This reconfigurable pickup truck is redesigned for 2007 with more power and features. Avalanche is essentially a crew-cab version of Chevrolet's Suburban SUV with a folding midgate separating cab from cargo bed. Lowering the midgate extends the bed to 8.2 ft from 5.3. The half-ton 1500 model returns; the three-quarter-ton 2500 is discontinued. Avalanche seats up to six and comes in LS, LT, and LTZ models. A 320-hp 5.3-liter V8 replaces the 2002-2006 generation's 295-hp 5.3 V8. A 310-hp 5.3 that can run on ethanol-blended fuel, called E85, is a no-cost option for 2WD models and is standard on 4WDs. Optional on LT and LTZ is a 366-hp 6.0-liter V8. All engines have GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. A 4-speed automatic is the only transmission. Avalanche is available with rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. ABS and traction/antiskid control with rollover sensors are standard. GM's Autoride load-leveling suspension is standard on LTZs, optional on LTs. LTs are also available with Chevy's Z71 Off-Road Suspension Package. Among newly available features are curtain side airbags that cover both seating rows and include rollover deployment. Also newly available: rear obstacle detection and rearview camera. Options include a navigation system and DVD entertainment.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Pickup Trucks are traditionally the vehicles 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 half-ton models. For heavy-duty or commercial use, consider three-quarter- or one-ton models.
We have no Best Buys in this class. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Avalanche, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Classic, Ford F-150, and GMC Sierra 1500 Classic.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Avalanche, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Toyota Tundra.
News
Chevy's just-redesigned transformer truck should see one, maybe two, near-term changes. The first is the return of a heavy-duty "2500" or "3500" model with beefier chassis for higher payload and tow ratings. However, previous Avalanche HDs were not great sellers, so Chevy may feel new ones aren't justified.
But a hybrid powertrain should be available by 2008. The result of a GM-DaimlerChrysler-BMW collaboration, this "two-mode" system is said to use twin electric motors and a 300-volt battery pack to assist a 5.3 V8 with GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder-shutoff feature. It allows low-speed driving on either power source, and promises better overall fuel economy than conventional powertrains.