2003 Chevrolet Avalanche: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Front side airbags are optional instead of standard for 2003, and Avalanche is now available without bodyside cladding. This SUV/pickup crossover is based on Chevrolet's full-size Suburban wagon. It has four full-size side doors and a "midgate" separating cab from cargo bed. Lowering the midgate and rear seat extends the 5.3-ft cargo box to 8.1 ft. The rear window also removes and stores onboard. Avalanche comes as a half-ton 1500 model with a 5.3-liter V8 and as a heavy-duty 2500 with an 8.1-liter V8. Each offers rear-wheel drive with optional traction control or GM's Autotrac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. All models have automatic transmission, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, and standard seating for six. Options include heated front bucket seats, leather upholstery, and a sunroof. For 2003, Avalanche gets a redesigned dashboard and an optional rear-seat DVD-video entertainment system. Front side airbags are now part of an $875 Personal Security option that also includes OnStar assistance. A $600 credit option for 1500 models, the new "Without Body Hardware" package deletes the plastic cladding on the lower body and wheel flares. Among other new options are power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals and XM satellite radio. On 1500s, a Z71 Off-Road suspension is available with 4WD; with 2WD, a Z66 on-road package brings traction control and a sport suspension with rear self-leveling. Cadillac's Escalade EXT is a luxury Avalanche with different styling, more power, and standard all-wheel drive.

COMPETITION

With the advent of crossover vehicles, this segment has become less defined. Once the domain of work-related heavy-duty pickups, buyers are now demanding that their full-size trucks do double duty. Our Best Buys remain Chevy Silverado, Ford F-150, and GMC Sierra. These trucks offer a wide range of powertrain combinations, plenty of luxury accommodations, and ample towing power--though the GM twins are the only ones to offer full-time 4WD and convenient 4-wheel steering.

Big-rig-styled Dodge Ram matches the new Ford and GM models in most aspects but can't match their ride comfort or civility. We also like the expensive Toyota Tundra. What it lacks in brute strength, it more than makes up for with refined road manners.