The Chevrolet Avalanche is Chevy’s four-door, six-seat, top-of-the-line pickup truck with the feel of an SUV. It is based on GM’s full-size long-wheelbase SUVs (like the Chevrolet Suburban).The Avalanche has been completely redesigned for 2007. It now features a stiffer and streamlined body, as well as a much more comprehensive list of standard and available features.

It also has a brand new suspension as well as a crisp handling and steering. This vehicle is a vast improvement over its predecessor. A versatile vehicle the Avalanche combines the luxury of a five-passenger SUV with the towing capacity of a long-bed pickup. It has a basic warranty of 36 months/36,000 miles.

The Avalanche is available in three main variants; LS, LT AND LTZ in 2WD and 4WD versions. It is equipped with a standard 5.3L V8 engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission.

The 2WD versions serve up 320 horses and 340 lb-ft of torque, while the 4WD variants comes geared up with 310 hp and 335 lb-ft worth of torque. A 6.0-liter V8 version is scheduled to hit the marquee later in the 2007 model year.

When fully equipped the 4WD Avalanche can tow up to 8,000 pounds. EPA estimated fuel economy amounts to 15/21 mpg (city/highway) on the two-wheel-drive Avalanche.

Despite its imposing size the Avalanche is nimble on the road. Built to take on rugged terrain its extensive lower body cladding is designed to protect the rocker panels from flying gravel. The Midgate, converts the six-passenger SUV into a full-size pickup with an eight-foot protected cargo box and seating for three. It is made from a sturdy lightweight, composite scratch resistant material.

The Avalanche is equipped with a new Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist system with sensors that send out audio and visual signals to help alert regarding objects up to eight feet away from the vehicle. This feature is standard on LT2 and LTZ while it is available on the LS, LT1 and LT2.

Some of its standard features include; dark charcoal assist steps, two-sided galvanized steel or aluminum body panels, a cargo box, a three-piece cargo cover, halogen foglamps, solar-ray deep-tinted glass, headlamps, daytime running lamps with an automatic exterior lamp control, a black luggage rack with side rails, and body-side and body-color moldings.

The Avalanche has immensely comfortable interiors and great ergonomics for the driver. It has an available power sunroof with tinted glass and can be fully opened, closed, or set to a vent position with the push of a button. It also includes a retractable interior shade.

An overhead mini console in the Avalanche includes controls for interior lamps and the available Universal Home Remote transmitter. Its remote can program up to three home functions into a permanently mounted console transmitter.

Some of its standard interior features include; a console (over head mini, includes storage compartment and map lights), cruise control, remote keyless entry, a tilt-wheel adjustable steering column, steering wheel-mounted controls, visors (padded with cloth trim and lighted vanity mirrors), power windows, and a Driver Information Center.

The Avalanche is a nimble vehicle despite its size. GM’s Active Fuel Management deactivates four of the eight cylinders in the V8 generating ample mileage. The Avalanche along with nine of its siblings from GM sport a yellow gas cap and "FlexFuel" insignia for the 2007 model year, (so as to signify that it runs on regular gasoline or ethanol).

An all new suspension and a rack and pinion steering ensure a smooth driving experience. The Avalanche is in its element on the highway with minimal rattle in the cabin.

The Anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps maintain steering control by preventing wheel lockup, in emergency situations. LATCH (Lower Anchors and Top tethers for Children) system makes it convenient to install safety seats. The LT3 and LTZ packages come with a full-length side curtain airbag system (optional on other trims).

StabiliTrak improves vehicle stability. It is equipped with the Driver Information Center (DIC) which is an ongoing process that monitors and informs regarding various vehicle functions (e.g. fuel range, tire inflation, door ajar, etc.).

Head-Curtain Side-Impact Air Bags are standard on the LT3 and LTZ models and available on the LS, LT1 and LT2 trims. The Passenger Sensing System and GM’s OnStar system are standard too.