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 March 6, 2007
Test Drive:
Discuss this story in the forum at CarTalkCanada Photo Gallery: 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche Vancouver, British Columbia - While hybrid and crossover vehicles have become commonplace these days, the second-generation Chevrolet Avalanche is still quite unique - a transformable two-in-one vehicle. A comfortable utility vehicle with seating for five or six passengers, it converts to an open-back pickup truck with a big cargo bed that can swallow a 4x8 sheet of plywood.
Available in LS, LT and LTZ models, the Avalanche can be ordered with either two-wheel or four-wheel drive systems. The engine is matched with the drive system.
My red Avalanche was an LTZ ($53,575) that came with an entertainment package ($1,255) and a power sunroof ($1,325), which upped the total price to $56,155. The entertainment package included an upgraded audio system with an auxiliary input jack and a rear DVD player with two wireless headphones.
New styling, roomy interior with "Midgate"
It's not a dramatic change in looks, but the new Avalanche does have a windshield with a steeper slant, the front grille and headlights are different, and the fenders have more stylish integrated flares over bigger wheels (20-inch on the LTZ).
Flush-mounted windows, tighter body panel gaps and easier to grab door handles are more subtle improvements. Noteworthy is a tailgate that's now spring-loaded to make it easier to close.
Inside, the removable "Midgate" panel between cab and cargo box is the clever feature that allows the Avalanche to switch personalities. Fold down the rear seats, open the Midgate, and it becomes a pickup with an enclosed cargo box. Remove the rear glass and box cover and it's a completely open pickup truck.
As with all big trucks you have to step high to get inside, but once on-board it's a very roomy place. The glovebox offers surprisingly limited storage, but a huge centre console box makes amends.
In terms of passenger safety, the body has a stronger structure and there's a new optional side-curtain air bag system with roll mitigation technology. If a roll-over is imminent these side curtain bags deploy and remain inflated for a while, unlike conventional airbags.
The lower (UAS) anchorages were another problem as they were almost impossible to use. It was extremely difficult to attach connectors to the anchorages provided, due to the stiff leather upholstery surrounding the locations. The cloth upholstered versions may be better.
Driving impressions
The biggest improvement over the previous generation Avalanche is, without a doubt, the new stiffer chassis, which provides a better ride, handling feel and noise reduction. The transformation is impressive, but you have to drive or ride in this Avalanche to fully appreciate these improvements.
Rear vision, especially when parking, is not great (for a truck), due to the design of the rear window and a high cargo box with a cover. My test Avalanche came with a park assist (well worth having) with audible warning tones, and big side mirrors with built-in turn signal lights.
I was lucky enough to have a 4X4 Avalanche during a winter snow dump, here on the coast, and was very impressed. The driver can choose two-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive or locked four-wheel-drive in both high and low gear ratios, at the push of a button. It really can do it all, and without any fuss.
On the highway, the engine is exceptionally smooth and quiet at cruising speeds. At 100 km/h on the highway, the tachometer was floating at about 2000 rpm, which tells me it's fairly long-geared (for economy). Natural Resources Canada fuel economy figures are 15.4 L/100 km city, and 10.4 L/100 km highway. It makes some really good sounds when you stomp on the gas pedal but it's actually not that fast (9.3 sec to 100 km/h at AJAC Canadian Car of the Year test) even though it has 310 horsepower - yes, it's a heavy vehicle.
The Avalanche offers 3,629 kg (8,000-lb) towing capacity and the max payload is 606 kg (1,337 lb). The four-speed automatic transmission has a tow-mode setting that's activated by a button on the shift lever.
Verdict
Still unique, the 2007 Chevy Avalanche may not look too different, but it has improved in almost every other way - as long as you're not planning to fit a child seat in it.
Pricing: 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche LTZ
Specifications
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