Chevrolet Avalanche comes in two weight ranges: 1500 (often referred to as half-ton) and the 2500 (three-quarter ton). Both are offered in 2WD and 4WD.
That makes four possible permutations, which retail as follows: 1500 2WD ($31,394); 1500 4WD ($34,394); 2500 2WD ($33,294); 2500 4WD ($36,294). Two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive models use the same suspensions and have the same ground clearance.
Avalanche 1500 models are powered by a 5.3-liter Vortec V8 producing 285 horsepower and 325 pounds-feet of torque. It comes with the 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission and is rated to tow 8200 pounds with 2WD, 7900 pounds with 4WD. (Trailer brakes are required.) Published payload capacities are 1363 pounds with 2WD, 1322 pounds with 4WD.
Avalanche 2500 models are powered by the Vortec 8100, an 8.1-liter V8 rated at 340 horsepower and 455 pounds-feet of torque. It comes mated to a 4L85 heavy-duty automatic transmission with overdrive and tow/haul mode. In place of the 1500 model's five-link rear suspension with coil springs and automatic load leveling, the 2500 rides on heavy-duty leaf springs. Towing capacity is boosted to 12,000 pounds, with two or four-wheel drive. Payload ratings for the 2500 are 2241 pounds with 2WD, 1958 pounds with 4WD.
Avalanche comes in only one trim level, but it's very complete, with nearly every luxury you might find in a premium automobile. Relative to the 1500, the 2500 does not add any luxury equipment or interior appointments, but it does come with its own heavy-duty carpeting and floor mats, a larger (37.5-gallon) fuel tank, and skid shields on 4WD models. Wheels are forged rather than cast, and tires are higher-profile 245/75R16's, rather than the 1500's 265/70R16s. Available as an option for 1500 models are 17-inch wheels with 265/70R17 tires.
New for 2003 is a Driver Convenience Package ($717) that includes multi-zone automatic climate control; power adjustable pedals; a HomeLink universal transmitter; power-folding outside mirrors with turn signals and ground illumination; and programmable, steering-wheel-mounted controls for the audio system, OnStar, trip computer and message center.
The North Face Edition ($5100) for the 4WD 1500 features Chevy's Z71 off-road suspension, green and black seats, floor mats with North Face logos, a white instrument cluster, the Driver Convenience Package, and The North Face badges on the C-pillars. Medium-gray interior trim and inner door panels are new for 2003. Sage Green exterior paintwork is still exclusive to the North Face Edition, with Sunset Orange, Onyx, Black, Pewter and Summit White available as well. Also included are two Summit Pod backpacks, as well as Water Duffalo storage bags.