2006 Chevrolet Avalanche Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

This reconfigurable pickup truck is basically a Chevrolet Suburban SUV with an open cargo bed separated from the cab by a midgate. 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. The 1500 offers rear-wheel drive. Optional on 1500s and standard on 2500s is 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. GM's Stabilitrack antiskid system is standard on 1500 models, unavailable for 2500. GM's OnStar assistance is standard. Front side airbags are available. Options include navigation system with touch screen, satellite radio, and rear DVD entertainment. Also optional are a sunroof, heated front bucket seats, leather upholstery, and power-adjustable pedals. Standard is a rigid 3-piece cargo-bed cover. A soft vinyl cover is a $600 credit option. A Z66 equipment package for 2WD 1500s features sport suspension and limited-slip differential. Cadillac's Escalade EXT is a luxury Avalanche with different styling, more power, and standard all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. A redesigned Avalanche arrives later in calendar 2006 as an '07 model.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Pickup Trucks are traditionally the vehicle of choice for heavy-duty hauling and towing. They offer an array of cab styles and bed lengths and usually feature powerful V8 or diesel engines. For personal use, consider light-duty 1/2-ton models. For heavy-duty or commercial use, consider 3/4- or 1-ton models.

Our Best Buys include Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-Series, and GMC Sierra. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Ram, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra.

News

For a preview of the redesigned '07 Avalanche, check our "Sneak Peeks" report.

2006 Chevrolet Avalanche Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Fuel economy

Towing ability

Storage space

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

2006 Chevrolet Avalanche Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 03/22/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2WD 1500 4-door Crew Cab	$33,910	$30,010	$875

4WD 1500 4-door Crew Cab	$36,910	$32,665	$875

4WD 2500 4-door Crew Cab	$38,320	$33,913	$875

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

1500

Powertrain

5.3-liter V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone manual climate controls, OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front split bench seat, 6-way power driver seat, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, engine-hour meter, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, rear defogger, intermittent wipers, cargo-box light, automatic headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, rear privacy glass, removable rear window, folding midgate, bed mat, stowable cargo cover.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

7-wire trailer harness, front tow hooks, full-size spare tire, P265/70R16 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.

2500 adds to 1500:

Powertrain

8.1-liter V8 engine, 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Deletes: antiskid system.

Skid plates, heavy-duty suspension, LT245/75R16 on/off-road tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
LS Preferred Equipment Group 1SK
1500, 2500	$1,575	$1,307
Front bucket seats, center console, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, rear radio controls, headphone jacks, overhead console, auxiliary power outlet, ashtray lighter.

LT Preferred Equipment Group 1SM
1500, 2500	$3,945	$3,274
Preferred Equipment Group 1SK plus leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power front seats, driver-seat memory, dual-zone automatic climate controls, power-folding mirrors w/turn signals, driver-side automatic day/night and passenger-side tilt-down back-up-aid mirrors, universal garage-door opener, Heavy-Duty Trailering Equipment.

Z66 Preferred Equipment Group 1SN
2WD 1500	$1,090	$905
Limited-slip differential, rubber floormats, additional rear privacy glass, Heavy-Duty Trailering Equipment, unique springs and shock absorbers, P265/70R17 tires, alloy wheels.

Z71 Preferred Equipment Group 1SL
4WD 1500	$2,035	$1,689
Limited-slip differential, power-folding mirrors w/turn signals, driver-side automatic day/night and passenger-side tilt-down back-up-aid mirrors, rubber floormats, additional rear privacy glass, high-capacity air cleaner, Heavy-Duty Trailering Equipment, skid plates, off-road suspension, P265/70R17 on/off-road tires.

Sun and Sound Pkg.
w/1SK	$1,615	$1,340
w/1SL or 1SN	$3,190	$2,648
w/1SM	$1,320	$1,096
Power sunroof, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio (requires monthly fee), automatic dual-zone climate controls. Requires Preferred Equipment Group.

Without Body Hardware Pkg.
1500 (credit)	$-600	$-498
Deletes wheel flares and bodyside cladding. Adds chrome bumpers.

