2013 Chevy Black Diamond Avalanche Review

Name: 2013 Chevrolet Black Diamond Avalanche
Brand: Chevrolet
Rating: 4.7 (15 reviews)

Price Range: $11,888 - $18,300

2013 Chevrolet Black Diamond Avalanche LTZ Crew Cab Pickup Exterior

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Chevrolet Black Diamond Avalanche model years

Chevrolet Black Diamond Avalanche for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Versatile midgate-based body style
comfortable seating.

Cons

Higher price and lower towing capacity than regular pickups
large size and rear-quarter blind spots hinder maneuverability.

What’s new

As the 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche enters its final year of production, it receives the "Black Diamond" addition to its name, along with more standard features that were previously optional.

Edmunds says

With the comfort of an SUV and the utility of a pickup truck, the 2013 Chevrolet Black Diamond Avalanche features a unique blend of the two. But this year marks the end of the line for this vehicle.

For sale near Ashburn, VA

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2013 Chevrolet Black Diamond Avalanche
LTZ Crew Cab
$14,499
good price
$2,594 below market
- 127,507 miles
- 5'3” bed, 5.3l, 8cyl
- AutoHeaven VA (8 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Chantilly, VA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary Unavailable.
Features and Specs:
17 Combined MPG (15 City/21 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3GNTKGE75DG260408
Stock: 260408
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 01-14-2026
2013 Chevrolet Black Diamond Avalanche
LTZ Crew Cab
$11,888
fair price
$1,110 below market
- 173,436 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 5'3” bed, 5.3l, 8cyl
- Mahwy Cars (8 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Chantilly, VA
-Free Shipping up to 500 miles at full listing price. -Nationwide shipping available.-All vehicles include a fresh VA state safety inspection (Pass re...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
17 Combined MPG (15 City/21 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3GNTKGE74DG372181
Stock: JT2181
Certified Pre-Owned: No

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Vehicle overview

Are you looking for the utility of a pickup truck with the comfort and road manners of an SUV? Well, you better act fast, as the 2013 Chevrolet Black Diamond Avalanche marks the end of the line for this automotive cross-breeding experiment. In its final year, the big change is essentially only in name, adding the "Black Diamond" moniker as a nod to the most difficult ski run classification. Otherwise, the Avalanche retains all of the advantages and drawbacks of its predecessors.

The pickup and SUV cross-breeding results in a vehicle with an SUV-like front half and a pickup bed in the back. Separating the two is a "midgate" behind the rear seats that can be lowered to provide an 8-foot-long load floor. Versatility and convenience are further bolstered by a lockable tailgate and a sturdy three-piece tonneau for securing valuable cargo. The tonneau can also be removed to allow for larger items.

Besides the unique transformative nature of the Avalanche, it also benefits from a ride quality that is more like an SUV than a bouncy pickup. But this added comfort does come at the expense of towing capacity, which tops out at 8,100 pounds. All of the SUV character also increases the price compared to conventional trucks, while reducing rear visibility.

Whether or not the 2013 Chevrolet Black Diamond Avalanche's positive attributes outweigh its drawbacks for you, it is essentially in a class of its own. The closest approximation would be a crew-cab version of a Ford F-150 , Ram 1500 , Toyota Tundra or even Chevy's own Silverado. If comfort and versatility are priorities over rugged utility and affordability, we're sure the Avalanche will fit you just fine.

Performance & mpg

Powering the 2013 Chevrolet Black Diamond Avalanche is a 5.3-liter V8 that produces 320 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. Properly equipped, the Avalanche can tow up to 8,100 pounds.

Rear-wheel drive is standard, with four-wheel drive available as an option. LS and LT 4WD models get a single-speed transfer case, while a two-speed transfer case with low-range gearing is standard on the LTZ and available as an option on other trim levels. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined for both rear- and four-wheel-drive models.

Safety

Standard safety features on the Chevrolet Black Diamond Avalanche include antilock disc brakes, stability control, front side-impact airbags and full-length side curtain airbags, trailer sway control, hill start assist, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera and GM's OnStar emergency communications system.

