Thanks to a wide range of mechanical, safety and interior features, the 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche offers many variations based on three separate models: the base LS, mid-priced LT and luxury LTZ trim levels. All come standard with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, a 5.3-liter V8 engine with Active Fuel Management technology, and a four-speed automatic transmission. Shoppers should take note that there are two 5.3-liter V8 engines: the flex-fuel variant that comes standard on rear-wheel-drive models, and the non-flex-fuel engine that comes standard on all-wheel-drive models. Later in the year, General Motors will introduce a 6.0-liter V8 engine upgrade for those who need more power. The automatic transmission also comes with an upgrade: for $100 more, you can get your Avalanche with a 4.10 axle ratio. As noted, all trims come with either all-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive; add $3,000 for the all-wheel-drive system and take away about 10 horsepower and about 5 lb.-ft. of torque.

Standard safety features on all Avalanche models include StabiliTrak stability control, a free 12-month subscription to OnStar, four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, and rear door child safety locks. Safety upgrades include side-curtain airbags (standard on the Avalanche LT3 and LTZ), rear parking assist (standard on LT2, LT3 and LTZ), and a rearview camera system (available on LT2, LT3 and LTZ models).

The Chevrolet Avalanche LS has a sticker price of $32,690, including the $900 destination charge. Added standard features include two front 12-volt outlets, keyless entry, a front split bench seat with six-way power adjustment for the driver’s side, a rear 60/40-split bench seat, a fold-down center armrest, cloth seats, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, and a stereo with CD and MP3 players. Avalanche LS buyers also get a full-size spare, heated exterior mirrors, and color-keyed bumpers and side moldings. Options on the LS include a heavy-duty rear locking differential ($295), a CD changer ($300), XM satellite radio ($199), power adjustable pedals ($120), side-curtain airbags ($350), rear parking assist ($245), and all-season P265/70R17 touring tires ($125).

The mid-priced Avalanche LT offers shoppers a choice of three trims: LT1 ($33,390), LT2 ($35,430), and the LT3 ($37,040), all prices including the $900 destination charge. Additional standard features on the LT1 include front bucket seats, an overhead console, three front power outlets, and a rear seat power outlet. Additional options available on the Avalanche LT1 include a Bose seven-speaker sound system ($495), a rear DVD entertainment system ($1,295), automatic climate control ($195), and 20-inch alloy wheels ($1,595). Avalanche LT2 buyers get leather front bucket seats, rear audio controls, remote vehicle start, and rear parking assist on the list of standard features, along with options such as a navigation system with a CD/DVD player ($2,250), a power sunroof ($995) and a rearview camera system ($250). For Avalanche LT3 buyers, the standard features list includes power adjustable pedals, full-length side-curtain airbags, a 12-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar, heated front seats, and a Bose seven-speaker sound system. Options on the LT3 models include rain-sensing windshield wipers ($95), and a heated windshield washer fluid system ($85).

At the top of the trim chain stands the Avalanche LTZ ($40,125) with all of the above features plus a side rail luggage rack, a heavy duty rear differential and 20-inch alloy wheels. For enthusiasts, GM is also making available the Avalanche Z71 Off-Road appearance package which sets the truck off with larger fog lamps, specific grille texturing and platinum chrome grille trim. Unique 18-inch wheels and tires are also part of the package.