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Walk Around

The Chevy Avalanche is a truck, and it's a big truck. In fact, the Avalanche is just an inch shorter than a Chevy Suburban. (To be precise, it's 1.1 inches shorter.) The Avalanche rides on the GMT900 platform, meaning it shares its basic structure with the Suburban, Tahoe, Silverado and other full-size GM pickups and SUVs. The current Avalanche doesn't look as massive the first-generation (2002-2006) models did, even when they were ordered without the side cladding. But in practical terms, the new Avalanche is just as big as the previous-generation models. (To be exact, the new one is 0.4 inches shorter.)

Compared with pre-2007 models, the current Avalanche features significant styling changes, though many are subtle. A fresh face brightens the front end. Thick, horizontal lines emphasizing the substantial girth remain, but are now integrated well with the body-colored grille and headlight surrounds. Lighting elements share space in single units, replacing the previous model's bifurcated assemblages. A bold bow-tie icon graces the grille crossbar. A high-relief lower fascia houses tow hooks and tries to look like the leading edge of a skid plate (although you'll have to order the Z71 package to get the real thing).

The side aspect is mightily spruced up, with a faster, more laid-back windshield leading to smooth, gracefully sculpted flanks topped by understated, flush-mounted windows. Gaps between body panels are tight. Full-round door handles accommodate gloved hands. Squarish wheel wells look under-filled, even with the optional 20-inch wheels. Essential as the signature feature of the Avalanche are the angular flying buttresses connecting the roofline to the prominent plastic bed cover; and the only design cue that clashes with the sleeker look of the new model.

The tailgate presents a more traditional pickup look than that of the previous models. It's less stylized, with bumper and release assembly now painted body color. That assembly also now functions as a base for the optional rearview camera. Chevy says this can help a solo driver hitch up a trailer; we haven't tested this yet, but it could save a lot of trial and error. We have used the rearview camera for parallel parking and other maneuvers in tight quarters and can attest to its value. This system is not a gadget. It speeds parking and maneuvering and can help alert the driver to the presence of a child or adult behind the truck. The tailgate is now spring loaded to lighten its perceived weight, but it still seemed heavier than its counter-sprung counterparts on the Ford F-150 and the new Toyota Tundra.