The Chevrolet Avalanche is Chevrolet's top-of-the-line pickup. It is a four-door, six-seat pickup truck with a somewhat SUV-like flavor, known as a "sport utility truck". Avalanche is based on the full-size long-wheelbase General Motors SUVs (such as the Chevrolet Suburban), and itself forms the basis of the upscale Cadillac Escalade EXT.
Avalanche features four full-size hinged doors with seating for 5 or 6 (with bench seats). The open pickup bed in back can be extended into the back seat area by folding down the rear wall of the cabin and removing the rear window. GM marketers call this the "mid-gate system". A series of three removable panels provides a watertight top for the cargo bed. Additional storage is provided behind each wheelwell, accessed by locking flip-top panels and can be useful as self-draining ice chests.
The truck's midgate construction allows two fullsize sleeping bags to be laid out in the bed when the midgate is folded down, protecting the occupants from the weather. GM markets this truck as a choice for active outdoor adventurers in part due to its optional four wheel drive.
The truck's construction lends itself to hip-hop customizations. It is frequently seen with larger wheels upwards of 26" in diameter and powerful sound systems, urbanizing it away from its roots as a truck.
First Generation
Avalanche was launched in 2001 as a 2002 model on the GMT800 platform. First year Avalanches featured light gray plastic body cladding. This provided needed visual distinction from the Suburban. Avalanche also gave the public an advance look at the next generation of front fascia designs for the entire GM line of trucks. A full-length chrome strip splits each lamp assembly and the grille, with a gold Chevrolet "bow tie" in the center. The hood and fenders featured aggressive folds, in contrast to the soft box of the other GMT800 models.
2003 models featured darker cladding, but GM's new president, Rick Wagoner, demanded deletion of this "unpopular" trim (as did certain elements of the public). From mid-year, Avalanche could be ordered without the cladding. Current Avalanches, called "slicksides" by GM marketers, resemble the current crop of Silverados in the front.
Avalanche was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award and was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 2003.
There are two engine choices: A Vortec 5.3 L V8 producing 290 hp (216 kW) and an 8.1 L V8 with 325 hp (242 kW). The drivetrain is rear wheel drive or available with selectable high/low four wheel drive.