Acceleration

2WD 1500	4WD 1500	Class Average
5	5	4.8

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, 7900 with 4WD; on 4WD-only 2500s it's 11,900.

Fuel Economy

2WD 1500	4WD 1500	Class Average
2	2	2.3

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

Ride Quality

2WD 1500	4WD 1500	Class Average
5	5	4.1

Comfortable even with firmer Z71 off-road suspension. 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

2WD 1500	4WD 1500	Class Average
3	3	3.4

A pleasant highway cruiser that's agile for its size and weight despite steering that lacks much road feel. Strong, stable braking, but test models suffered spongy pedal action.

Quietness

2WD 1500	4WD 1500	Class Average
5	5	4.5

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

Controls

2WD 1500	4WD 1500	Class Average
7	7	6.5

Identical to Suburban's dashboard and mostly very good, with legible, well-placed gauges and clear, handy controls. Curtain side airbags unavailable. Available leather upholstery helps offset GM's usual unappealing interior plastics.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD 1500	4WD 1500	Class Average
8	8	8.3

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 fault. 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. Thick pillars and high tail impair visibility to sides and rear.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD 1500	4WD 1500	Class Average
8	8	5

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

Cargo Room

2WD 1500	4WD 1500	Class Average
6	6	4.9

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 light its lockable side-rail storage boxes, eight tie-downs, water drains, and gravel trap. A soft bed cover is a credit option, but is flimsier and harder to use than the standard 3-piece rigid cover.

Value within Class

2WD 1500	4WD 1500	Class Average
5	5	6.7

Avalanche marries big-SUV passenger room and comfort with big-pickup utility in a solid package. Just beware of seriously bad weather or really messy loads with the midgate fully open.

Total Score

2WD 1500	4WD 1500	Class Average
54	54	50.5

Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score		37
Average Score		50
High Score		60