The 2008 Chevy Avalanche comes in one configuration: a half-ton, full-size pickup with four doors, room for up to six passengers, and a unique fold-down rear bulkhead allowing access to an enclosed bed. The heavy-duty Avalanche 2500 was discontinued last year.
Several engines are offered; how many depends on how you count. There are two standard 5.3-liter V8s, one making 320 horsepower in the two-wheel drive (2WD) version, another 310 horsepower in the four-wheel drive (4WD) model. Flex-fuel capability is a no-cost option with 2WD and standard with 4WD. A 366-hp, 6.0-liter V8 is optional ($1,095) on up-level LT and LTZ models with both 2WD and 4WD. The only type of transmission offered is a four-speed automatic, although you get a more heavy-duty unit with the 6.0-liter engine. Four-wheel-drive models come with an electronic transfer case.
Avalanche LS 2WD ($33,435) and LS 4WD ($36,485) are the entry-level models. Seats are cloth covered benches, front and rear. The front splits 40/20/40 with six-way power for the driver and manual recline on both driver and passenger side. The rear seat splits 60/40. Other standard features include dual-zone air conditioning, the usual array of powered utilities, plus multi-media stereo with XM satellite radio, OnStar, leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, front and rear carpeted floor mats, two auxiliary power outlets, ready-to-tow trailer setup and P265/70R17 all-season tires on 17-inch aluminum wheels.
Options include a stereo upgrade adding an in-dash, six-CD changer ($300); luggage rack ($195) and cross rails ($90); auto-lock rear differential ($295); tow-friendly 4.10:1 rear axle ratio, instead of the standard (and more economical) 3.73:1 ($100); an engine-block heater ($75); transmission oil cooler ($95); and white-letter-highlighted tires ($125). Power-adjustable pedals and rear park assist, which were available separately last year, are now bundled with a remote starter as the Convenience Package ($610). And on the LS only, the standard three-piece hard cargo cover can be deleted for credit ($600) and replaced with a soft cover.
Avalanche LT 2WD ($34,305) and 4WD ($37,355) feature an upgraded interior with cloth bucket seats, OnStar with Directions & Connections navigation service, a center console, and rear-seat audio controls with dual headphone jacks. Halogen fog lamps are standard. A front bench seat is a no-cost option. Other options, in addition to those offered on the LS, include automatic, dual-zone climate control ($195); a DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system with remote and wireless headphones ($1,295); touch-screen, DVD-based navigation system with voice recognition ($2,250); Bose premium speakers ($500); power tilt-and-slide sunroof ($995); universal remote transmitter ($120); rain-sensing windshield wipers and heated washer fluid ($230); and P275/55R20 blackwall tires on painted ($695) or polished 20-inch aluminum wheels ($1,795).
Option packages for the LT include 2LT ($2,125), with automatic climate control, the universal remote, the six-CD stereo, leather upholstery, power adjustable pedals, rear park assist and remote vehicle starter. The 3LT package ($3,190) includes all 2LT equipment plus 12-way power and heated front bucket seats with two-setting driver memory; outside mirrors with dip-to-park, integrated turn signals, driver-side auto-dim and ground courtesy lighting; and the Bose premium speakers. A rear-view camera ($250) is available on LT models with navigation. A discount package ($3,790) bundles navigation, DVD entertainment, and the rear-view camera.
The Z71 Off-Road package ($1,830) is available on LT models with 2WD or 4WD. It includes heavy-duty springs and jounce bumpers, gas-charged shock absorbers, tow hooks, wheel flares, P265/65R18 on/off-road tires, skid plates, tubular assist steps, a high-capacity air cleaner, and unique exterior trim.
Avalanche LTZ 2WD ($40,825) and 4WD ($43,875) come standard with leather upholstery,