Chevrolet Avalanche

The 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 successfully combines the hauling capacity of a long-bed pickup with the comfort of a five-passenger sport utility vehicle. The Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 carries over from 2008, with the addition of a six-speed transmission as standard equipment.

Available in LS, LT, and LTZ trims the Chevy Avalanche comes in one configuration, a half-ton, full-size pickup with four doors, room for up to six passengers and outfitted with a unique, fold-down rear bulkhead accessing an enclosed bed. Four engines are offered, two 5.3-liter V8s make 320 horsepower in the two-wheel drive version and a third 5.3-liter V8 makes 310 horsepower in the four-wheel drive model. A 366-hp, 6.0-liter V8 is available on the LT and LTZ. New for 2009, the transmission is a six-speed automatic, mated to an electronic transfer case in four-wheel-drive models. Safety features that come standard on all models include front seat and side curtain airbags, LATCH rear-seat child safety seat anchors, and the OnStar crash-notification system.