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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  Loaded AV in SETexas - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By American Man - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Just bought my Avalanche (AV). Full function buckets are awesome Ride package is better than any other truck I have had in the past (Dodge, Chevy, Ford). Convenience package is great (O/S mirrors are good choice, adjustable pedals for the wife are a big hit as well! Appearance is sharpened dramitically without the body hardware! With the Z66 package, the truck sits up nicely (17" rims/tires). Engine provides ample power.

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  Like A Rock - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Bowtie - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I finally bought the truck after following the model since I saw it on a poster in the dealership in 2000. I love the truck and I am not disappointed in any feature of this truck. It handles great, look even better and is extremely versatile. I recommend this truck to anyone.

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  Love myAvalanche - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Denis Croteau - September 11 - 2:00 am

  I have had my avalanche for 2 years now and I realy love just about every thing about it the ride is very nice and you can have 4 to 5 adults sitting comfortabley and if you need a pickup truck you have it in about 5 min.

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  Fun to drive again - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Horace - September 4 - 2:00 am

  A great combinaton of SUV and pickup all wrapped up into one. A truck that rides like a car on the highway and has all the features of comfort of a car put into a truck package.

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  03 Avalanche - Soooo Fun! - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Tony K. - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Our Avalanche came with the WBH option (Without Body Hardware). We decided that less is more in this case because the body hardware, also called side cladding, on the Avalanche is an awful lot of extra surface area to Armor- All. Our vehicle is a dark charcoal, and looks very coordinated with the windows tinted (Las Vegas weather). This truck/SUV is fantastic. It is beautiful, rides very smoothly, rides high for excellent freeway visibility, is very quiet, and is extremely powerful, even with the 1500 5.3 litre engine!

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  2 for one - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By gKato - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Traded a 01 Tahoe Z-71 for the Avalanche. So far, I love the vehicle. More room and storage than my Tahoe, and rides better. We just packed for the weekend camp trip with a 5000lb tailer, 2 inflatables, cooking BBQ, fishing gear, bikes, tables, chairs, etc, and we still have room to spare!

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  Outstanding so far! - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By moily - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Have had the truck since Spring and really have grown to love it! Smooth ride and good looks. Took our camper out west and had no problems going through the mountains - as expected. While towing got between 13 & 14 mpg through the mountains - not great, but I knew what I was getting when I purchased! One minor flaw in the truck portion which the dealer fixed easily.

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  My Wife loves it - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By mjhollins - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I purcahsed this vehicle for my wife and she loves it. So does my 24 year old daughter. So much so that she is going to buy one too. We love everything about this vehicle. Gas mileage is about you should expect for a vehicle this size. It really turns heads everywhere we go, including mine, I cant stop looking at it. If anyone is thinking of buying a full size crew cab truck, I would strongly suggest taking a look at this vehicle.

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  Great Avavalanche - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By By Hemme - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Love this great truck, would buy it again next time. It has all the features anyone could want,smooth quiet luxury ride-TOPS.

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  Lovin it - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By DPM - August 23 - 2:00 am

  This truck is awesome, the power on the highway is out of this world. The truck looks great but if you put a set of 22"- 26" wheels on it it looks even better. Trust me.