The Avalanche’s powerful 320-horsepower, 5.3-liter V8 churns out some nice torque at 340 lb.-ft., but with just a four-speed transmission available the Avalanche’s power delivery could be improved. For the most part, however, the Avalanche can handle passing at speed and accelerates with verve from a standing start. Traveling in traffic was less of a treat, however, with blind spots hampering lane changes.