Launched in 2001 as a 2002 model, the Avalanche has seen two generations. The first generation was based on the GMT800 platform and was manufactured from 2002 to 2006, while the second generation, based on the GMT900 platform, was introduced at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2006.

The 2007 Avalanche is available in 2-wheel drive (2WD) and 4-wheel drive configurations (4WD). It features four full-size hinged doors and offers seating for six persons with bench seats or five persons with bucket seats. The Avalanche is available in three models: LS, LT, and LTZ. The LT model is available in three trim levels: LT1, LT2, and LT3.

The Avalanche is covered by a new vehicle limited warranty for three years or 36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty for five years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Its top competitors include Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-Series, GMC Sierra, Dodge Ram, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra.

All engines feature Active Fuel Management, a technology which makes the V-8 engine shift seamlessly from eight cylinders to four cylinders and back again, making it a V-8 that offers the best of both power and efficiency. In addition, the driver information center visually notifies the driver of this transition with an “8CYL MODE” or “4CYL MODE” message.

The engine of all models is linked to a standard electronically controlled Hydra-Matic 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. However, the three-quarter-ton models, with the exception of LTZ, team up with a standard electronically controlled Hydra-Matic heavy-duty 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and Tow/Haul mode.

Its front fascia is adorned by a body-color bumper, a wide air dam, a wide horizontally divided twin-grille, which sports the Chevy bow-tie in the middle, and distinct headlamps positioned on either sides of the grille. Halogen fog lamps, standard on all trims but the LS, are neatly integrated into the front bumper. The Avalanche features standard daytime running lamps with automatic exterior lamp control.

All trims have intermittent front wipers with a wet-arm and flat-blade with pulse washers. The LTZ comes standard with rain-sensing intermittent wipers in the front and a heated windshield washer fluid system, both of which are optional on the LT3.

All trims feature Dark Charcoal side-mounted assist steps, while the LTZ is also available with the option of power-articulating Black assist steps. The LS comes with Black door handles, while the LT models have body-color door handles. The Avalanche also features two-sided galvanized-steel or aluminum body panels and body-color, body-side moldings.

The LS, LT1, and LT2 come standard with heated, power-adjustable, fold-away rear-view mirrors, while the LT3 and LTZ feature heated, power-folding rear-view mirrors, which also include ground illumination, driver-side auto-dimming, curb-tilt, and turn-signal indicators.

The Avalanche comes standard with a cargo box and a three-piece cargo cover. The LTZ gets the benefit of a roof-mounted luggage rack with side rails, which is optional on the other trims. However, a luggage rack with center rails is optional on all trims. The Avalanche also offers the convenience of lockable top box storage. It includes lockable storage compartments on the sides of the cargo box, which provide up to 1.7 cubic-feet of space. The 4WD models of Avalanche also feature two recovery hooks in the front.

The LT2 and LT3 trims are available with the optional Z71 Off-Road Package, which includes Z71 suspension, 18-inch wheels, on-/off-road tires, automatic locking rear differential, high-pressure shocks, oversized wheel flares et al.

The LS wears standard 17-inch aluminum wheels, while the LT2 and LT3 come standard with 18-inch aluminum wheels. The LTZ features standard 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, which are optional on the LT models. The LS and LT models roll on standard P265/70R-17 all-season, Blackwall tires, though the option of P265/70R-17 all-season, white outline-lettered tires is also available on these. The LTZ cruises on standard P275/55R-20 all-season, Blackwall tires, which are available as optional on LT3.

The LT2 comes with custom leather-appointed bucket seats with a six-way power driver seat, driver and passenger manual recliners, rear map pockets, and a floor console in the first row. The LT3 and LTZ have custom leather-appointed heated bucket seats with a 12-way power two-position driver memory, driver and passenger power recline, power lumbar support, rear map pockets, and a floor console in the first row. The LS and LT1 have custom cloth-trimmed 60/40 split-folding bench seat in the second-row, while the LT2, LT3, and LTZ feature custom leather-appointed 60/40 split-folding bench seat in the second row.

The LS and LT1 feature manual, dual-zone climate controls with individual settings for driver, right-front passenger, and rear passengers. The LT2, LT3, and LTZ offer superior comfort with dual-zone, automatic climate controls with individual settings for driver, right-front passenger, and rear passengers. Dual-zone, automatic climate control is optional on the LT1. Heat ducts on the rear-seat are a standard feature of all Avalanche trims.

The Avalanche comes standard with power windows and power programmable door locks with lockout protection. It features solar-ray deep-tinted glass on all windows except light-tinted glass on windshield and the front side windows. It features a leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio and cruise controls; the steering column is tilt adjustable. Also standard is a rear-view mirror with auto-dimming, an eight-point compass, and outside temperature indicator readout.

The LT models and LTZ come with a floor console, which includes storage, cup holders and integrated second-row audio controls. An overhead mini console with map lights is standard on all trims. It also boasts of a driver information center (DIC), which continuously monitors and reports on numerous vehicle functions such as fuel range, fuel used, average fuel economy, trip odometer, and stopwatch functionality.

