Acceleration

2WD LT w/nav. sys.	4WD LT w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	5

No opportunity to test with 6.0 V8. Acceleration with 5.3 V8 good around town, but Avalanche has only adequate highway passing power. Transmission shifts smoothly, kicks down quickly. Cylinder deactivation unnoticeable. Maximum towing capacity is 8000 lb.

Fuel Economy

2WD LT w/nav. sys.	4WD LT w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	3	2.5

Test 2WD Avalanche averaged 16.7 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test 4WD averaged 15.2 mpg with more city driving.

Ride Quality

2WD LT w/nav. sys.	4WD LT w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	4.4

Surprisingly supple. Mild bounding over larger bumps.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD LT w/nav. sys.	4WD LT w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	4	3.5

Moderate body lean in turns. Fine steering feel, though effort increases at parking speeds. Brakes responsive, with short, firm pedal stroke. Avalanche, a long truck with sizable turning radius, is a challenge to park in tight spaces.

Quietness

2WD LT w/nav. sys.	4WD LT w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	4.9

Noticeable highway-speed wind rush and tire rumble. Well-suppressed bump noise. Engine whine intrudes only in rapid acceleration.

Controls

2WD LT w/nav. sys.	4WD LT w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	6.3

Large, easy-to-read gauges. Radio and climate controls mounted low, but no trouble to reach. Navigation system absorbs, but doesn't complicate, audio controls. Wiper switch inconveniently incorporated into turn signal stalk. Cabin trimmed mostly with hard plastic, but looks upscale.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD LT w/nav. sys.	4WD LT w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	8	8.3

Generous room, comfortable bucket seats; no opportunity to test with bench seat. Available power-adjustable pedals a boon to shorter drivers. Running boards aid egress for shorter folks, are a stretch-over hindrance to taller ones. Rear-corner view blocked by huge roof pillars. Tall tail restricts vision directly aft. Rear obstacle detection and rearview camera helpful, but camera distorts distances, compromising usefulness. Note that folding rear seats to extend cargo bed requires pushing front seats forward several inches, compromising leg room for taller occupants.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD LT w/nav. sys.	4WD LT w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	5

Plenty of head room and adequate leg room for adults. Three can fit across with some squeezing. Center position has limited toe room but nearly flat floor. Toe clearance also tight under driver seat. Seat comfortable, has fold-down center armrest with cupholders. Ingress/egress a stretch due to high floor.

Cargo Room

2WD LT w/nav. sys.	4WD LT w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	5.2

Versatile cargo bed has locking storage compartments on its outside, plus washable plastic walls and rubber floormat. Hard tonneau and locking tailgate make it essentially a deep, 40-cu-ft trunk. Removing three-piece hard tonneau requires several leaps into high-floor bed, a job best left to the nimble. Lowering midgate also a several-step process. Bed hosts handy fold-out tie-down hooks. With tailgate lowered, optional rearview camera focuses on trailer hitch, easing hook-up. Ample interior storage.

Value within Class

2WD LT w/nav. sys.	4WD LT w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	6.4

Shopping for a pickup truck primarily for passenger use? Check out this Recommended pick. No other pickup offers Avalanche's blend of useful passenger accommodations, expandable cargo room, big-truck muscle, and friendly road manners.

Total Score

2WD LT w/nav. sys.	4WD LT w/nav. sys.	Class Average
60	59	51.5

Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score		7
Average Score		51
High Score		64