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2008 Chevrolet Avalanche Full Review
Date Published: 5/06/08
Also in the 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Chevrolet Avalanche Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Chevrolet Avalanche Review
The 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche gains standard curtain side airbags on all models. This reconfigurable pickup truck is essentially a crew-cab version of Chevrolet's Suburban SUV with a folding midgate separating the cab from the cargo bed. Lowering the midgate extends the bed to 8.2 ft from 5.3. Avalanche seats up to six and comes in LS, LT, and LTZ trims. Each is available with rear-wheel drive or full-time 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes a low-range gear for off-roading. Standard on 2WD Avalanches is a 320-hp 5.3-liter V8 engine. 4WD models get a 310-hp version of the same engine. Both are capable of running on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. Optional on LT and LTZ models is a 366-hp 6.0-liter V8. All engines have GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation, and they team with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 8200 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. GM's Autoride load-leveling suspension is standard on LTZs, optional on LTs. 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, Ford F-150, GMC Sierra 1500, and Toyota Tundra.
We have no Best Buys in this class. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Avalanche, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, GMC Sierra 1500, 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.
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.
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2008 Chevrolet Avalanche Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Maneuverability |
| Towing ability | Fuel economy |
| Storage space | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Acceleration with the 5.3-liter V8 is good around town, but Avalanche has only adequate highway passing power. There's no noticeable difference in acceleration between 2WD and 4WD models, despite the latter being heavier and having 10 less horsepower. The transmission shifts smoothly and kicks down quickly.
| 2WD LT | 4WD LT | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Acceleration with the 5.3-liter V8 is good around town, but Avalanche has only adequate highway passing power. There's no noticeable difference in acceleration between 2WD and 4WD models, despite the latter being heavier and having 10 less horsepower. The transmission shifts smoothly and kicks down quickly.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, a 2WD Avalanche averaged 16.7 mpg in mostly highway driving. A 4WD version averaged 15.2 mpg with more city driving. All Avalanche models use regular-grade gas, and the 5.3-liter V8 can run on E85 ethanol.
| 2WD LT | 4WD LT | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 2.8 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a 2WD Avalanche averaged 16.7 mpg in mostly highway driving. A 4WD version averaged 15.2 mpg with more city driving. All Avalanche models use regular-grade gas, and the 5.3-liter V8 can run on E85 ethanol.
Ride Quality
Avalanche rides surprisingly well for a large pickup truck. It betrays its design with only mild bounding over large bumps.
| 2WD LT | 4WD LT | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 4.5 |
Avalanche rides surprisingly well for a large pickup truck. It betrays its design with only mild bounding over large bumps.
Steering/Handling/Braking
The steering has good feel, though effort is somewhat high during low-speed maneuvers. The brakes are responsive, with a short, firm pedal stroke. Avalanche, a long truck with a sizable turning radius, is a challenge to park in tight spaces.
| 2WD LT | 4WD LT | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3.5 |
The steering has good feel, though effort is somewhat high during low-speed maneuvers. The brakes are responsive, with a short, firm pedal stroke. Avalanche, a long truck with a sizable turning radius, is a challenge to park in tight spaces.
Quietness
There's noticeable highway-speed wind rush and tire rumble, though bump noise is well-suppressed. Engine whine intrudes only in rapid acceleration.
| 2WD LT | 4WD LT | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
There's noticeable highway-speed wind rush and tire rumble, though bump noise is well-suppressed. Engine whine intrudes only in rapid acceleration.
Controls
Gauges are large and easy to read. The climate controls are mounted slightly low but are no trouble to reach. The optional navigation system absorbs, but doesn't complicate, audio functions.
| 2WD LT | 4WD LT | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Gauges are large and easy to read. The climate controls are mounted slightly low but are no trouble to reach. The optional navigation system absorbs, but doesn't complicate, audio functions.
Details
Avalanche's cabin is trimmed mostly with hard plastic, but many surfaces are textured, lending an upscale appearance.
| 2WD LT | 4WD LT | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5.2 |
Avalanche's cabin is trimmed mostly with hard plastic, but many surfaces are textured, lending an upscale appearance.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
The bucket seats are supportive and provide generous room; we've not had the opportunity to evaluate an Avalanche with the available bench seat. Available power-adjustable pedals and power folding exterior running boards are a boon for shorter drivers. Rear-corner view is blocked by huge roof pillars, and the tall tail restricts vision directly aft. Rear obstacle detection and 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 the front seats forward several inches, compromising legroom for taller occupants.
