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 am sold - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By JimboH55 - April 22 - 10:00 am

  I have been a suburban buyer for years. I went to the dealership that I always deal with. Drove the new suburban and was ready to purchase. For the heck of it my bud who I deal with all the time ask me to test drive the Avalanche. I was sold once I got into it. Had all the comfort, power, and drove better than the burb. The next day I returned to purchased the Avalanche after driving them both again. Trust me the looks will grow on you.We have had some very strong storms this spring in MO no leaks. If your a burb user like I was. You use the back half more to haul cargo than passengers. Need to look at the Avalanche.

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  Avalanche 1500 2WD is truck luxury! - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By lizzieann - March 26 - 7:33 am

  Finally, automakers took heed to consumers. No more borrowing hubbys F150. Went from a Celica to the Avi & eased my road rage. 13K miles & were still happy. A few quirks that need to mentioned. Midgate gasket can leak if not installed correctly. Leaking only visible when back seats down, check for deformities. (Not covered by warranty, but dealer should work with you soon after purchase.) Side exterior body moulding held on by expanded, plastic clips & adhesive. Watch for loosening (Body moulding only covered 12K miles). Unreliable tailgate latch. Gate falls while driving after locking & pulling the handle. Even with the quirks, probably the best vehicle I have driven & owned.

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  I Love this Truck! - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By MLS - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this "truck" and I absolutely love it. I had a Tahoe before, which was a great truck, and the Avalanche has the sturdiness and reliability, and then some. It looks great, drives great, and lets be honest, it looks cool and turns heads.

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  2004 Owner - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Steve O - March 7 - 2:00 am

  The gas milage is terrible. I love my truck and didnt want to but anyhting else but the gas makes me not want to take it on tripts. Make more wiht out that ugly cladding. It looks a lot better without that junk on the side.

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  I like it! - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Mrpush - January 21 - 10:00 am

  This truck is great, period. If youre not sure if you might like it, go drive a club cab truck with an itty bitty bed and cramped rear seats, or a mini van and then go look at one of these. No doubt if you can afford it, youll buy it. This truck has it all. Roomy, comfortable, and an 8 bed! Driving it with my ripped jeans on, no shirt, and a load of building materials I feel like a rough N tough carpenter. Put on my tie and head to work, I feel like Im driving in a caddy. I have never had a car or truck I have enjoyed so much, REALLY!

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  Make the midgate an option! - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By ca - October 22 - 10:00 am

  Good ride if you like the suburban. The truck begs to be moded so get ready to spend some money. MPG is fair about 16 for real. Bed area is not water tight and never will be. Area around the wheel wells need protection and better chip resistent paint is needed on the hood. GM could do a lot better job with customer satisfaction. This truck is going to be one of those trucks that ten years down the road needs floor boards that have rusted out form leaking midgate. If you plan on keeping this truck for ever keep it as dry as possible.

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  Take care of your seals - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By tiger - August 3 - 10:00 am

  First thing I did was to dismantle all of the "removeables" and Armor-All all of the seals and weatherstripping. I have never seen so may seals in all my life but taken care of, they should last. Just a maintenance headache. Watch the rear window install closely, as if you are off just a little, it will not seal correctly.

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  Avalanche - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By ckiser - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Not the best design for looks. The square fenders dont cut it. However, most confort than any vehical I have owned.

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  2004 Z71 - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By lance kap - June 23 - 2:00 am

  great truck...put 22" tires on it and corsa exhaust with carbon fiber dashboard. Very nice!

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  chev avalanche - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By jeffmarsh - June 23 - 2:00 am

  purshased the vechcle nesw at the end of 2002. the vechicle is fun to drive and gives you great overdirve performance in the ford explored i had when yu went up a hill the over drive would kick off and eave yu hanging. This doesnt. one thing the vechicle comes with a different size spare tireand its not the same make of tire. it had 190000 miles on it/ the dealership need to improve their customer relations as well in the service dept. not ver swift sorry courtesy but you flunked the satisfaction test.