The Avalanche offers the convenience of two auxiliary 12-volt power outlets in the instrument panel. It also features an electric defogger on the rear-window. All trims excluding the LS are offered with an optional power, tilt/sliding sunroof with Express-Open and wind deflector.

One of its most striking features is the midgate, which can change the Avalanche from a six-passenger SUV to a full-size pickup with seating for three and an eight-foot protected cargo box. It can be done by folding the 60/40 split-bench rear seat forward and lowering the midgate, which creates an extended cargo box of 8-ft. x 4-ft. For larger cargo, the removable rear window stores securely against the midgate to increase storage space. It can also be removed to enjoy open-air driving. The Avalanche also comes standard with cargo management, which offers unsurpassed cargo box versatility. Two-tier loading capability allows you to transport cargo on both the top as well as bottom parts of the eight-foot cargo box. With the midgate lowered and both the rear window and cargo cover in place, the cargo remains secure and protected from outside elements.

The Avalanche comes equipped with electronic cruise control. Standard on LT2, LT3, and LTZ and optional on LS and LT1 are power-adjustable pedals. The LT2, LT3, and LTZ are also available with the option of a rear camera system, which allows the driver to see on the navigation screen certain stationary objects when he approaches them at very low speeds. The rear camera works in concert with the available ultrasonic rear parking assist, which is standard on LT2, LT3, and LTZ and optional on LS and LT1. It features audio and visual signals to help alert the driver if an object is behind the vehicle.

All the trims also come standard with heavy-duty trailering equipment, including a seven-wire harness mated to a seven-way sealed connector, trailer hitch platform with two-inch receiver. The Avalanche can handle a maximum payload of 1,487 pounds and can tow up to 8,200 pounds.

The Vortec 5.3-liter V-8 engine produces 320 hp @ 5,300 rpm and the Vortec 6.0-liter V-8 engine with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) delivers 366 hp @ 5,500 rpm. Both the engines deliver impressive power and acceleration at all engine speeds.

The Hydra-Matic 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and the Hydra-Matic heavy-duty 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and Tow/Haul mode shift seamlessly and offer a smooth ride. The standard Tow/Haul mode enhances performance while pulling a trailer or hauling heavy loads. When activated, this feature re-programs the automatic transmission shift schedule and helps reduce undesired transmission shift activity.

The Avalanche is navigated by a power rack-and-pinion steering, whose components have been re-engineered to help provide accurate steering feel, reduce driving effort, and provide excellent response to a driver’s input.

The Avalanche rides on a front suspension that has coil-over-shock with a stabilizer bar and a rear multi-link suspension with coil springs. On half-ton models, the coil-over-shock front suspension with forged-aluminum lower control arms is less sensitive to smooth road vibrations. In addition, the elastomeric bushings provide excellent ride and handling on all kinds of road surfaces. A front axle featuring a four-point mounting system further isolates passengers from vibrations and bumps. The LT2 and LT3 can also be equipped with the optional Z71 Off-Road suspension. The LTZ, however, comes standard with an Autoride Suspension Package with bi-state variable shock dampening and rear air-assisted load leveling.

The Avalanche features four-wheel disc brakes, which supply forceful stopping power to its wheels and bring it to an instant halt. It also comes with a four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS), which prevents locking up of wheels during sudden braking or emergency maneuvers.

Standard on LTZ and optional on the other trims is an automatic locking rear differential, which evenly distributes power to both rear wheels in less-than-ideal traction conditions. At lower speeds, the differential automatically senses wheel spin, locks the rear axle, and transfers torque to the rear wheel with more traction, thereby helping the driver to handle slippery road conditions.

StabiliTrak, an electronic stability control system including proactive roll avoidance, is standard on all trims. StabiliTrak improves vehicle stability, particularly during emergency maneuvers by comparing the steering input with the vehicle’s actual response. If necessary, it also makes small, individual brake applications to enhance control and keep the vehicle on track.

With a high ground clearance of 10.5 inches, the Avalanche can easily cruise on uneven, rugged terrain. However, a large turning diameter of 43.0 feet makes it a little difficult to be maneuvered or parked in tight spaces.

The Avalanche also features standard three-point safety belts for the driver and passenger in all seating positions except first row with 40/20/40 split-bench front seat. The Avalanche comes standard with a passenger sensing system, which automatically switches the right-front passenger airbag on or off on the basis of the passenger's weight and the type of pressure on the seat. It also comes with a LATCH (Lower Anchors and Top tethers for Children) system for child safety seats.

Some other safety features standard on the Avalanche include a remote keyless entry including power door locks, a transmitter-mounted panic button, and a content theft alarm; a PASSkey III theft-deterrent system, a tire pressure monitoring system, and OnStar with a one-year safe & sound plan. OnStar is an in-vehicle safety and security system created to help protect the driver and passengers on the road. OnStar's innovative three-button system offers 24-hour access to expertly trained and caring advisors, a connection to emergency assistance, and access to OnStar hands-free calling.