2009 Chevy Avalanche Review
2009 Chevy Avalanche Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Versatile midgate-based body style, smooth ride, comfortable seating, capable engines.
Cons
- Large size and rear-quarter blind spots hinder maneuverability in tight spots.
What’s new
The 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche is largely unchanged. The truck's OnStar system gets a few enhancements; also, Bluetooth connectivity and a rear back-up camera that does not require a navigation system have been added. A new six-speed automatic transmission is added to improve fuel economy slightly, and there are newly available 20-inch chrome wheels for those who haven't purged the word "bling" from their vocabulary. Finally, the LTZ trim now includes features like heated and cooled leather seats and a Bose surround-sound stereo as standard.
Edmunds says
Thanks to its practical convertible midgate configuration, the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche remains one of the most desirable crew-cab pickups for carrying a combination of passengers and cargo.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche LS 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.3L 8cyl 6A) 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 $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$233/mo for Avalanche LS
Avalanche LS
vs
$244/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Vehicle overview
If ever there was a vehicle that represents the happy convergence of pickups and SUVs, it would be the Chevrolet Avalanche. Essentially, the Avalanche is an attempt to combine the best of both worlds, and in many ways it works. Like a pickup truck, the Avalanche has a four-door crew-cab configuration. However, it lacks the separate cab and bed of most pickups. Instead, the Avalanche uses a one-piece body like that of a typical SUV -- think of the Avalanche as a Suburban with the roof and rear windows cut out, and you'll have a fairly accurate understanding of what it's all about.
The Avalanche's main selling point is a uniquely flexible midgate design that considerably enhances its functionality. The midgate is a removable partition separating the cabin from the bed. When combined with the watertight, three-panel lockable bed cover, the midgate allows a variety of configurations, including a fully open pickup bed or a fully enclosed dry cargo area.
The 2009 Chevy Avalanche is one of only a few full-size pickups offering this convertible midgate design configuration. The other trucks with this feature are also GM products; the lineup includes the Cadillac Escalade EXT and the Hummer H2 SUT. The Avalanche is by far the cheapest of these three, and it's easily the most practical as well. Just like other full-size trucks, though, it feels big and bulky around town, and doesn't exactly deliver stellar fuel economy. It's also more costly than traditional crew-cab pickups.
Considering this, Honda's Ridgeline might work out better for some people; it provides a more manageable size. Being car-based, however, it's not as rugged, nor does it offer a midgate. Even its fuel economy is surprisingly similar. All told, the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche will be invaluable for those who can take full advantage of its flexibility and do-it-all design character.
Performance & mpg
The 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche is available with either two-wheel drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). All 2WD models come standard with a 5.3-liter V8 putting out 310 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque, driven through a new six-speed automatic transmission. A larger 6.0-liter V8 delivering 366 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque is optional. A properly equipped 2WD Avalanche can tow up to 8,100 pounds. EPA-estimated fuel economy for 2009 is 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined for 2WD versions with the 5.3-liter engine.
Safety
Standard Avalanche safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes, stability control, GM's OnStar emergency communications system and a full-length side curtain airbag system with a rollover sensor. In government crash tests, the Avalanche earned a top five-star rating in all front- and side-impact tests.
In previous years, the Avalanche's rearview camera couldn't be had without spending the money to add a navigation system, since the camera relied on the nav system's screen to display its images. For 2009, the camera has been redesigned in a way that makes it a stand-alone feature. Its display is now featured on the rearview mirror instead of the nav screen, and as a result, it may be added without also adding a navigation system.
Driving
Despite its considerable size and heft, the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche is relatively quick, even when equipped with the standard 5.3-liter V8. However, its acceleration and fuel economy begin to suffer when the truck is loaded down with passengers or cargo. Though the Avalanche is certainly no sports car around corners, it deals with them in a competent, predictable manner. Thanks to its SUV-like body, this big Chevy boasts a ride that's quieter and smoother than that of the typical pickup.
Interior
Inside, the second-generation Chevy Avalanche is significantly improved over its predecessor. Constructed of high-quality materials, the cabin features straightforward ergonomics and top-notch fit and finish. The more common front bucket seat arrangement seats five, but the Avalanche can accommodate up to six occupants when equipped with the split-bench front seat.
To convert the Avalanche's 5-foot 3-inch cargo bed into a longer and more useful space measuring just over 8 feet, one simply lowers the midgate and rear seats. The rear window can also be removed if you want to maximize cargo room and provide the sensation of open-air driving. Removing the cargo covers and using the compartments on the outside of the cargo box offers additional storage opportunities.
