panzica - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Purchased in July 2003, and I now have 6,500 miles on it. There have been zero problems with it. The only work needed was oil changes. Fuel economy here in a New England winter, short driving distances, runs about 10.5 mpg. Summer will take it up to 12.5. It is an exceptionally quiet vehicle, in terms of both interior and engine noise. The only complaint is that there should be more use of fabric instead of just plain plastic.

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  Great Truck for the money - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By bert gonnella - March 14 - 10:00 am

  This is a true SUV. We use it as our family hauler. Back seat plenty big for kids. Use it as a pickup for bringing anything home fromthe local home depot We just got back from a vacation where we loaded the back end with anything that would fit and we towed a 22 foot boat and truck worked great. Great truck!

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  Ways to improve gas mileage and comfort - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By crossroads50 - March 2 - 2:00 am

  For those of you who are complaining about gas mileage please listen up. The first 36,000 were with all stock parts. Now that the original warranty is up I have added a flowmaster exhaust kit with dual cat tips and a K&N Fuel injection performance kit which increase my gas mileage, 3 to 4 mpg. Remember to keep your feul injection system clean ( every 15,000 or so for the avalanche ) Like with any vehicle keep up on your maintenance and your vehicle will work better for you. Im happy I chose the 2002 Z71 Avalache over the suburban and the cadillac suv.

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  Versatility&Comfort! - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By GullieZ71 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Z71 leather package when they first came to the market. 30,000 miles later I have to say that the more I drive it the more I like it. Wife loves the comfy heated seats more than her Mercedes. I love the smooth ride and the fact that I can pull a horse trailer, put hay, feed, tack in the back but still feel like i am driving a Caddy.

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  uniqe - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By paul rossi - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned vehical over two years. I HAVE USED IT FOR TOWING A 26FT TRAILER SAILER.CARTED AROUND MY FAMILY OF FOUR AND WORKED OUT OF IT ON MY HVAC BUISNESS.NICE QUIET RIDE,TIGHT TURNING RADIUS FOR A TRUCK ESPECIALY WHEN I COMPARE IT TO MY 96 SILVERODO EX CAB PICKUP I OWNED PRIOR TO IT.LONG RIDES IN EXCESS OF TWO HOURS DO TEND TO MAKE IT A LITTLE UNCOMFORTABLE ON LEGS IN DRIVERS SEAT ,BUT THEN AGAIN I AM 62250LBS.ALL OTHER SEATING VERY ROOMY,EVEN ON 3 PER ROW.