2009 Chevrolet Avalanche Review

Engines include the standard 5.3-liter V8, 310 horsepower, 335 pound-feet of torque, E85-capable, with six-speed automatic. Optional is a 6.0-liter V8 ($1,095) with 366 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque (not E85 compatible). All engines use Active Fuel Management and can be teamed with rear-drive or 4WD.

Avalanche LS 2WD ($35,460) and LS 4WD ($38,510) come with cloth-covered bench seats, 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); an engine-block heater ($75); towing cooler package ($230); and trailer brake controller ($200). and white-letter-highlighted tires ($125). Power-adjustable pedals, rear park assist, remote start and rearview camera displayed in the mirror make up the Convenience Package ($1,060).

Avalanche LT1 2WD ($36,330) and 4WD ($39,380) 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 and rear camera ($2,500); Bose premium speakers ($500); stereo upgrade ($295); power tilt-and-slide sunroof ($995); universal remote transmitter ($120); and P275/55R20 blackwall tires on polished 20-inch aluminum wheels ($1,795).

LT2 2WD ($38,455) and 4WD ($41,505) models add dual-zone automatic climate control, in-dash 6-disc changer, power front seats, and universal gate opener. Options for LT2 include the Autoride suspension ($1120), Z71 off-road package ($1830) with heavy-duty springs and shocks, tow hooks, wheel flares, P265/65R18 on/off-road tires, skid plates, tubular assist steps, a high-capacity air cleaner, and unique exterior trim), 6.0-liter V8 ($1,095), and a Luxury package ($1,965) that includes leather, heated front seats, Bose audio, power folding exterior and auto-dimming inside mirrors.

Avalanche LTZ 2WD ($43,650) and 4WD ($46,700) come standard with leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, driver memory, Bose Centerpoint sound system, 20-inch wheels, and much of the luxury and convenience equipment that's optional on the other models. Also standard on LTZ (and on LT2 with the 6.0-liter V8) is the Autoride premium suspension package with variable shock damping and air-assisted rear load leveling. Power retractable running boards ($1,095) and chrome covers for the 20-inch wheels ($500) are exclusive LTZ options. The luggage rack crossrails remain optional, along with the navigation (or rear-view camera only), the moonroof, the rear-seat entertainment system, brake controller, and block heater.

Safety features that come standard on all models include the required front-seat airbags and, for 2009, full-coverage, side-curtain airbags that protect against head injuries in side impacts and rollovers. LATCH rear-seat child safety seat anchors are standard, along with the OnStar crash-notification system. Side airbags are not available. Active safety features that come standard include antilock brakes, electronic stability control with rollover mitigation, all-speed traction control, and tire-pressure monitors.