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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  Chevy Avalance..greatest truck ever - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By jaredville23 - July 3 - 5:33 pm

  I love my Avalanche. It is the best truck out there. It may not have the biggest engine, but it makes up for it with versatility. It can do anything anywhere.

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  Fun to Drive @ 20.1 MPG - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By David R - June 20 - 8:37 pm

  Owned a Ford F-150 for 10 years, still have it, still use it, still a great truck. I’ve owned the 05 Avalanche LT for one year now. I bought the truck because I liked the style and every Avalanche owner I spoke to was passionate about how much fun it was to drive. This vehicle is easy to handle with great control, power, and smooth ride. Every truck owners dream, including great gas mileage city 19 hwy 24, I average 20.1mpg. Best investment I’ve made in a long time. Now all I need is to find an E85 fuel station.

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  Functional and Fun - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By cory zimmerman - May 18 - 4:00 pm

  This is a great vehicle. It has numerous features that turn out to be very useful, such as side compartment that also serve as ice coolers. The fact that the bed drains is nice during the winter. Interior is extremely roomy (Im 62")and comfortable.

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  2nd Time Around - 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Michael - May 16 - 4:22 pm

  My 2006 2WD Z66 is a replacement for my 2002 Z66. Chevy must be doing something right as this was the first time Ive ever repeated on a vehicle. The mileage continues to be a problem as would any vehicle this size and weight. Most comfortable and smoothest riding vehicle Ive ever owned and this one is number 18. For my money, theres not a better highway car.

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  orboaters 02 2500 Avalanche - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By orboater - May 10 - 7:41 am

  Use as a daily driver. It is a bit thirsty driving around town but not bad out on the highway considering the size of the engine. Bought to pull boat and am not a bit sorry. One great tow vehicle.

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  exceeds expectations - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By ggrajek - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Wow, I have been driving this beast for 8 months and i still enjoy jumping in just for a ride. Great versitility, I only wished I would have found one with the xm radio pre-installed. I have owned 2 suburbans and this is much more usesful.

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  Love My Avalanche - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Jack - April 27 - 9:47 am

  The truck has been wonderfully comfortable to drive. Easy to turn, drive. I get 20 MPG with the 5.3 liter motor, though most of my miles are highway. Glad I bought this truck.

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  Gotta luv it! - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By danlwil - April 21 - 2:00 am

  If you drive one... everything else seems impractical. The versitility. styling and comfort are the best part of this truck. Did I meantion mods? This truck was built to modify.... do what you will. It will only make cool cooler!!

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  Great comfortable powerful truck - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By RyanJames - April 17 - 4:51 pm

  Well lets start with the bulletproof drivetrain. 295 hp, rock solid and quick... great transmission. Interior is great, not too flashy and very comfortable seats. The truck is very useable, the bed is decently large, and the cover works as a tonneau. I have driven this truck on over 4500 mile road trips and will not stop going. I have just passed 80,000 miles and not a single problem. Gas mileage is around 15.5 in town and over 19 on the highway.

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  A nice truck - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Stephen - April 10 - 8:51 pm

  I purchased this truck new and it has been very good. The fuel economy on the highway is about 19mpg. The truck has run flawlesly since day one. If I had to find one fault it is that the pistons are slightly noisy when cold for 20 or so seconds, but the engine runs so well otherwise it is easy to ignore that small shortcoming