2010 Initial Quality Study Results

Date Published: 01/01/2010

2010 Chevrolet Avalanche

Overview
The Chevrolet Avalanche is a 4-door sport utility truck with a pickup bed. Unlike a 4-door pickup, the bed of the Avalanche opens to the back seat of the passenger compartment (by removing the window and a folding panel). The truck is offered in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations, with standard 8-cylinder power.

History/Genealogy
Introduced in 2002, the Chevrolet Avalanche utilized GM's "GMT800" body-on-frame platform (shared with the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban). As such, the mechanical underpinnings were nearly identical to its cousins, although the body was very different. To differentiate the Avalanche (and its unique role) from the Tahoe, Chevrolet put plastic body cladding on the first-generation model. It proved unpopular and was soon dropped.

The second-generation Avalanche arrived in 2007 (coinciding with the arrival of the new Chevrolet Tahoe). While it shared styling cues with the Tahoe and Suburban (without the body cladding), the Avalanche still offered a unique type of utility that was unmatched by its siblings. While the Tahoe is offered with a hybrid powertrain option, it is not available on the Avalanche. After the 6.0-liter V-8 engine option was dropped, all Avalanche models now share the same E85 Ethanol-compatible 5.3-liter 8-cylinder engine.

The 2010 Avalanche models received USB connectivity for the audio system, and a few new color choices.

Dimensions and Interior Room

Model	4-Door

Length	221.3 inches
Width	79.1 inches
Height	76.6 inches
Weight	5,599 pounds

Passenger Volume	120.2 cubic feet
Cargo Volume	Not available

Features and Options
The 2010 Chevrolet Avalanche is offered in three models, with a choice of 4x2 or 4x4 powertrains: LS, LT, and LTZ.

Standard equipment on the LS model includes air conditioning with dual-zone climate control, rear climate control, power windows, power driver seat, cloth upholstery, split-bench seating, and more. The LT model builds on the LS model by adding rear park assist, automatic climate control, power passenger seat, leather seating surfaces, bucket seats, pass-through or 60/40 split-folding rear seats, and more. The LTZ model adds a standard rearview camera, heated driver and passenger seat, rear-seat audio controls, a navigation system, and more.

The standard powerplant for the 2010 Chevrolet Avalanche is a 5.3-liter 8-cylinder engine rated at 320 horsepower and 335 lb.-ft. of torque (the engine is flex-fuel compatible). Power is sent to an electronically controlled 6-speed automatic transmission to a rear- or 4-wheel drive powertrain. The EPA fuel economy for the 2010 Chevrolet Avalanche ranges between 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.

Safety and Crash Testing

NHTSA	Model	4-Door
	Front Driver	5 stars
	Front Passenger	5 stars
	Side Driver	Not Tested
	Side Rear Passenger	Not Tested
	Rollover 2WD	3 stars
	Rollover 4WD	3 stars

IIHS	TOP SAFETY PICK
	Frontal Offset	Not Tested
	Side Impact	Not Tested
	Roof Strength	Not Tested