| 2WD LT | 4WD LT | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8.1 |
The bucket seats are supportive and provide generous room; we've not had the opportunity to evaluate an Avalanche with the available bench seat. Available power-adjustable pedals and power folding exterior running boards are a boon for shorter drivers. Rear-corner view is blocked by huge roof pillars, and the tall tail restricts vision directly aft. Rear obstacle detection and 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 the front seats forward several inches, compromising legroom for taller occupants.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Plenty of headroom and adequate legroom for adults. Three can fit across with some squeezing. The center position has limited toeroom but a nearly flat floor. Toe clearance is also tight under the driver seat. The seat is comfortable and has a fold-down center armrest with cupholders. Ingress/egress is a stretch due to the high floor.
| 2WD LT | 4WD LT | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5.1 |
Plenty of headroom and adequate legroom for adults. Three can fit across with some squeezing. The center position has limited toeroom but a nearly flat floor. Toe clearance is also tight under the driver seat. The seat is comfortable and has a fold-down center armrest with cupholders. Ingress/egress is a stretch due to the high floor.
Cargo Room
Avalanche's versatile cargo bed has locking storage compartments on its outside, plus washable plastic walls and a rubber floormat. The hard tonneau and locking tailgate make it essentially a deep, 40-cu-ft trunk. Removing the three-piece hard tonneau requires several leaps into a high-floor bed, a job best left to the nimble. Lowering the midgate is also a several-step process. The bed hosts handy fold-out tie-down hooks. With the tailgate lowered, the rearview camera focuses on the trailer hitch, easing hook-up. Interior storage is ample.
| 2WD LT | 4WD LT | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5 |
Avalanche's versatile cargo bed has locking storage compartments on its outside, plus washable plastic walls and a rubber floormat. The hard tonneau and locking tailgate make it essentially a deep, 40-cu-ft trunk. Removing the three-piece hard tonneau requires several leaps into a high-floor bed, a job best left to the nimble. Lowering the midgate is also a several-step process. The bed hosts handy fold-out tie-down hooks. With the tailgate lowered, the rearview camera focuses on the trailer hitch, easing hook-up. Interior storage is ample.
Value within Class
Shopping for a pickup truck primarily for passenger use? Check out the Avalanche. This Recommended pickup offers a special blend of useful passenger accommodations, expandable cargo room, big-truck muscle, and friendly road manners.
| 2WD LT | 4WD LT | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.5 |
Shopping for a pickup truck primarily for passenger use? Check out the Avalanche. This Recommended pickup offers a special blend of useful passenger accommodations, expandable cargo room, big-truck muscle, and friendly road manners.
Total Score
| 2WD LT | 4WD LT | Class Average |
| 70 | 69 | 57.8 |
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
| Low Score | 38 | |
| Average Score | 57 | |
| High Score | 70 |
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2008 Chevrolet Avalanche Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 01/16/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD LS 4-door Crew Cab | $33,435 | $30,593 | $900 |
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| 4WD LS 4-door Crew Cab | $36,485 | $33,384 | $900 |
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| 2WD LT 4-door Crew Cab | $34,305 | $31,389 | $900 |
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| 4WD LT 4-door Crew Cab | $37,355 | $34,180 | $900 |
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| 2WD LTZ 4-door Crew Cab | $34,305 | $31,389 | $900 |
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| 4WD LTZ 4-door Crew Cab | $37,355 | $34,180 | $900 |
Price note: LT, LTZ require Option Pkg.
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
| Model | Rebate & Incentives | Type | Expires |
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| Avalanche | $1500-$2000 cash back or 0%-6.9% financing. | Customer | 06/02/08 |
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
LS
Powertrain
5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation, 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system w/rollover sensor, 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, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front split bench seat, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, tachometer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, intermittent wipers, cargo-box light, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, side steps, rear privacy glass, removable rear window, folding midgate, bed mat, stowable cargo cover.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
7-wire trailer harness, trailer-hitch platform, full-size spare tire, 265/70R17 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation, 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks.
LT adds to LS:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front bucket seats, center console.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD adds: flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation, 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks.
LTZ adds to LT:
Powertrain
Limited-slip differential.
Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, heated 12-way power front seats w/power lumbar adjustment, driver-seat memory, power-adjustable pedals, heated power mirrors w/turn signals and driver-side automatic day/night, remote engine start, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, rear radio controls, universal garage door opener, rain-sensing wipers, heated washer fluid.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rails.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Automatic shock absorber control, load-leveling suspension, 275/55R20 tires, polished alloy wheels, 4WD adds: flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation, 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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1LT Option Pkg.
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LT
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$0
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$0
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Standard equipment.
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2LT Option Pkg.
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LT
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$2,125
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$1,764
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Rear-obstacle-detection system, dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, power-adjustable pedals, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, rear radio controls, remote engine start, universal garage door opener.
