With flexibility as its mantra, the 2009 Chevy Avalanche turns from an SUV to a full-size pickup truck with mighty ease. It comes in various packages as a four-door, five or six passenger sport utility truck that shares GM’s long wheelbase chassis which is used on the Chevrolet Suburban as well as the Cadillac Escalade EXT.
The Chevy Avalanche clearly stands out from other pickup trucks in the market, in the sense that it’s open bed opens up to the backseat portion vide a folding panel, which Chevy refers to as a midgate, and a removable rear window. Subsequently, a series of three removable panels make up a watertight top for the cargo bed. In case you are looking at additional space, you could have that behind each wheelwell, which you can access by locking flip-top panels and using them as self-draining ice chests.
The Avalanche was first launched in 2001 as a 2002 model, based on the GMT800 platform. It has always been assembled at GM’s truck and SUV assembly plant in Silao, Mexico.
The trims on the Chevy Avalanche are the GM-standard LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ, with both having the option of either a 2WD or a 4×4. The Standard engine on all the four trims is a Vortec 5.3L V8 with Active Fuel Management in the 2WD version, and a Vortec 5.3L V8 with Active Fuel Management and FlexFuel capability in the 4×4 version. The latter choice is Optional in the 2WD version and can be made available if requested. There is also the option of a Vortec 6.0L V8 with Active Fuel Management in the 2LT and LTZ trims.
The Suspension package is mighty comprehensive in the Avalanche, including specially tuned springs and monotube shocks, high-capacity air cleaner, Skid Plate Package with aluminum front underbody shield, automatic locking rear differential, 18-inch aluminum wheels paired with on-/off-road blackwall tires, recovery hooks, tubular assist steps, specially designed front fascia with chrome grille insert, Z71 badging and Z71-specific gauge cluster.
Trailering equipment available as Standard with the Avalanche include trailer hitch platform, seven-wire harness mated to a seven-way sealed connector and two-inch trailering receiver. Optional trailering equipment include external transmission and engine oil coolers.
Mighty Chevrolet Avalanche Trailer
The Transmission in all the trims is Standard Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic with overdrive and Tow/Haul mode.
Standard Safety features on the Avalanche include:
- Airbags: driver and right-front passenger, dual-stage, frontal; with Passenger Sensing System; head-curtain, side, for all outboard seating positions with rollover sensor
- Brakes: four-wheel anti-lock disc
- On-Star: one year safe and sound plan, Standard on the LS and one-year one-year Directions & Connections Plan including Turn-by-Turn Navigation, Standard on all other trims
- StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System with Proactive Roll Avoidance
Inside the Avalanche, you will find Bluetooth wireless technology for select compatible phones as Standard on all the trims. An Optional Convenience Package includes power-adjustable pedals, remote vehicle starter system, Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, rearview camera system and rear camera display in mirror. While a Luxury Package (again Optional) includes full-feature heated front bucket seats, Bose sound system, full-feature outside rearview mirror and auto-dimming inside rearview mirror.
Rear Interior of the Avalanche
On the Entertainment front, you will be spoilt for choice, with an absolute avalanche of Standard and Optional features like an AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3 player or with an in-dash six-disc CD/MP3 player or even a CD/MP3/DVD player, Bose sound system (including subwoofer), Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound system, Navigation radio which includes voice recognition, AM/FM stereo and navigation radio with alternate CD/MP3 player functionality, Rear-seat audio controls which include dual headphone jacks (headphones not included); power outlet; and controls for volume, station selection and media, XM Radio with three trial months, and XM NavTraffic.
Accessories installed at the Dealer level on the Avalanche include 20- and 22-Inch Chrome Wheels, Chrome Fuel-Filler Door, Door Handles And Mirror Caps, Chrome Grille, Dual-Player Headrest DVD System, Portable Overhead DVD Player, and Oval Assist Steps.
Dazzling exterior color options on the Avalanche include Blue Granite Metallic, Imperial Blue Metallic, Graystone Metallic, Black, Inferno Orange Metallic, Deep Ruby Metallic, Victory Red, Gold Mist Metallic, Silver Birch Metallic, Summit White, and the extra-cost color, White Diamond Tricoat.
At a starting MSRP of $35,460 and delivering an EPA estimated City/Highway fuel economy of 10/15 in the 5.3L V8 FlexFuel version, 14/20 in the 5.3L V8 Gasoline version and 14/19 in the 6.0L V8 version, combined with its enormous flexibility (as seen in this Video here), the Avalanche certainly offers a breathtaking array of features that simply deliver a knock-out punch on competitive offerings [Full Independent Competitive Comparison here].
Highly recommended!