2007-2008 Chevrolet Avalanche: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Redesigned for 2007, Chevrolet's reconfigurable pickup truck gained more power and features. Avalanche was essentially a crew-cab version of Chevrolet's big Suburban sport-utility vehicle, but with a folding midgate separating the cab from the cargo bed. Lowering the midgate extended the bed from 5.3 feet to 8.2 feet. With the Avalanche, Chevrolet competed against such conventional full-size pickups as the Dodge Ram 1500, Ford F-150, and Toyota Tundra. Ford's Explorer Sport Trac is set up on a similar principle, but smaller in size. Chevrolet's half-ton Avalanche 1500 model returned for 2007, but the three-quarter-ton 2500 was discontinued. Seating up to six, Avalanches came in LS, LT, and LTZ trim levels. A 320-horsepower, 5.3-liter V8 replaced the 2002-06 generation's 295-hp, 5.3 V8. A 310-horsepower version of the 5.3-liter V8 that could run on ethanol-blended fuel (E85) was a no-cost option for 2WD models, and standard on 4WD editions. Optional on LT and LTZ was a 366-horsepower, 6.0-liter V8. All engines had GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. A four-speed automatic was the sole transmission. Avalanches were available with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, which could be left engaged on dry pavement and included low-range gearing. Antilock braking and traction/antiskid control with rollover sensors were standard. GM's Autoride load-leveling suspension was standard on LTZs, optional for LTs. Avalanche LTs also were available with Chevrolet's Z71 Off-Road Suspension Package. Among newly available features were curtain side airbags that covered both seating rows, and included rollover deployment. Also newly available were rear obstacle detection and a rearview camera. Options included a navigation system and DVD backseat entertainment.