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3LT Option Pkg.
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LT
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$3,190
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$2,648
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2LT Option Pkg. plus heated 12-way power front seats w/power lumbar adjustment, driver-seat memory, driver-side automatic day/night mirror, mirror-mounted turn signals, Bose sound system.
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1LZ Option Pkg.
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LTZ
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$6,520
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$5,412
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Standard equipment.
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Convenience Pkg. 1
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LS, LT
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$610
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$506
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Rear-obstacle-detection system, power-adjustable pedals, remote engine start.
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Convenience Pkg. 2
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LT
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$230
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$191
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Rain-sensing wipers, heated washer fluid. Requires 3LT Option Pkg.
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Sun, Entertainment, and Destination Pkg.
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LT, LTZ
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$4,790
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$3,976
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Navigation system, rearview camera, DVD entertainment system, power sunroof. Replaces in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer w/single-disc CD/MP3 player. LT requires 2LT or 3LT Option Pkg.
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Chrome Appearance Pkg.
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LTZ
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$1,895
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$1,573
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Chrome exterior trim, tow hooks, chrome alloy wheels.
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White Diamond Appearance Pkg.
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LTZ
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$1,270
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$1,054
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Chrome Appearance Pkg. plus chrome side steps, chrome bodyside moldings. Requires navigation system.
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Z71 Off-Road Suspension Pkg.
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LT
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$1,830
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$1,519
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Limited-slip differential, heavy-duty air cleaner, tubular side steps, unique exterior trim, front tow hooks, skid plates, off-road suspension, 265/65R18 on/off-road tires, unique alloy wheels. Requires 2LT Option Pkg. or 3LT Option Pkg.
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Autoride Suspension Pkg.
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LT
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$1,120
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$930
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Automatic shock absorber control, load-leveling suspension. Requires 6.0-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation.
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Powertrain |
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Flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation
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2WD
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$0
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$0
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6.0-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation
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LT, LTZ
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$1,095
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$909
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Requires Autoride Suspension Pkg. LT requires 3LT Option Pkg.
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Limited-slip differential
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LS, LT
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$295
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$245
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Special axle ratio
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LS, LT, LTZ
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$100
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$83
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Requires transmission-oil cooler. LS, LT require limited-slip differential.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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LT, LTZ
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$2,250
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$1,868
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LT requires 2LT or 3LT Option Pkg.
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Rearview camera
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LT, LTZ
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$250
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$207
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Requires navigation system. LT requires 2LT Option Pkg. or 3LT Option Pkg.
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DVD entertainment system
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LT, LTZ
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$1,295
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$1,075
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LT requires dual-zone automatic climate controls.
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
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LS, LT
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$300
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$249
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Bose sound system
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LT
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$500
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$415
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Power sunroof
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LT, LTZ
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$995
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$826
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LT requires dual-zone automatic climate controls, universal garage door opener.
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Dual-zone automatic climate controls
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LT
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$195
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$162
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NA w/front split bench seat.
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Front split bench seat
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LT
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$0
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$0
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NA w/2LT Option Pkg. or 3LT Option Pkg.
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Universal garage door opener
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LT
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$120
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$100
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Power-retractable running boards
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LTZ
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$1,095
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$909
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Roof rails
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LS, LT
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$195
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$162
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Roof rack
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LS, LT, LTZ
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$90
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$75
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LS, LT require roof rails.
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Engine-block heater
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LS, LT, LTZ
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$75
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$62
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Transmission-oil cooler
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LS, LT, LTZ
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$95
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$79
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Requires special axle ratio.
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265/70R17 white-letter tires
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LS, LT
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$125
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$104
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275/55R20 tires
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LT
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$695
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$577
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Polished alloy wheels
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LT
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$1,795
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$1,490
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Includes 275/55R20 tires.
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Chevrolet Avalanche Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Chevrolet Avalanche crew cab |
| Wheelbase, in. | 130.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 221.3 |
| Overall Width, in. | 79.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 76.6 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 5478 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 1408 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 31.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 6 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 41.1 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 40.0 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 39.1 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| ohv V8 | ohv V8 | ohv V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 5.3 /325 | 5.3 /325 | 6.0 /364 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 320 @ 5200 | 310 @ 5200 | 366 @ 5500 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 340 @ 4200 | 335 @ 4400 | 380 @ 4300 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Optional |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 4-speed automatic | 14/20 | 14/19 | 12/17 |
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 |
| 4WD Rollover | 3 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 3 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
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 | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/100,000 | -- |
| 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
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Chevrolet Avalanche Full Review
7.
8.
9.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
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