| The Chevrolet Avalanche comes in three trim levels--LS, LT, and LTZ. Each is available in both two- and four-wheel drive for 2009. A Vortec 5.3L V8 with 310 hp and 335 lb-ft of torque is standard on Avalanches, while an all-aluminum 6.0L V8 that produces 366 hp and 380 ft-lb of torque and utilizes variable valve timing is available. All engines are mated to a new 6-speed automatic transmission. Active Fuel Management is featured on all 2009 Avalanche engines, and FlexFuel capability is available.
Signature features like the Avalanche's mid-gate system, which allows for flexible hauling capabilities, and bed-mounted storage compartments with drain plugs, remain for 2009.
Standard equipment on the Avalanche LS includes 17-inch aluminum wheels, heated power mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, a CD player, Satellite radio, dual-zone air conditioning, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and power windows and locks. The LT adds fog lamps, a CD changer, universal garage door opener, rear seat audio controls, and a power driver's seat.
The LTZ pours on the upgrades, with a heavy-duty locking rear differential, a load-leveling suspension system, 20-inch alloys, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, rear parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, heated windshield washer nozzles, heated and cooled leather seats, power adjustable pedals, automatic climate control, and remote vehicle start. The audio system is also a step up, featuring a 6-disc CD changer, Bose speakers, and rear-seat controls. Bluetooth hands-free connectivity is now standard on all Avalanche models.
Optional comfort features on the lower trims include an upgraded HVAC system, a remote vehicle starter prep package and a rearview camera system. The upper trims benefit from an optional touch-screen navigation system and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with an eight-inch screen.
Standard safety features include stability control, side curtain air bags, a tire pressure monitoring system, anti-lock brakes and one year of OnStar. |
| For 2009, Chevy's versatile Avalanche gets only modest changes, largely in the realm of exterior and interior color changes, as well as some equipment shuffling.
The 4-speed automatic and 4-speed super-duty automatic transmissions have been dropped, and a new 6-speed automatic becomes standard on all models. A heavy-duty tow package is available, as is an integrated trailer brake controller. Bluetooth connectivity is standard on all Avalanche models, and is easily activated with steering wheel controls. A new luxury package is available. |