2007 Chevrolet Avalanche Road Test Ratings

EDITORS' RATINGS OVERALL SCORE:

Overall

DETAILED EDITORS' RATINGS

Dynamics

A reasonably strong 5.3-liter engine and well-calibrated transmission serve the Avalanche well, but the 6.0-liter V8 is the one needed for serious towing. Unlike the similar Cadillac Escalade EXT, two-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive are available. The recalibrated brakes provide a firm and secure feel.

Comfort

Coil spring suspension and a cargo box permanently affixed to the cab make the Avalanche ride much more smoothly than a typical leaf-spring truck. Rear-seat passengers enjoy more space and amenities than traditional pickups.

Function

An improved interior with more logical controls is a big step forward. But it is the Midgate and the covered bed that make the Avalanche unique. As long as the rear seat isn't needed, the so-called Midgate can be folded down to create an 8-foot load space. A segmented bed covering makes the bed watertight.

Design/Build Quality

Although it makes less of a statement, the toned-down exterior is likely to appeal to a wider range of potential buyers. At the same time, the interior design has been tidied up and made easier to use.

DETAILED PROFILE:

Cargo Hauler It can't carry as much as a simple open pickup bed, but the Avalanche provides weather-tight options that traditional pickups can't match. And the so-called Midgate allows it to carry either 8-foot loads or five persons.

Towing Capable The Avalanche's tow rating isn't sky high, but it does have many features that make it well-suited to medium-weight tasks. The compartments on the outer edges of the bed provide lockable storage for things like hitch balls, wheel chocks and other towing gear. The Avalanche's short bed and well-forward rear axle placement make it an undesirable choice for 5th-wheel towing, however.

Comfortable Designed as a four-door truck from the start, the Avalanche provides one of the better backseats.

Off-Road Ready While its length rules out single-track trails like Rubicon and Moab, the Avalanche is still quite capable in uncertain conditions, with a well-proven part time 4x4 system available. An available off-road package adds targeted upgrades to tires and other components.