What’s New?
The Avalanche has undergone a substantial redesign for 2007. Significant improvements have been made to the interior to enhance seating comfort and forward visibility, and passengers now benefit from a 360-degree safety system. A new, stronger chassis improves ride and handling, while the availability of GM’s new family of Gen IV engines improves fuel efficiency.

Overview
Chevrolet boasts the widest assortment of models of any GM division, and the 6-passenger Avalanche is one of the brand’s most novel offerings. Introduced in 2002, the Avalanche is an SUV/pickup truck crossover with a twist. The twist is a collapsible Midgate bulkhead between the short-bed cargo box and the SUV-like interior that provides a vehicle with unparalleled flexibility. By folding the second row of seats flat, removing the rear window and lowering the Midgate, the cargo bed can be extended from 5.3 feet to 8.2 feet in length. Locking the new spring-loaded tailgate and installing a three-piece rigid cargo cover with interlocking panels turns the cargo bed into an oversized trunk. There are also locking storage bins (complete with drains) built into the exterior of the truck bed.

For 2007, the Avalanche rides on GM’s new full-size SUV platform, which features a fully boxed frame and wider front and rear tracks for improved ride and stability. StabiliTrak, GM’s stability control system with new rollover mitigation technology, is standard. Wraparound fascias on the redesigned exterior improve aerodynamics. Coil-over-shock front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and an all-new refined interior add to its appeal. Notable options include articulating running boards, a rearview camera, touch-screen navigation, a DVD entertainment system, and vehicle remote start.

The 1/2-ton Avalanche comes in three trim levels—LS, LT, and LTZ—with two- and four-wheel drive (4WD). Last year's 2500-series 3/4-ton truck with its larger 8.1-liter V-8 engine has been discontinued. Two-wheel-drive 2007 models come with a 320-hp, iron-block 5.3-liter V-8, while 4WD models are equipped with a 310-hp, aluminum-block 5.3-liter engine. Optional is a 366-hp all-aluminum 6.0-liter. Among other things, the new engines feature cylinder-deactivating Active Fuel Management and are mated to 4-speed automatic transmissions. Maximum towing capacity is 8,000 pounds.

The Competition
The Chevrolet Avalanche competes in the Large Pickup segment, which consists of seven models. Buyers in this segment look for performance, comfort, and reliability, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study.^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the Ford F-Series (764,198 units sold, including Super Duty models), Chevrolet Silverado (636,069, including Heavy Duty models), and Dodge Ram Pickup (364,177, including Heavy Duty models). The Chevrolet Avalanche sold 57,076 units in 2006, a decrease of 9.7 percent compared to the previous year. Other models offered in the Large Pickup segment include the GMC Sierra (light- and heavy-duty models), Toyota Tundra, and Nissan Titan.