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As the name of the model properly suggests the 2010 Chevy Avalanche is designed to theoretically be able to withstand all manner of natural disaster and to have a great adaptability in any situation that might arise.

The Avalanche was launched in 2001 and gave to the audience a great preview into the next generation of front fascia designs for the entire GM line. In a sentence GM's Avalanche is a four-door, five or six passenger sport utility truck. The model main design feature is its open bed which opens the back seat area via a folding panel and removable rear window, thus transforming it into a genuine pick-up truck. Additional storage is available behind each wheel well, and is accessed by locking flip-top panels.

The Avalanche initially came featuring two engines, a Vortec 5300 5.3 liter V8 producing 320 Hp and featuring Active Fuel Management, which apparently doesn't quite do the job, and a 6.0 liter Vortec MAX V8, producing 340 hp which features variable valve timing and AFM. The Avalanche also has cylinder deactivation technology which is supposed to increase engine efficiency by decreasing fuel consumption. It works by shutting down up to four cylinders when the car is cruising at speed or coasting. The 2010 models have only the 5.3 liter V8 which was considered more cost efficient.

The Chevy sport pick-up was ranked 1 out of 5 sport utility trucks by "U.S. News ranking and reviews" after their analysis of 43 published reviews and test drives.
The Avalanche's performance is good for a truck but it features nothing notable. The 5.3L V8 power plant yields 320 HP and 330 pound-feet of torque capable of reaching 0 to 60 mph in 10,1 seconds. The V8 is joined to a grand six-speed automatic that works so well it more or less matches the performance of a passenger car, 1,695 RPM at 60 mph. Even though it's not that quick, it has a relatively decent speed, considering it's lumbering size and design, and most reviews present the Avalanche as a car with a very good performance around town, performance that might be encumbered by the presence of passenger inside the vehicle.

The new GM model features independent suspensions up front and coil springs in the rear for an increased maneuverability which is needed considering the cars bulky chassis, but it lacks when it comes to the brakes and so the car takes quite some time to reach a full stop. Two- and four-wheel-drive drivetrains are available with the Avalanche and a special Off Road pack which has larger recovery hook openings, prominent fog lamps, detailed grille surface and a platinum chrome grille trim. The standard model comes with eighteen-inch wheels and tires.

The Avalanche has 221 inches in length, is 79 inches width and has a height of 77 inches with a wheelbase of 130 inches. The pick-up is capable o carrying almost 1,230 lb. and has a Towing capacity of 7800 lb. .Although it weighs 6010 lb. , the car has a very impressive weight balance with only 4% weight difference between the front the rear of the car.

With a fuel consumption EPA rating of 14/20 mpg, the truck fuel efficiency is not very impressive.
The cockpit is comfortable and well finished with nicely grained plastics with wood and chrome accents. All the seats offer power adjustments for cushion tilt, recline, fore/aft, and lumbar height and pressure. An optimal driving position is ensured by the power-adjustable pedals. The steering wheel does not telescope but has certain tilt adjustments. Although it's not very comfortable the rear seat can accommodate up to three passengers.

The exterior can be summed up as being less plasticky and with a more accentuated off-roading look than it's predecessor.

The bad parts of the new Avalanche are it's cost, the one of a kind blind spots larger than in standard pickup and of course, the obvious, the fact that GM dropped the beautiful 6.0-liter V-8.

What makes the 2010 model unique is the 3.08:1 rear axle now standard for all models, the 1LT package which includes high-end features and heavy-duty rear locking differential, the single-speed transfer case now standard on 4WD and a spanking new USB input added just to max things up.

All in all the Avalanche is a bulky but versatile machine capable of pleasing even the need of SUV lovers with its upscale interior and unique exterior, but it has some major safety isuess somewhat expected from an almost experimental vehicle.