2006 Chevy Avalanche Review
2006 Chevy Avalanche Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Versatile and innovative cab configuration, strong V8 engines, substantial towing ability, comfortable daily driver.
Cons
- Some cheap interior pieces, lifeless steering, fewer drivetrain choices than comparable trucks.
What’s new
The Chevy Avalanche truck rumbles into 2006 with minor changes only. These include a new design for the Avalanche's optional mirrors (last year's camper-style heated mirrors have been dropped in favor of a new folding and extending heated design) and a standard compass built into the rearview mirror. Stability control and a tire-pressure monitoring system are now standard on all models.
Edmunds says
Combining the comforts of a Suburban with the practicality of a Silverado, the 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche is a crossover vehicle that creatively provides the best of both worlds.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche LS 1500 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$284/mo for Avalanche 1500 LS
Avalanche 1500 LS
vs
$250/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Vehicle overview
Introduced in 2002, the Avalanche has proven to be a popular crossover vehicle thanks to its versatile setup. Essentially the same as a Suburban from the rear doors forward, the Chevy Avalanche replaces the rear cargo area with an open pickup bed. The key to its multipurpose nature is the innovative Midgate system that allows the partition between the cab and the truck bed to be completely removed. This extends the length of the load floor from about 5 feet to a tad over 8 feet in just a couple of minutes without hand tools. A removable protective cover keeps items in the cargo bed from the elements, while storage boxes built into the sides of the bed offer additional cargo room without sacrificing bed space.
When you're not using the full-size truck bed, the Chevrolet Avalanche offers several other appealing amenities. There's room for up to six passengers with a bench seat up front, and options like XM Satellite Radio and a rear-seat DVD video system will keep passengers in back entertained for hours. Ride comfort is excellent on 1500-series models, and although 2500 models can be a little stiff-riding, they can tow up to 12,000 pounds. For those who never liked the original model's excessive exterior body cladding, the 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche is also offered in a decladded version that looks more like a standard Silverado.
Performance & mpg
All 1500 Avalanche models feature a 5.3-liter Vortec V8 rated at 295 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque hooked to a four-speed automatic transmission. Avalanche 2500 versions get a heavy-duty four-speed automatic and an 8.1-liter V8 that cranks out 325 hp and 447 lb-ft of torque. The maximum trailer weight rating for the 2500 model is 12,000 pounds, while the 1500 can pull up to 8,200 pounds.
Safety
The Chevy Avalanche truck comes standard with four-wheel antilock disc brakes and stability control. Front-seat side airbags are available as an option. In government crash tests, the Avalanche earned three stars (out of five) for driver protection in a frontal impact and four stars for front-passenger protection.
Driving
As rough and tough as the Chevrolet Avalanche looks on the outside, the driving experience is as pleasant as any SUV. Half-ton models have a soft, forgiving ride quality and quiet cabins that make them comfortable as daily drivers. Three-quarter models are a bit stiffer, as you would expect, but not so much as to make them uncomfortable around town. The Chevy Avalanche suffers from the same numb steering exhibited by most GM trucks, but its light weighting does make for easy maneuvering in tight spots.
Interior
Built on the same chassis as the Suburban, the Avalanche features a similar interior design. The gauges are simple, easy-to-read analog dials, while the climate and stereo controls are both placed high in the dash for easy adjustment. Switching the Avalanche from five- or six-passenger SUV to a two- or three-passenger pickup is a simple operation that can be performed in just a few minutes without hand tools. The rear cargo area has drainage holes so it can be hosed out, and there are two auxiliary storage compartments in the sides of the bed.
2006 Chevrolet Avalanche models
The Chevrolet Avalanche comes in both half-ton (1500) and three-quarter-ton (2500) configurations with either two- or four-wheel drive. Both come in standard LS trim with an LT package available for buyers seeking more amenities. LS equipment includes dual-zone manual air conditioning and a 40/20/40-split bench front seat. LT upgrades include a Bose sound system, automatic climate control and leather seating. Notable options include a sunroof, XM Satellite Radio and a rear-seat DVD video system. Hard-core off-road enthusiasts can upgrade the Avalanche with the Z71 package that adds retuned springs and shocks, underbody skid plates, heavy-duty shocks, a rear locking differential and larger wheels and tires. Those who never plan to venture off-road can order the 1500 version with the Z66 sport suspension package that adds specially tuned springs and shocks, a rear locking differential and 17-inch wheels and tires.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche.
5 star(75%)
4 star(21%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
28 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Only truck I will own.
Doc1038, 11/18/2005
2006 Chevrolet Avalanche LS 1500 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
This is my second Avalanche I have owned. I will NEVER own another truck except the Av. Very Stylish, Eye catching, versatile. Used for camping, tailgating, towing, moving large items, and much more. My original was a 2002 which I thought was great, and the 2006 is even better. I totalled my 2002 in an accident which I hit in, and realized in any car and many trucks, I would not … have made it out alive. VERY SAFE!!! Fuel economy is not bad for the size of the truck, but it should be expected with its size and capacity.
5 out of 5 stars
Love My Avalanche
Love It!, 05/25/2007
2006 Chevrolet Avalanche LS 1500 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
This is hands down the nicest vehicle I have ever been lucky enough to own. It is the best of all worlds for me, large enough to haul my labs and hunting gear with locking compartments and also pull my trailer. Far more flexibility than my Silverado, Blazer, or Corvette!
4.75 out of 5 stars
Second Chevy truck
bjk3, 05/24/2015
2006 Chevrolet Avalanche LS 1500 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
I had a 01 Chev swb ls with the 327 engine.. Probably in my opinion the best V8 engine in production, because it will go 300,000 plus if well takin care of, and parts for it can be found anywhere, and they don't break the bank like the imports.
This 06 is even better, I bought from Car Maxt after the other one was totaled in a hail storm. So I have been driving the 327 for 13 years … total. At the time of purchase had 93,000 miles. Never been in the shop after 3 years of ownership. Had two emission issues, that chev avalanche club helped me fix, Great multi purpose vehicle. gas mileage could be better, averages only 13 in town, but highway miles good as high as 19.
3.88 out of 5 stars
Good vehicle
Denver, 04/04/2009
2006 Chevrolet Avalanche LS 1500 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
I run my truck pretty hard high speed and for long periods and over the years I have averaged over 17 mpg highway and city combined, I have even pulled small trailers and the gas mileage was still good, I'm going to purchase another Avalanche soon this will make my third one and am very satisfied with the overall performance.
2006 Avalanche Highlights
1500 LS
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $33,910 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Flex-fuel (ffv) |
Combined MPG | 14 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $284/month |
Seating | 6 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 8,200 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Avalanche include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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