Driving

From behind the wheel, the first thing you notice about the 2013 Chevrolet Black Diamond Avalanche is that it accelerates smartly for such a large vehicle. Handling and steering feel are both better than you'd expect from a pickup, though the truck's super-size dimensions and equally large blind spots to the sides and rear make maneuvering in tight quarters a challenge. On the upside, the Avalanche rides a bit smoother and quieter than a traditional pickup.

Interior

For smaller passengers, the Avalanche requires a bit of a climb to get into, but once seated they're rewarded with an attractive interior. As you'd expect from a vehicle with working-class roots, designers also paid careful attention to function, with well-placed gauges and easy-to-use controls (though most buttons are a little too small). Poor visibility is an issue, however, so drivers may be relying heavily on the rearview camera and parking sensors in tight confines.

The cabin offers comfortable seating for up to six passengers with the 40/20/40-split front seat available on the LS. The standard front bucket seats are supportive and separated by a center console with a large covered storage box, air vents and audio controls for rear seat passengers.

Of course, the Avalanche truly distinguishes itself from pickups or full-size SUVs with its cargo-hauling capacity. Folding the rear seats and midgate forward while leaving the rear window and hard tonneau cover in place creates a huge cargo area, which is secure thanks to the lockable cover and tailgate. Taking advantage of the Avalanche's full pickup-like carrying capacity does require you to remove and stow both the rear window and bed cover, however.

2013 Chevrolet Black Diamond Avalanche models

Even though the 2013 Chevrolet Black Diamond Avalanche is classified as a full-size crew-cab pickup, its removable rear window and fold-down midgate allow for much more versatility. Three trim levels are offered: base LS, midrange LT and premium LTZ.

The LS features 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, a roof rack, heated mirrors, rear privacy glass, side assist steps, remote ignition, rear parking sensors and a removable three-piece bed cover. Inside you'll find dual-zone manual air-conditioning, cruise control, power-adjustable pedals, six-way power front seats, 60/40-split rear seats, a leather-wrapped tilt-only steering wheel, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, OnStar and a six-speaker sound system with a CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack, an iPod/USB audio interface and rear seat audio controls. A 40/20/40 front bench seat is optional on the LS and increases seating capacity to six.

The LT adds to the base LS equipment a locking rear differential, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats and a seven-speaker Bose sound system. Eighteen-inch wheels are optional. The All-Star package (called the Texas package in that state) adds polished wheels, chrome exterior trim, power-folding mirrors and an auto-dimming driver-side mirror.

The top-of-the-line LTZ includes the All-Star/Texas package, but adds 20-inch alloy wheels, an adaptive suspension with automatic load leveling, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, perforated leather upholstery, 12-way power-adjustable heated and cooled front seats, driver seat memory functions, a heated steering wheel, a navigation system, real-time traffic, a universal garage door opener and an eight-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system. Power-retractable side steps are optional.

The Sun, Entertainment and Destinations package available on the LT and LTZ adds a sunroof, a rear-seat entertainment system and the navigation system on LT models. Optional wheels in 20- and 22-inch sizes are available on all trims.

Add the Z71 Off Road package and you get specialized springs and shock absorbers, upgraded 18-inch off-road tires, front recovery hooks, a skid plate and a high-capacity air cleaner. The Z71 looks different, too, thanks to beefy fender flares, an aggressive front fascia and tubular side assist steps.

Compare 2013 Chevrolet Black Diamond Avalanche trim levels

Owners' Opinions

What Owners Like

Owners definitively appreciate the 2013 Chevrolet Black Diamond Avalanche for its unique blend of SUV comfort and pickup utility. A standout favorite feature is the versatile midgate, which allows for effortless transformation into an 8-foot-long bed—ideal for hauling larger items. The ride quality is consistently praised, with many owners noting that it offers a smoother, quieter experience compared to traditional pickups, especially in urban settings and long-distance travel. The vehicle's attractive design garners attention and compliments, with a consensus that it holds its value well over time. The reliability of the Avalanche is frequently highlighted, with drivers reporting minimal issues over many years and miles of ownership, emphasizing its dependable V8 engine and trustworthy performance. The interior's functionality doesn't go unnoticed, as the well-thought-out controls and comfortable seating make it a practical choice for both family trips and daily commutes. Additionally, the Avalanche's ability to easily handle various terrains, including snowy mountain passes, adds to its appeal for those seeking adventure-ready versatility.

