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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  LOVALANCHE - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By al heil - October 30 - 10:00 am

  GREAT FULL SIZE UTILITY. BEST COMFORT AND UTILITY OF ANYTHING I HAVE EVER DRIVEN. A TRUE WINNER

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  What a change! - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Kr00g - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I researched this vehicle for over a month and decided it would fit the bill for what I wanted. It replaces my 93 SSEi and the last truck I had owned was a 85 Blazer. I needed a truck, a car my elderly folks could ride in (and get in and out of), and something reliable to get me to work in Iowa. This truck meets all those requirements and then some.

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  Chevy Avalanche - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By jpj028 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Want to drive the best driving SUV/Truck in the market? Then get in the Chevy Avalanche. Fun, Fast, Bold are some of the things that you will experience.

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  2003 CHEVY AVALANCHE Z71 - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By R5075 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Very comfortable. Solid body.

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  My truck - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By William Nielsen - August 30 - 2:00 am

  My truck has done well under many things towing A+ snow A+ room for the family A+ LOOKS GREAT A+

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  LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL!!!! - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By DANG-I-LOVE-MY-TRUCK - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought the first z71 I could find in Nashville. I have loved this thing ever since I saw it in motortrend a couple years ago. Ive got 35000 miles on my truck and have had a couple of rattles in the suspension that had to be fixed, but this truck is the greatest thing on 4 wheels. An engineering masterpiece!! A+++++++++

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  Looks good - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Wicky - July 30 - 10:00 am

  We have only had the truck for 2 months but we really like it.It has a lot of power,lots of cabin room and great looks.

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  super vehicle - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By john hicks - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Took a test drive just to kill some time between appointments and wasnt in the market,or so I thought.I couldnt get it out of my mind.Bought three weeks later.I love it.

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  Love the Avalanche - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Shellzz - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I love my new Avalanche. It serves several special purposes for me personally. First, I wanted an SUV type of vehicle, with 4 doors, that would comfortably tranport passengers. But I have a farm, dogs, horses, etc., and needed a truck that could have bed to haul things in, like hay and feed. We also camp, and wanted a comfortable vehicle to travel the highways and mountain roads, but be able to throw camp fire smelly tents and clothes and muddy items in the back. We found the perfect vehicle! The combination of SUV and Pickup is great.

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  Love my Avalanche - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Dustin Lewis - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Wasnt too sold on the look at first; however, this vehicle has proven to be the most practical vehicle I have ever owned. My kids love it when we store the back window, open the sunroof and roll the windows down. Ive used the midgate once and it is wonderful to carry that extra load.