2007 Chevrolet Avalanche

No Snow Job

The Chevrolet Avalanche is sophisticated and versatile, merging the functionality of SUVs and full-size pickups.

The Chevrolet Avalanche is essentially a full-size SUV that includes an enclosed pickup bed. It’s based on the Chevrolet Suburban SUV. At about 18.5 feet long, it will certainly test the capacity of the average garage.

But the Avalanche affords flexibility that most pickups or large SUVs can’t, thanks to the innovative “Convert-a-Cab” System it shares with its upscale equivalent, the Cadillac EXT. The rear seat in the Avalanche folds flat, the back window and solid bed cover stow, and a so-called “midgate” (it’s essentially a tailgate located behind the rear seat) lowers to create an open-air, full-size pickup with a standard eight-foot bed.

Get a Chevrolet Avalanche price quote

What’s more, the rear window and the solid bed cover can both remain in place with the midgate folded down for carrying long, flat objects that you want protected from the elements. Or, the window can be removed independently of the midgate on a nice day to let a breeze flow through the cabin. To add to the convenience factor, the tonneau cover essentially creates a large locking trunk with the midgate up.

The latest redesign went on sale as a 2007 model. The updated Chevrolet Avalanche is offered in three trim levels — LS, LT and the well-equipped LTZ — in both rear- and four-wheel-drive versions. It is a large and fairly rectangular vehicle, with what appear to be only minor exterior styling changes. However, enhancements include added power with increased fuel economy.

See Chevrolet Avalanche specs

The base 5.3-liter V8 engine has GM’s Active Fuel Management technology, in which half of an engine’s cylinders are deactivated when not needed. Of particular note if you live in the Corn Belt is a Flex-Fuel E85 version, which is capable of running on E85, a mixture of 85 percent ethanol and gasoline. Flex-fuel capability comes standard on 4WD models and is available on two-wheel-drive models. The bad news is, ethanol fueling stations are extremely rare. Also available is a more-powerful, all-aluminum 6.0-liter V8, which also has Active Fuel Management.

The updated Chevrolet Avalanche rides on a stiffer chassis, for added refinement with reduced noise, vibration and harshness. A wider track and a lowered center of gravity contribute to enhanced on-road stability, while a revised suspension provides a pliant ride and more-precise handling qualities. The LTZ trim and equipment package adds the otherwise optional Autoride suspension, in which electronically controlled shock absorbers make nearly instantaneous adjustments in stiffness, according to changing road and driving conditions. GM’s StabiliTrak stability control system is standard across the line for added on-road command. The Chevrolet Avalanche also incorporates rollover mitigation technology that can deploy the vehicle’s head-curtain airbags before a rollover occurs, if it determines one is in progress.

Chevrolet Avalanche Vehicle Summary

A nice, two-tone interior is crafted from higher-quality materials, with redesigned seats that offer greater comfort, and an instrument panel that is positioned lower for easier visibility.

Optional features include rain-sensing wipers, remote start, rear parking assist and a Bose premium audio array with satellite radio.

See all Chevrolet models in the Chevrolet Showroom

An optional Z71 Off-Road Package offers upgraded wheels and tires, larger tow-hook openings, more-prominent fog lamps and a unique front grille treatment.