Acceleration

1500 2WD	1500 4WD	Class Average
5	5	4.7

Performs much like Suburban due to similar weight and the same smooth, strong V8s, plus responsive automatic transmission with useful Tow/Haul mode. Towing capacity for 1500s is 8200 lb with 2WD and 7900 with 4WD. It's 12,000 lb on 2500s.

Fuel Economy

1500 2WD	1500 4WD	Class Average
2	2	2.2

Test 4WD 1500 averaged 12.9 mpg. The 2500s won't do better. Both engines use regular fuel.

Ride Quality

1500 2WD	1500 4WD	Class Average
6	6	3.7

Comfortable even with the firm Z71 package. Long wheelbase helps Avalanche ignore most small bumps, and it's less jarring than most true pickups over bigger ruts and crests, though badly flawed surfaces induce some pitching.

Steering/Handling/Braking

1500 2WD	1500 4WD	Class Average
3	3	3.3

A pleasant highway cruiser that's agile for its size and weight despite lifeless steering. Strong, stable braking, but test models' spongy pedal action reduced confidence.

Quietness

1500 2WD	1500 4WD	Class Average
6	6	4.5

Engines roar at full throttle, are civilized otherwise. Removing rear window or dropping midgate increases noise levels, but not unduly.

Controls

1500 2WD	1500 4WD	Class Average
7	7	6.8

Identical to Suburban's dashboard and mostly very good, with legible, well-placed gauges and clear, handy controls. Curtain side airbags are unavailable and now Avalanche buyers must pay extra for front side airbags. Available leather helps offset GM's usual unappealing interior plastics.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

1500 2WD	1500 4WD	Class Average
9	9	8.5

Plenty of adult-size space, but also a fairly high step-in. Bench seat nothing special, but optional buckets hug comfortably. High, commanding driving position, but tall body build prevents seeing some nearby objects, a common big-truck drawback. Over-the-shoulder vision a bit cluttered, but not as bad as appearances imply. Dropping midgate creates only a mild inside breeze at highway speeds, and a light rain during a test didn't soak the cabin.

Room/Comfort (rear)

1500 2WD	1500 4WD	Class Average
8	8	4.4

Step-in pretty lofty and leg room not quite Suburban-ample, but space adequate for three adults.

Cargo Room

1500 2WD	1500 4WD	Class Average
6	6	4.8

Hauls what most big pickups can, though back seat and midgate must be folded for bulky or long loads. Dropping midgate and removing window easy and fairly quick. Hose-out cargo box has tough plastic liner, lamps that also light its lockable side-rail storage boxes, eight tiedowns, water drains, and gravel trap. A soft bed cover is a $600 credit option, but is flimsier and harder to use than the standard 3-piece rigid cover.

Value within Class

1500 2WD	1500 4WD	Class Average
6	6	6.9

Beware seriously bad weather or really messy loads with the midgate fully open. That aside, Avalanche marries big-SUV passenger room and comfort with big-pickup utility in a surprisingly solid package.

Total Score

1500 2WD	1500 4WD	Class Average
58	58	49.8

Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score		38
Average Score		49
High Score		61