Chevrolet Avalanche LT (5.3L) Review
The 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 5.3L
The 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche is an interesting vehicle, first offered as a 2002 model this truck based vehicle has always been a bit of an oddball. The design concept makes sense, offer the utility of a truck coupled with the flexibility of an SUV.
DESIGN 4/5 Stars
The genius of the vehicle is in the thoughtful design of the bed and pass through fold down mid-gate. At five foot, three inches the bed is quite short. Opening the mid-gate and folding down the rear seat increases bed capacity to a more truck like eight feet, two inches. The bed offers storage compartments that feature drains so you can keep your favorite beverages cold, they lock too. There are also bed covers that incorporate aluminum honeycomb that can support the weight of several adults. All of this makes you wonder if the designers had stadium tailgate partying on their minds while they were dreaming these feature up.
PERFORMANCE 1/5 stars
This is a niche vehicle to be sure but at 5840 lbs. for the two-wheel-drive version it is considered a full size SUV. Naturally a vehicle this size requires decent power to be competent and Chevy obliges with your choice of two Vortec small block 5.3 Liter V-8 engines, the iron block LMG, and the all-aluminum LC9. Strangely enough, they both produce the same 320 horsepower and 335 pound feet-torque figures. They also have the ability to run on E85 fuel, and feature Chevys cylinder deactivation, even so the EPA fuel efficiency rating is poor at 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway.
COMFORT 3/5 stars
Handling is truck like but smooth on the highway and offers good brake feel. In the city you never forget that this is a large vehicle. With the optional 20” wheels especially, the ride can be quite rough. When equipped with four wheel drive, the Avalanche does quite well off road. Not surprising since it is based on Chevys very capable Silverado platform.
The Avalanche interior offers comfortable seating for six, dual zone climate control, CD/AM/FM stereo, cruise control and Bluetooth standard. Options include rearview camera, rear park assist and remote start.
OVERALL 3/5 stars
Overall the Avalanche has seen few changes since a refresh in 2007. While Chevy thankfully did away with the body cladding, the Avalanche is still fairly dated. This is a truck that while it may not appeal to a broad range of people, or to anyone outside the U.S. for that matter it does have its place. If your needs center on a combination of SUV and pick-up truck flexibility, it’s possible that this is worth a closer look. It is also quite possible that your needs could be better served by looking closely at one of Chevys other SUV or truck offerings, as they may be the more practical choice in the long run. If you can get past the fuel mileage, the slightly dated looks or awkward around town dynamics, their just may be no better way to throw a party out of the backside of a vehicle.