Antiskid control is newly available for 2WD versions of this crossover pickup truck. Avalanche is basically a Chevrolet Suburban SUV with an open cargo bed. 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; front side airbags and OnStar assistance are optional. Other options include heated front bucket seats, leather upholstery, and a sunroof. Also optional are power-adjustable pedals, satellite radio, and rear-seat DVD entertainment. Available on 2WD 1500s is the Z66 Premium On-Road package that includes a sport suspension with rear self-leveling, and for '04, GM's Stabilitrak antiskid control, which is designed to counteract sideways skids in turns. Cadillac's Escalade EXT is a luxury Avalanche with different styling, more power, and standard all-wheel drive.