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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  Loving it more every day! - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By snowbadger - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Safest truck you can drive! Gas mileage is the only drawback (I get about 13-14 MPG), but utility more than makes up for poor mileage. Tall vehicle. Strongly recommend step up bar. Conversion from SUV to truck is very easy. Ride is smooth whether on the road or rough terrain. 285HP engine has plenty of get up & go. Surprisingly good turning radius. Ingenious drainage system ensures water doesnt leak into the cockpit, even from the folding midgate. Took a while to get accustomed to the dimensions. A vehicle I liked when I bought it, & love more every time I get behind the wheel. Best purchase Ive ever made & most fun Ive ever had driving a vehicle.

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  Understand WMS limitations - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By cag123 - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Should have read ALL reviews before buying. Water Management System does not meet my needs for dry cargo space. Tried to salvage vehicle investment with Snugtop/GM XUV cap. X = eXpensive, but would be worth it if it kept water out. It doesnt. Snugtop sales said "Of course its watertight"; now service says "weather resistant not waterproof"; no other response to dealer request for help. Have owned truck 33 days (25 with rain), 500 miles. Am trading it in tomorrow. Performance item: auto. transmission slow to downshift (book says to floor it!), but may be normal; have had manual transmissions for 35 years.

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  Happy with a few complaints - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Sunburst Orange - January 26 - 9:28 pm

  This truck is absolutely gorgeous, so many compliments, rivals that of my Corvette. As far as mpg not bad for what you are driving. Drives nice but I encourage all buyers to purchase air ride! Makes your $40,000 vehicle ride like a $40K should. This is a big vehicle with lots of blind spots. Get back up camera for sure! Another problem, to lower the mid gate you have to move both front seats up a lot! Not even an option for long trips. Seats arent as comfortable as I would like but maybe its just me. Light in bed should be controlled by tailgate not courtesy lights. I have had a few things that seem like they need replaced but I bought mine used so might just be driven rough. I love it.

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  Very satisifed - 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Troy - January 18 - 7:55 am

  Weve been eyeing an Avalanche for years now and finally bought one with the employee pricing in Sept 08. Interior is very impressive and the ride is suprisingly smooth for a truck. The climate control knobs could be easier to use when driving and a coin holder would be nice. Backing up is tough but the park assist helps a lot. Everyone who rides in the truck comments about how nice the ride is (even other truck owners). Gas mileage is almost exactly the same as the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee 6cylinder we sold to buy this. We avg 15.5 mpg and could do better if we tried to use 4cyl mode more often. 4WD engagement is seamless.

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  Avalanche in use - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Fun - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck on thursday and went off roading on friday, it was a pleasure to drive and ride in, so far this has been one of my best purcheses. As for the interior I bought it with all leather that the dealership had done some where else. This is a awsome truck.

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  Would Be Great If It Worked! - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Lindsey - January 7 - 8:50 pm

  This is absolutely an awsome vehicle, when it works. Bought it used with 75,000kms, had a few problems with it not starting in -15C the first winter but overall it ran good. Last year we started having issues, we bought it for $26,000 and weve put $18,000 back into it in maintenance ($8,000 in the last 6 months) . We cant get it running long enough to sell it. Had the entire front end torn apart a few times but no one can find the problem.

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  Great truck, but... - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Cmac - November 23 - 9:26 pm

  This truck is absolutely great. The ride is surprisingly comfortable, and it is plenty of room for my entire family. I have had two problems that the dealership can not fix, but are not a major problem because I am the only one who drives. The memory seats do not retain their settings, and the CD repeat feature does not work as expected. It seems to play all the tracks up until you hit repeat. The first problem is only a nuisance if my wife happens to hop in to take it for a spin since we are on opposite ends of the height scale.

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  My Z66-No Problems/No issues - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By David - October 29 - 4:47 am

  This vehicle was/is a Godsend. We purchased it as a promotion present for me when I became a police lieutenant. Little did we know that we would end up living in it when I became disabled in 2004. We have towed a 28 ft travel trailer from New Mexico to Florida then to Oregon then back to Florida and finally settled down in Oregon. It currently has 128322 miles, most of those occurred by 2006,(2 years). It has not spent one day in the shop due to a breakdown or malfunction. A few things had to be addressed during maintenance (like minor recalls) but so far we have been and are thrilled with it.

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  Big Red Z-71 - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By djames - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Feels like Im driving a Caddy without the 50k price tag

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  2002 Avalanche 8.1 2500 - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Gary Pfahler - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Have had the 8.1 2500 Avalanche since Sept. Nicest truck I have owned.