Chrome Exterior Pkg.
1500	$635	$527
Chrome door handles and side steps. Requires Without Body Hardware Pkg. NA w/Preferred Equipment Groups 1SM, 1SN, 1SL.

Wheel Flare and Molding Pkg.
1500	$250	$208
Requires Without Body Hardware Pkg.

Snow Plow Prep Pkg.
2500	$190	$158
Heavy-duty alternator, roof emergency light, front wiring-harness. NA w/power sunroof.

Heavy-Duty Trailering Equipment
1500, 2500	$210	$174
Trailer-hitch platform, 7-pin connector.

Powertrain
Limited-slip differential
1500, 2500	$295	$245


Special axle ratio
1500, 2500	$100	$83


Safety
Front side airbags
1500, 2500	$350	$291


Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
1500, 2500	$1,485	$1,233
w/1SM	$1,295	$1,075
Includes dual-zone automatic climate controls, universal garage-door opener. Requires Preferred Equipment Group.

Navigation system
1500, 2500	$2,145	$1,780
Requires 1SL, 1SM, or 1SN Preferred Equipment Group.

Power sunroof
1500, 2500	$1,290	$1,071
w/1SM	$995	$826
Includes dual-zone automatic climate controls, universal garage-door opener. Requires Preferred Equipment Group. Requires optional front bucket seats w/1SL or 1SN.

Cloth front bucket seats A95
w/1SL or 1SN	$1,575	$1,307
Includes center console, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, rear radio controls and headphone jacks, additional auxiliary power outlet.

Leather front bucket seats A95
w/1SN or 1SL	$2,075	$1,722
w/1SK, w/1SN or 1SL and Sun and Sound	$500	$415
Includes leather upholstery, center console, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, rear radio controls and headphone jacks, additional auxiliary power outlet.

Full-function front bucket seats AN3
1500	$2,495	$2,071
w/Sun and Sound Pkg.	$920	$764
Includes leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power front seats, driver-seat memory, power-adjustable pedals, center console, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, rear radio controls and headphone jacks, additional auxiliary power outlet. Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SL or 1SN.

Power-adjustable pedals
1500, 2500	$120	$100


Power-folding mirrors
2WD 1500	$245	$203
Includes turn signals, driver-side automatic day/night and passenger-side tilt-down back-up mirrors. Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SN.

Heated power camper mirrors
2500	$355	$295
2500 ordered w/1SM	$110	$91


Satellite radio
1500, 2500	$325	$270
Requires monthly fee after 3rd month.

Universal garage-door opener
1500, 2500	$105	$87
Includes automatic climate controls. Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SK or 1SL.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack
1500, 2500	$195	$162


Side steps
1500, 2500	$395	$328


Stainless-steel tubular side steps
1500, 2500	$585	$486


Soft cargo cover
(credit)	$-600	$-498
NA w/Preferred Equipment Groups.

Grille protector
1500	$465	$386
NA w/Without Hardware Pkg.

Engine-block heater
1500, 2500	$50	$42


Special paint
1500, 2500	$395	$328


Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
P265/70R16 white-letter tires
1500	$125	$104


P265/70R17 white-letter tires
2WD 1500	$125	$104
Requires Preferred equipment Group 1SN.

2006 Chevrolet Avalanche Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Chevrolet Avalanche crew cab

Wheelbase, in.	130.0

Overall Length, in.	221.7

Overall Width, in.	79.8

Overall Height, in.	73.6

Curb Weight, lbs.	5437

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	--

Standard Payload, lbs.	1387

Fuel Capacity, gals.	31.0

Seating Capacity	6

Front Head Room, in.	40.7

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.3

Rear Head Room, in.	38.6

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	38.9

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	ohv V8	ohv V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	5.3 /325	8.1 /496

Horsepower @ rpm.	295 @ 5200	325 @ 4200

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	330 @ 4000	447 @ 3200

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	14/18	NA/NA

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Chevrolet Avalanche crew cab

Front Impact, Driver	3

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Rollover Resistance	3

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	5/60,000	Aveo, Cobalt and Uplander only.

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	6/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Mexico

Drivewheels: 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive

< 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche Photos

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Chevrolet Avalanche Specs & Safety

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