The 2009 Chevy Avalanche was awarded "Best Pickup Truck" honors by Consumer Reports in their "Top Car Picks For 2009" selections. It's really not a big surprise, however, as the Avalanche has been noted for its attractive body style, smooth ride, comfortable seating and strong engines.
The Avalanche is a versatile blend of pickup truck and SUV due to the added functionality of its flexible midgate design. This removable partition is combined with a watertight, three-panel bed cover to allow for a number of useful configurations, including either a totally open truck bed or a fully enclosed storage area.
The 2009 Avalanche is a full-size crew-cab pickup available in four trim levels: LS, LT1, LT2 and premium LTZ.
Standard features on the entry-level LS include full power accessories, power driver seat with manual lumbar control, composite cargo bed, three-piece removeable cargo cover, front 40/20/40-split bench seat with center storage, cloth trim, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth, OnStar capability and an AM/FM stereo with CD player, an auxiliary jack and satellite radio.
Additional features on the LT1 model include rear audio controls, front bucket seats and an upgraded OnStar system with turn-by-turn navigation.
The LT2 version adds remote starting, power-adjustable pedals, dual-zone automatic climate control, 6-disc CD changer, and rear park assist.
The top-of-the-line LTZ model features an adaptive suspension, exterior chrome accents, 20 inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers, heated and cooled leather seats, and a Bose audio system.
Update: Sluggish Economy Leads To Lower Avalanche Prices:
Chevy's sales have been on the weak side historically for close to the past two years now, right along with the other car brands and evidence of a continuing slow economy.
They've recently made some progress in offsetting at least some of the market weakness through strong incentives and easier-to-get discounts. The bottom line? The current combination of a soft market along with intense dealer competition has created the perfect opportunity for nailing down some great deals.
How To Buy A New Avalanche At The Best Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2009 Chevy Avalanche, here's the best way to get the lowest price, especially given the current slow car market.
The popular Z71 Off Road Package adds a unique front fascia, chrome assist steps, color-keyed wheel flares, specialized shock absorbers and springs, upgraded 18 inch off-road tires, automatically locking rear differential, skid plate, front recovery hooks, and a high-capacity air cleaner.
Most of the features on the upper level trims are available as options on the other models. There's also power running boards, 20 inch wheels, a navigation system, rearview camera, rear DVD entertainment system and a sunroof available as additional options.
And new to this year's heavy-duty towing package is an integrated trailer brake controller.
The 2009 Avalanche is equipped with either two-wheel drive (4x2) or four-wheel drive (4x4). It's powered by a 5.3 liter V8 engine that produces 310 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a new six-speed automatic transmission. There's also a larger, 366 horsepower 6.0 liter V8 available as an option.
The EPA estimated gas mileage for the 2009 Avalanche is 14 mpg city and 20 mpg on the highway for both the 2WD and 4WD models.
Standard safety equipment on the new Avalanche includes antilock disc brakes (ABS), stability control, full-length side curtain airbag system, rollover sensor, and an OnStar emergency communications system.
In government crash testing, the Avalanche was awarded five-star ratings (out of five) in all front and side-impact tests for both drivers and passengers.