2007 Chevrolet Avalanche [ 2008 ]
Chevrolet Avalanche
Overall Score - 8.3 (Very Good)
The Avalanche offers excellent hauling and towing capabilities in a uniquely versatile, safe and smooth-riding package, but can't match the affordability and higher fuel economy of others in its class.
Launched in 2001, the Avalanche is Chevy's four-door, six-seat sport utility truck. Thanks to a full redesign for 2007, reviewers generally see the Avalanche as an exceptionally functional hauler/tower and a surprisingly smooth highway cruiser. Consumer Guide lists it as a "Recommended" buy and praises, "No other pickup offers Avalanche's blend of useful passenger accommodations, expandable cargo room, big-truck muscle, and friendly road manners." The Avalanche shares a platform with the Chevy Suburban and forms the basis of the Cadillac Escalade EXT.
The pickup's standout feature is a folding rear midgate (shared with the Escalade) and removable rear window, which extends the truck bed into the back seat area, making the Avalanche "the most versatile crew-cab pickup on the market when it comes to carrying a mix of passengers and cargo," according to Edmunds. In fact, the Avalanche is so multi-functional that the Orlando Sentinel calls it "[e]ssentially a four-wheeled, 5,645-pound Swiss Army knife." The Fort Worth Star-Telegram adds: "The Avalanche, while it is a truck underneath, is a vehicle that is elegant, comfortable and practical all in one package. It starts out as a sport-utility vehicle...and essentially is the same as the Suburban from the nose to the back of the middle seat, where it then becomes a pickup."
Highlights for the new model include a stiffer suspension, updated steering, a restyled exterior and a higher-quality interior. But despite the positive changes, reviewers still complain about the large pickup's maneuverability and low fuel economy. Forbes recommends the Avalanche, but only if "your budget can afford to operate one at today's gas prices." The reviewer recommends that thrifty buyers keep looking if "a smaller and more fuel-efficient truck fits your character, budget and lifestyle." Consequently, most reviewers find the Avalanche's pricing a bit high. MSN notes, "The multi-featured Avalanche isn't a bargain-priced pickup, even in its base form." In addition, the Orlando Sentinel says, "It's easy to pile on options that increase the price."
Cars.com deems the top-of-the-line LTZ with options as priced "rather steep," but points out that Lincoln's Mark LT, "a comparable luxury pickup, can cost the same with fewer features." In a comparison to the similar Honda Ridgeline, AutoWeek notes the pricier Avalanche's sticker price "makes our long-term Ridgeline seem like a bargain, even with all the compromises." Value over time may help offset the hefty base cost. IntelliChoice gives the base model a "Better Than Average" value rating, based on total cost of ownership compared to others in its class.
The Avalanche is available in several trims -- LS, LT1, LT2, LT3 and LTZ -- and comes in either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive with a midgate that enables two different bed sizes and several cargo configurations.
Avalanche Performance - 7.3 (Good)
Test drivers generally find that the 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche performs well, thanks to improvements from a 2007 redesign including a stiffer frame and new suspension and steering systems. Kelley Blue Book praises: "Compared to the first-generation Avalanche, the 2007 model has an impressive level of refinement. On good roads the suspension absorbs most imperfections, delivering an almost cushiony ride but not at the expense of control or security, and the Avalanche takes curves with a high level of stability." continue
Avalanche Exterior - 7.4 (Good)
Auto writers praise the Chevrolet Avalanche's exterior thanks to a 2007 redesign that replaces its universally disliked body cladding with clean sheet metal. Car and Driver sums up the consensus, noting, "Thankfully, the tacky plastic body cladding that marred the original won't be returning, and the new truck is as handsome as the old one was garish." continue
Avalanche Interior - 7.0 (Good)
For the most part, reviewers generally praise the 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche's redesigned interior for its luxury feel and overall comfort. Edmunds says, "Those used to past Avalanches will be pleasantly surprised by the 2007 version's high-quality materials, fine fit and finish, and logical control layouts." continue
Avalanche Safety - NA
The 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche does well in federal government crash tests. MSN praises the new model because it "has more safety features than its predecessor. A tire-pressure-monitoring system and stability control that now includes a rollover sensor are among the standard features." Head-curtain side-impact air bags, however, are still optional on all but the LT3 and LTZ models. continue
Avalanche Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Chevrolet Avalanche is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. continue
