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 Avalanche - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By lari - April 25 - 10:00 am

  We absolutely love our Avalanche. The ride is so smooth and it has a roomy feeling. It takes bumps so well. We test drove an F150 4dr Super Crew and the seats werent as comfortable and the feel of the overall truck was not as solid nor luxurious.

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  Wears poorly with time. - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By mpsrent - April 17 - 2:00 am

  AV is a good idea for those looking for room, ride and the benefits of a truck. Unfortunately, like most GM products, this truck doesnt age well. After two years and 36k, problems are starting to pop up on a regular basis.The truck is babied and serviced regularly, but exhaust baffles just went, steering coupler seized up, ABS sensor died etc. The good deals on new Avalanches mean huge depreciation for used units. Buyer beware, buy one to run to the grouond, not for just 3 or 4 years or epect to take a huge hit. Good for a few years or low mileage users, but I fear how long this truck will hold up.

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  2002 Avalanche - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By earnhardtfanm - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding vehicle for family or the man or woman of the house....Has comforts of a 5 passenger car and the convenience of a truck. Load the back with what you need to haul, the handling is outstanding. The auto climate control is a feature that is nice, keeps your temp inside very confortable

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  Best vehicle i have ever driven - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Rarebreed - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I have owned everything from Hondas (prelude) to Fords (Bronco) and Jeep (Grand cherokee). The Avalanche drives quiter than my best friends benz. Seems to be as reliable as any Honda product i have owned. It looks like Chevy has finally turned the corner on reliability. I am so happy that our next purchase is going to be the equinox.

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  A winner overall, except for........... - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Magic27037 - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I had to have the three truck bed top liners replaced because they leaked when I had the truck washed or when it rained. I read on the net that the early builts had a problem because they didnt seal everything as they should have when they built them...have no idea if that is true. I do know that GM took control after I called them because I couldnt get any satisfaction from the dealer I bought it from.The other dealer took action to try and resolve the leak problem. The original dealer just said that they never said the truck bed was "watertight", just water resistant....Dahhhhh I hope the problem is solved. The new panals are due in nexxt week.

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  Avalanche: Functional,Practical, and Fun - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By dean - April 6 - 10:00 am

  The avalanche is a highly usefull and practical truck. The only downside to the avalanche is that you are limited to front seat capacity, 2 or 3 depending on seat option selected, if you utilize the fold down mid gate function. Aside from that minor inconvenience it is one awesome machine. It rides like a full side touring car and corners much better than any truck I ever drove, with Z71 of course. Test drive one and get hooked. The bells and whistles that come standard are better than what you will find on Ford or Dodge.

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  Just right - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Johnec - March 31 - 2:00 am

  The Toyota and Ford lacked in power, The Dodge felt like a go-cart, The Avalanche felt like a SUV, but had the function of a truck and the room and comfort that only SUVs had. I was hell-bent on buying the New Ford F-150 but after one test drive I was hooked on the Avalanche, this is one decision I am glad I made, WOW what a truck.

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  love my avalanche - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By rollin on 20s - March 31 - 2:00 am

  this is a great truck for traveling very comfortable and smooth. it turns heads wherever we go. i would recommened it to everyone. i will definitly buy another one!!

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  Nothing Like It On The Road - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By harley02 - March 25 - 2:00 am

  This is one great truck/suv/vehicle. You get the best of all worlds. Very comfortable ride. My only issue is with the plastic clading...it scratches easy, which really sticks out. The only alternative is to order one w/o the clading, but then it looks strange..catch 22. BE AWARE..On-Star will cause issues if you plan to install an after market stereo system. The On-Star is tied to the stock stereo and if you replace the stock deck..no more On-Star. There are converters ($100) to keep On-Star. I wish dealer had told me prior to purchase regarding On_Star issue. Bottom line...great truck!!

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  Great Combination! - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By qtplavy - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I love the smooth ride, comfortable, roomy of the truck. Good power, brakes. Stick with the road real good. The engine is kinda heavy first 500 miles. Offer almost the same quality as Cadillac with 10k less.