2007-2008 Chevrolet Avalanche: Road Test

Acceleration with the 5.3-liter V8 is good around town, but Avalanche has only adequate highway passing power. No difference is noticeable between 2WD and 4WD models. The transmission shifts smoothly and kicks down quickly. Cylinder deactivation is not noticeable while driving. Maximum towing capacity is 8200 pounds. Fuel economy could be worse, but isn't an attraction. Test 2WD Avalanche averaged 16.7 mpg in mostly highway driving. A 4WD model averaged 15.2 mpg with more city driving. All engines use regular-grade gasoline. The 5.3-liter V8 can run on E85 (an ethanol/gasoline blend). Surprisingly supple, the Avalanche rides impressively well for a large pickup. Only mild bounding occurs over large bumps, attributable to the basic truck design. Steering feels fine, though effort is rather high during low-speed maneuvers and while parking. Expect moderate body lean in turns. Brakes are responsive, with a short and firm pedal stroke. Because Avalanche is a long truck with a sizable turning radius, parking in tight spots is a challenge. Highway-speed wind rush and tire rumble are noticeable, but bump noises are well-suppressed. Engine whine intrudes only during rapid acceleration. Gauges are large and easy-to-read. Radio and climate controls are mounted low, but no trouble to reach. GM's optional navigation system absorbs but does not complicate audio functions. The wiper switch is inconveniently incorporated into the turn-signal stalk. Avalanche cabins are trimmed mostly with hard plastic, yet look upscale because many surfaces are textured. Front occupants get generous room on supportive, comfortable bucket seats--provided a bench isn't installed. Available power-adjustable pedals would be a boon to shorter drivers. Running boards aid exiting for shorter folks, though they tend to be a stretch-over hindrance to taller ones. Rear-corner views are blocked by huge roof pillars, while the tall tail restricts vision directly aft. Rear obstacle detection and the rearview camera are helpful, but the camera distorts distances, compromising its usefulness. Note that folding the rear seats to extend the cargo bed requires pushing front seats forward several inches, limiting legroom for taller occupants. Adults in the backseat enjoy plenty of headroom and adequate leg space. Three can fit across with some squeezing. The center position has limited foot space but a nearly flat floor. Foot clearance also is tight under the driver's seat. Comfortable enough, the rear seat has a fold-down center armrest with cupholders. Getting in and out is a stretch due to the high floor. Avalanche's versatile cargo bed has locking storage compartments outside, plus washable plastic walls and a rubber floormat. The hard tonneau and locking tailgate make it essentially a deep, 40-cubic-foot trunk. Removing the three-piece hard tonneau requires several leaps into the high floor bed-a job best left to the nimble. Lowering the midgate also is a several-step process. The bed hosts handy fold-out tie-down hooks. With the tailgate lowered, the optional rearview camera focuses on the trailer hitch, easing hook-up. Interior storage space is ample.

Value for the Money
If you're shopping for a pickup truck primarily for passenger use, may as well check out this Recommended pick. No other pickup offers Avalanche's blend of useful passenger accommodations, expansive cargo room, big-truck muscle, and friendly road manners.