Common Issues

Drivers definitively encounter a few common issues with the 2013 Chevrolet Black Diamond Avalanche. One of the most frequent complaints centers around the dashboard, which tends to crack due to a design defect involving a thin material that doesn't hold up well over time. This problem is exacerbated by GM's refusal to acknowledge it as a manufacturing flaw, leaving owners to bear the considerable replacement cost themselves. Another annoyance pertains to the small dashboard displays and controls, particularly the hard-to-read light blue text, which can pose visibility challenges while driving. Additionally, navigation systems are often criticized for being cumbersome and unintuitive, especially when attempting to input addresses on the go. Fuel efficiency is another area where the Avalanche falls short, with many owners noting that the real-world gas mileage is less than satisfactory, particularly for city driving. Lastly, some drivers have expressed disappointment with the somewhat stiff ride in models equipped with the Z71 package, as it results in less comfort over rough surfaces compared to other trims.

Final Takeaways from Everyday Drivers

Everyday drivers definitively find the 2013 Chevrolet Black Diamond Avalanche to be a trustworthy and versatile companion. Its standout attribute is the seamless blend of SUV-like comfort with the functionality of a truck, making it an appealing choice for those who need both practical and comfortable daily transportation. The flexibility offered by the midgate feature proves invaluable for users regularly shifting between passenger and cargo needs, catering well to those who frequently find themselves hauling larger items. Owners are consistently pleased with the vehicle's ability to maintain a smooth ride over long distances, whether commuting through the city or on open highways. Despite the ample size, its driving dynamics often surprise with a level of control and ride smoothness uncommon in traditional trucks, adding to its desirability for diverse driving conditions. The vehicle’s aesthetic appeal is further supported by its ability to draw positive attention and compliments despite its age. However, the dashboard visibility issues and occasional fuel efficiency concerns don't largely detract from the overall satisfaction most drivers report.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$191/mo

$208/mo

Avg. Large Truck

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Reliability

The 2013 Chevrolet Black Diamond Avalanche has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 3 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Recalls

3 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 21V054000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: N212328800
Number of vehicles affected:: 1778128
Defect Description:: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Defect Consequence:: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Corrective Action:: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed beginning March 1, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328800.

Recall Number:: 21V053000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: N212328790
Number of vehicles affected:: 692526
Defect Description:: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C."
Defect Consequence:: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Corrective Action:: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed beginning March 1, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328790.

Recall Number:: 13V001000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 12331
Manufactured from:: 2012-11-28 to 2012-12-18
Number of vehicles affected:: 54686
Defect Description:: General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Savana, Sierra HD, Sierra LD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles, manufactured between November 7, 2012, through December 18, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect", and FMVSS No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention." The vehicles may have been built with a fractured park lock cable or a malformed steering column lock actuator gear in the lock module assembly.
Defect Consequence:: As a result, the vehicle may shift from Park with the ignition key removed or the ignition key in the OFF position. The vehicle may also shift out of Park without application of the brake pedal while the key is off. Either of these scenarios may cause the vehicle to roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible vehicle crash and/or injury.
Corrective Action:: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the steering column as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 17, 2013. Chevrolet owners may call 1-800-630-2438. Cadillac owners may call 1-866-982-2339. GMC owners may call 1-866-996-9463.

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 100,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 6 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 5 years / 100,000 miles

Chevrolet Black Diamond Avalanche Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.7

15 reviews

5(73%)

4(27%)

3(0%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2013 Black Diamond Avalanche Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$35,980
Engine Type	Flex-fuel (ffv)
Combined MPG	17 MPG
Cost to Drive	$191/month
Seating	5 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	8,100 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Key safety features on the Black Diamond Avalanche include:

Back-up camera
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Post-collision safety system

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover3 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover22.8%

2013 Chevy Black Diamond Avalanche Review

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

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What’s new

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For sale near Ashburn, VA

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Vehicle overview

Performance & mpg

Safety

Driving

Interior

2013 Chevrolet Black Diamond Avalanche models

Owners' Opinions

What Owners Like

Common Issues

Final Takeaways from Everyday Drivers

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Recalls

Warranty

Chevrolet Black Diamond Avalanche Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2013 Black Diamond Avalanche Highlights

Safety

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