Uniqueness is the Avalanche's main attraction, though its driving qualities are more appealing than some might expect. Acceleration is much like the Suburban's. That's no surprise, since an Avalanche has similar weight and the same smooth, strong V8 with a silky, responsive automatic transmission and useful Tow/Haul mode. Fuel economy earns no prizes. A test 4WD 1500 averaged just 12.9 mpg, though both engines use regular fuel. Ride quality is comfortable even with the firm Z71 package. A long wheelbase helps the Avalanche ignore most small bumps, and it's less jarring than most true pickup trucks over big ruts and crests. Still, big bumps can induce some "float" or pitching. Steering and handling are like the Suburban's, meaning it's a pleasant highway cruiser and agile for its size and weight, despite too-numb steering. Braking is strong and stable, but spongy pedal action on test models did not inspire confidence. Although the engine roars at full throttle, an Avalanche is quite refined overall. Removing the rear window, or dropping the midgate, increases noise levels, but not unduly so. Instruments/controls are identical to the Suburban's and mostly very good. So is the driving position. Inherited flaws include tight access to power controls on the side of front seat bases, and GM's typical low-budget plastic in too many places. High tail trim hides any nearby object dead astern. Over-the-shoulder visibility is a bit obscured, but not bad. There's plenty of adult-size space up front, but also a fairly high step-in. The bench seat is nothing special, but optional buckets are comfortable. Even with the midgate fully down, there's a tolerably mild inside breeze at highway speeds. Rear step-in is pretty lofty, and leg room isn't quite Suburban-ample, but space is adequate for three grownups, extravagant for two. An Avalanche hauls what most big pickups can, though the back seat and midgate must be folded for bulky or long loads like 4x8 plywood sheets. Midgate/window removal is straightforward and quick. The hose-it-down cargo box has a tough composite-plastic liner, thick nonslip rubber mat, twin lamps that also light the lockable side storage boxes, eight tiedowns, water drains, and a gravel trap.

Value for the Money
For the most part, an Avalanche weds big-SUV passenger room and comfort with big-pickup utility, in an imaginative and surprisingly solid package. Beware of seriously bad weather on really messy roads, though, if the midgate is fully open.