Overview

The Chevrolet Avalanche, one of the most desirable crew-cab pickups for carrying passengers and cargo, has been commended for its useful passenger accommodations, expandable cargo room, big-truck muscle, and friendly road manners. The 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche truck is available mainly in two trim levels – LS and LT; there is also a premium line-topping LTZ package.

For 2008, changes are minimal, but include standard side-curtain air bags and satellite radio for all Avalanche trims.

Powertrain and performance

The 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche truck is available with either rear-wheel drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The 2WD models come standard with a 5.3-liter V-8 generating 320 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque with a four-speed automatic transmission. The 4WD Avalanches are E85-capable, and rated slightly less at 310 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque; this version of the 5.3-liter is optional on 2WD models. A larger 6.0-liter V-8 delivering 366 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque is optional on LT3 and LTZ models. The EPA-estimated fuel economy is 14 miles per gallon in the city and20 mpg on the highway on 2WD models with the 5.3-liter engine. The 6.0-liter engine drops the estimates to 12/17 mpg (city/highway).

Body and style

The 2008 Avalanche is powerful and luxurious, and one of the most innovative full-size pickups from the Chevrolet stable. The basic LS has a composite cargo bed; a removable three-piece cargo cover; fully powered accessories; a front 40/20/40-split bench seat with center storage; cloth trim; a power driver seat with manual lumbar control; an auto-dimming rearview mirror; and a single-CD player with auxiliary jack, satellite radio and basic OnStar capability. The LT has standard front bucket seats; rear audio controls; and enhanced OnStar with turn-by-turn navigation. Depending on the trim level, other stand-alone or packaged options include a navigation system; the Z71 off-road suspension group; power running boards; an integrated rearview camera; rear-seat DVD entertainment; and a sunroof.

The interior is made more livable with dual-zone climate control, loads of cup holders, overhead map lights, and storage. To sum up, the 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche truck is versatile and practical, while getting the job done in style.

Safety Features

Standard safety features include anti-lock disc brakes; stability control; GM's OnStar emergency communications system; and a full-length side-curtain air bag system with a rollover sensor. The Avalanche earned a top five-star rating for protection of front occupants in head-on collisions in federal government crash tests.