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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  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

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  Very Versatile! - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Jim - April 10 - 10:50 am

  We love this multi-purpose truck! It accomodates us on our camping trips, hauling the kids bikes, and provides a very comfortable ride around town and on long distance trips. (We do have some concerns about the quality of GMs workmanship tho)

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  Simply Wonderful, Great Chevy - 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Sanjay - April 3 - 2:51 pm

  I purchased my Avalanche about a month ago and absolutely love it. If anyone out there thinks GM is in trouble, please do a test, drive a Toyota, Nissan, Honda and then youll know what I am talking about. I used to drive Toyotas all the time, until I bought my GMC Sierra in 2000. This convinced me that GM trucks are the best. I bought my Avalanche a month ago and its a beauty. It rides like a Lexus, it does not have any wind noise like the Tundra or Ridgeline. GM has come a long way building trucks and this simply shows how well they can build it. Again when in doubt, do drive others and youll come back to the Avalanche. Excellent, ride, comfort, convenice, etc etc etc.

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  Well pleased - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By pt - April 3 - 5:59 am

  Great ability to open and store deck panels by one person. Good visibility in traffic. Handles all 4W terrain well.

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  Love to Drive - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By kjelvis - April 1 - 2:00 am

  This truck drives like a dream. It has a soft ride, smooth transmission, and is relatively easy to manuever for a large truck. The leather seats are incredibly comfortable, and there are a lot of bells and whistles available. The only complaint is poor fuel economy, even for a truck. I only have 600 miles on it so far, but am averaging about 13.5 mpg.