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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  Fall Apart with $1,332/89. owner pays. - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Fall Apart - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Total mileage 37,011. Failure of bearings in the differential; Failure, bearing in rear axle on passenger side. Leak in same bearing. Oil lelaked onto emergency brakes. Cost me $1,332.89. 9. Designed to fail at 1,011 miles beyond warranty???? Dealer claiming no GM responsibilty. Results (2).. 1. I pay the bill. (2) Toyota has genuine, non mis-leading total quality throughout. Chev Avalanche taught me to avoid GM PRODUCTS. I AM PURCHASING A TOYOTA AVALON as soon as my Avalanche is available from its costly repairs. READER: Are you capable of learning from the above experience. Its only your money.

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  07Chevy Avalanche LTZ - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By LTZ - November 11 - 12:37 am

  I bought the car about three weeks ago. Got the LTZ package which is just great with navigation, rear entertainment system, reverse camera, power mirrors and pedals, sunroof, and 20" rims. Hard to find a brush guard for it, but other than that its a great car. My cousins have an 02 and an 05 but they come nowhere near this baby.

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  This is my 2nd Avalanche - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By scott Lamson - November 10 - 7:30 am

  Only problem with my 1st. one was the PCV valve (which the dealer fixed). This new one so far has been great. I can hardly feel the transition between 8 cyl. to 4 cyl. Ill be much happier with the better gas mileage.

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  My first truck! - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By r!ckyr!ck - November 9 - 11:45 pm

  This truck absolutely is a head turner. I get compliments all the time. A co-worker has a previous model, and he loves my new and improved model. Very quiet cabin, strong engine, very tight fitting/looking panels inside and out. The black color just makes the truck look that much better. The premium cloth seats are very comfortable, midgate design very handy. Ive got the L1 model(2-wheel drive) w/ sunroof, DVD player, premium sound, and woodgrain interior. Oh check out the climate control on this thing, looks "importish". Man is this a truck or a luxury sedan? Chevy hit a home run with this one!

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  Avalanche Rules - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Freddy Wayne Montoya - November 9 - 11:21 am

  I have had my Avalanche for 3 yrs. now. No problems to report, just oil changes and gas! Very roomy interior, love the leather. Drives great, gas mieage is good I think considering the truck and its capabilities. After all, gas mileage in an V-8 is really up to the driver! Overall, I am very happy with this truck and I would recommend it highly to anyone.

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  Just Perfect - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Dave - November 9 - 11:15 am

  Ive always loved 4-door pick up trucks and I was for 3 years the proud owner of an Explorer Sport Trac but had been looking to replace it with a bigger more comfortable truck so I could feel more secure on the heavy traffic of the I-10. The Avalanche was the obvious answer. Better comfort ride, stronger transmission and more luxurious than the sport trac and actually has the same fuel economy as my old truck. I bought it used but it rides just as new.

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  Awesome Avalanche - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Paul Souza - November 5 - 6:21 pm

  This is by far the best motor vehicle we have purchased. Driving for over 30 years in four season weather the Chevy Avalance is everything we dreamed of. The price was great considering all of the options and versitility this vehicle offers. If you can afford it and need an awesome vehicle this is it!

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  Go Avy - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By AVVY - November 3 - 3:28 pm

  The Avy is a great vehicle! My only complaint is the fuel cost, but that is because I bought it before gas went through the roof. The ride is great and smooth, and there are a ton of features I love. I use it as a pickup often, and always get what I need done. I recommend this truck to anyone that likes a bit of luxury with the versitility of a pickup truck

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  Pure J.U.N.K. - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Chebby - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Sorry I ever saw one of these things. Seemed pretty cool at first but quickly got ugly. Sucks gas like my old Hemi Cuda of 1970 vintage. Poor build quality and generally worthless design. Not really a truck and not really an SUV. It gets increasingly uglier every day and the plastic trim everywhere, inside and out, wont stay attached. Will dump it on the used car market soon. Certainly, Dodge and Ford have the edge.

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  Id buy another - 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By mikml2 - November 1 - 9:27 am

  This is my second Avalanche. The first one had some serious problems. I traded it and got a new one. This one had problems when I first got it, but once the kink got out of it, its been great.