2009 Chevrolet Avalanche models
The 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche is a full-size crew-cab pickup with a removable rear window and exclusive midgate. There are four trim levels: LS, LT1, LT2 and premium LTZ. The basic LS features a composite cargo bed, a removable three-piece cargo cover, full power accessories, a front 40/20/40-split bench seat with center storage, cloth trim, a power driver seat with manual lumbar control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth, basic OnStar capability and a stereo with a single-CD player, an auxiliary jack and satellite radio. The LT1 is similar to the LS, but has standard front bucket seats, rear audio controls and enhanced OnStar with turn-by-turn navigation.
Moving up to the LT2 package provides dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable pedals, a six-CD changer, rear park assist and remote vehicle starting. The top-drawer LTZ offers 20-inch wheels, chrome exterior accents, an adaptive suspension, rain-sensing wipers, heated and cooled leather seats and a premium Bose audio system. Most of these upper-trim-level features are available as options on the lower trims.
Add the Z71 Off Road Package and you get specialized springs and shock absorbers, upgraded 18-inch off-road tires, an automatically locking rear differential, front recovery hooks, a skid plate and a high-capacity air cleaner. The Z71 looks different too, thanks to large color-keyed wheel flares, an aggressive front fascia and chrome assist steps.
Depending on the trim level, other stand-alone or packaged options include a navigation system, power running boards, 20-inch wheels, an integrated rearview camera, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a sunroof. This year's heavy-duty towing package includes an integrated trailer brake controller.

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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche.
5 star(70%)
4 star(16%)
3 star(13%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(0%)
71 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
2 years later & LTZ is still the best!
Michael, 07/27/2010
2008 Chevrolet Avalanche LT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
I bought this big black beauty 25 months ago, and it is still the best vehicle I have ever had. The only issue was I needed to have the chrome handle replaced last month after it came loose. But other than that this truck is still as great as the day I bought it. It rides like a Cadillac, 90% of the time I can haul without removing the sails, the bed has ample room for transporting … furniture without having to lower the back seats.
4.75 out of 5 stars
My second Avalanche
Avalanche Lover, 08/13/2009
2009 Chevrolet Avalanche LTZ 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.3L 8cyl 6A)
My 2009 Avalanche is my second one. I had a 2003 Avalanche that was the most reliable and cheapest to maintain truck that I have ever owned. I traded it at 148,000 miles and never even put brakes on it. I love my new 2009 Avalanche also. It is more comfortable and roomier than my 2003. Fuel economy appears to be better and improving. it is a pleasure to drive and passengers enjoy the … room and comfort. I will always drive a Avalanche as long as they are in production. they are great trucks very reliable the quality and durability is outstanding making ownership affordable by not having additional unexpected breakdowns or maintenance issues keeping current on Preventative Maintenance is key.
5 out of 5 stars
Why did they stop making the truck I love!
houseman, 10/28/2016
2008 Chevrolet Avalanche LT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
UPDATE! (11/17/22) just rolled 260000 miles on my 08 Avalanche. This was the best purchase I made. It was listed for almost 43K and I paid about 28K with all rebates and my fathers GM discount. Not bad. Now being 15 years old, just had to replace 3 sensors, spark plugs and bearings in my passenger front wheel (2022) I am a firm believer in how you drive and take care of your car … is how you get paid in return. I always bought new vehicles and I have always owned them for at least 10 yrs or more. I do want to see If I can least put 300k on it before major issues turn up (almost there). It still looks good with a couple nicks here and there where I touch up and I do spiff it up with 20 in chrome wheels in the summer and I have a chrome hood shield in front. If someone is interested in a used one. I would recommend but research the history before buying. It is just like anything else.
4.38 out of 5 stars
Great SUV/Truck combo
San Jose, CA, 01/07/2010
2009 Chevrolet Avalanche LT2 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.3L 8cyl 6A)
We bought our 2009 Avalanche to replace a 92 Chevy Blazer & 97 Chevy truck. The AV was a perfect fit for us with 4 full size doors, cargo capacity and towing. The AV's 5.3 liter engine has more power/torque than the 5.7 liter engine in my old 97 truck and gets better overall gas mileage. We tow 5,000(+) lbs of boat/trailer/gear and the AV has no problems handling the steep Sunol and … Altamont pass grades in the S.F. Bay Area. The ride is more SUV-like than truck, and while the AV looks top heavy it actually handles the corners pretty well for its size. But if you're not used to driving SUV/trucks the AV's large turning radius can be scary/frustrating in tight parking situations.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche, so we've included reviews for other years of the Avalanche since its last redesign.
2009 Avalanche Highlights
LS
Base MSRP | $35,460 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $233/month |
Seating | 6 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 8,100 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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