2009 Chevrolet Avalanche Review

Specifications

Few vehicles sport the bragging rights of the Avalanche’s extreme versatility. The flexibility of the 5 or 6 passenger, four door cab transforms, with a few quick adjustments to the GM-exclusive folding Midgate, and the 5′3″ bed magically extends to over 8′ long! Perfect for the full-time family with the part-time need of a full-size truck bed, the Avalanche fits both criteria comfortably and the aggressive styling of the GM line of SUVs lends the vehicle a tough, no-nonsense appeal.

The Avalanche grew up in 2007 with new styling and the removal of the problematic plastic body cladding that caused nothing but headaches for both the owners and GM. The sleek new lines wrap around a luxury interior - an interior that was obviously inspired by Cadillac as many of the controls are from the sporty luxury car line and the trim is sleeker then what you normally find in a truck. Controls are smooth and uncluttered with both audio and cruise control thumb levers mounted on the leather-bound steering wheel. The dual zone climate controls are something you would not expect in a truck and the six-way power driver’s seat of the LS and LT models guarantees every body type a comfortable fit.

Don’t let the luxury components and sporty lines fool you into thinking that maybe the Avalanche is a little light in the truck department - it is pure pick-up through and through. The body-on-frame design gives it all the strength, cargo load and towing capacity as the similar GMC Sierra and GMC Yukon. On the 2WD models, payload is a full 1444 lbs with a towing capacity of 8200 lbs while the 4WD version is slightly less at 1397 lbs and 8000 lbs respectively. The cargo area is waterproof with a three-piece rigid composite locking cover that protects contents from the weather and curious passer-bys.

Quieter on the road then similarly classed vehicles, the ride is moderately smooth - better then a pick-up but it is not yet in the league of the luxury SUVs. While cruising the freeways, the Avalanche is quiet with almost zero road noise and next to no engine noise. This is a great choice for anyone who spends considerable time on the highway as the comfortable interior, smooth ride and limited noise pollution makes driving the Avalanche seemingly effortless. Add to that the safety conscious StabiliTrak system of electronic stability control that continuously monitors for lateral skid and automatically compensates by adjusting brake pressure and engine power to correct the movement.

Choose from the 5.3 liter V8 that boasts 320 hp or 6.0 liter 366 hp engine. Both Vortec engines feature GM’s Active Fuel Management system while the 5.3 Liter is offered in a FLexFuel version that can run on either gasoline or the eco-friendly E85 (85 percent Ethanol and 15 percent gasoline). The Active Fuel Management system automatically shuts off four of the eight cylinders when power or speed is not required. This means a considerable savings in fuel used when driving in downtown or bumper-to-bumper traffic. However, the Avalanche is still a heavy fuel consumer at 14/20 mpg for the 2WD and 11/15 mpg for the 4WD.

Do you spend as much time off the beaten path as you do on the highways? The new Z71 Off-Road model features gas-charged monotube shock absorbers, off-road tuned springs, skid plates and jounce bumpers. The 18-inch aluminum wheels , color-keyed wheel flares, tubular chrome sidesteps and a front fascia are all unique to the Z71 model while inside, this off-road model sports brushed metal accents, a unique gauge cluster and optional two-tone leather seats.

The optional touch screen onboard DVD navigation system is easy to use while the ceiling mounted DVD entertainment systems are optional on all models. Choose from a variety of user-friendly conveniences like power adjust pedals, power sunroof and moisture sensitive windshield wipers. The high-end LTZ model comes standard with 20″ aluminum wheels, chrome accents and power mirrors on the outside and 12 way adjustable heated and cooled seats, universal home remote and even rear seat accessible audio controls.

The Chevy Avalanche is a great combination of truck and SUV. The fold-away rear seats and Midgate allow for over eight feet of cargo space and can be used with the rear window and cargo cover in place for watertight and lockable storage. Perfect for anyone who wants the comfort and styling of an SUV with the payload and versatility of a 1/2-ton pick-up truck, the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche is all grown up and ready to tackle anything from ski season in Yale to hauling supplies to the job site to taking the family to see Rent on Broadway!