TO THE POINTWhat’s New? Completely redesigned, the Avalanche gets a stiffer frame, upgraded steering and suspension, an improved interior, and restyled sheetmetal Selling Points: Interior materials; seat comfort; improved ride and handling; new design Deal Breakers: Observed fuel economy is below 14 mpg; blind spots; side-curtain airbags optional on lower trims Our Advice: This vastly improved truck is the one for you if you desire flexibility and don’t care about fuel efficiency
Specifications The 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche competes against the Dodge Ram Quad Cab, Ford Explorer Sport Trac, Ford F-150 Super Crew, Lincoln Mark LT, Nissan Titan Crew Cab, and Toyota Tundra Double Cab.
Test Vehicle: 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche LTZ 2WD Base price of Test Vehicle: $40,125 (including the $900 destination charge) Engine Size and Type: 5.3-liter V8 Engine Horsepower: 320 at 5,200 rpm Engine Torque: 340 lb.-ft. at 4,200 rpm Transmission: Four-speed automatic Curb Weight, lbs.: 5,742 EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 15/21 mpg Observed Fuel Economy: 13.4 mpg (gasoline)/ 10.4 mpg (E85) Length: 221.3 inches Width: 79.1 inches Wheelbase: 130 inches Height: 76.6 inches Legroom (front/rear): 41.3/39.1 inches Headroom (front/rear): 41.1/41.1 inches Max. Seating Capacity: 5 Max. Payload: 1,258 lbs. Max. Towing Capacity: 7,200 lbs. Competitors:
Dodge Ram Quad Cab
Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Ford F-150 Super Crew
Lincoln Mark LT
Nissan Titan Crew Cab
Toyota Tundra Double Cab
Photos courtesy of General Motors; Ron Perry
About Brian Chee Prior to joining Autobytel in the Spring of 2000, Brian Chee spent 15 years as a writer and editor in his native southern California, his work appearing in a wide variety of regional newspapers and online publications. As an editor at Autobytel, Brian has been quoted in numerous regional and national publications, including the Wall St. Journal and InStyle Magazine. He is responsible for writing, editing and planning content for three of the company’s consumer websites: autobytel.com, autoweb.com and carsmart.com. His “beat” includes vehicle reviews, features, news and Auto Show coverage. Brian considers himself a “SoCal” car enthusiast: the kind who grades a car on how it handles today’s urban and suburban reality of daily traffic gridlock, rising fuel prices and fast-paced lifestyles. Brian is an Eagle Scout, a member of the Automotive Press Association, the Motor Press Guild, and the California State University Advisory Board for Internet Writing. Brian holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism.
