Driving Impressions

The handling of the Chevy Avalanche is quite good for such a big, heavy truck, maybe even better than in the Suburban. Both 2WD and 4WD versions of the 1500-series Avalanche use the same suspension and ride height, with torsion bars in front and a live axle suspended on five links and coil springs in the rear. This is a truck. Avalanche 1500 models ride as well as a fully loaded Suburban. The Avalanche feels smooth, quiet, and tight, with no squeaks or rattles. The suspension soaks up large potholes and rides comfortably on rough terrain. Hydroboost brakes use hydraulic pressure (from power steering fluid) rather than engine vacuum to decrease brake pedal effort. As a result, the Hydroboost system will continue to provide sufficient power assist to stop the vehicle even if the engine stalls or is turned off. The 5.3-liter V8 delivers plenty of punch. It's a responsive engine, rated 295 horsepower and, more important, 330 pound-feet of torque. Strong torque launches the Avalanche quickly off the line. Its broad, flat torque curve, with 90 percent of peak torque available from 1600 to 5000 rpm, is designed to provide outstanding trailer-towing and load-hauling capability. A properly equipped Avalanche 1500 is rated to tow up to 8200 pounds. The 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission shifts responsively. Pressing the Tow/Haul button results in quicker, harder shifts and reduces heat by limiting the amount of hunting between gears. The 4WD model's Autotrac transfer case lets the driver select different drive modes for different conditions: 2HI drives the rear wheels only and offers the best fuel efficiency. Auto 4WD transfers power from the rear wheels to the front wheels as needed to optimize traction in inconsistent conditions. 4HI provides the best traction in rugged terrain. 4LO is available for when the going gets really ugly. A neutral position allows the Avalanche to be flat-towed. 2WD 1500 models offer StabiliTrak ($750) electronic traction and stability control. The traction-control function allows acceleration without wheel spin on slippery surfaces. The stability-enhancing function maximizes handling and braking on a variety of surfaces, and is particularly advantageous in slippery corners. An array of sensors monitor steering wheel angle, wheel speed, brake pressure, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, and yaw rate; a computer uses the data to compare the driver's intentions with the actual direction the truck is headed. The system is programmed to allow for intervention thresholds, but above that point it steps in whenever one or more wheels is slipping or if the vehicle is slipping sideways or if it is understeering or oversteering. StabiliTrak adjusts engine torque or the brake pressure to individual wheels to help steer the truck back to the path the driver intended. Our advice: If you opt for 2WD, order StabiliTrak.

Final Word

Chevrolet Avalanche combines clever engineering with advanced materials science to provide a solution for people who need a full-size pickup with an eight-foot bed, but want comfortable five- or six-passenger seating. Its cargo bed is indestructible and can take a load of gravel. The interior is as luxurious as a Suburban's. There's plenty of power from the 1500 model's V8 engine. Ride and handling are excellent. The heavy-duty Avalanche 2500 offers big towing capability. Attention to detail is impressive, both in design and engineering and in customer comfort and convenience. Overall, this is one of the most interesting trucks available today.