Overview
If you are looking for a pickup truck and are fortunate enough to come across the 2015 Chevrolet Avalanche, you have got some great days ahead of you. Chevrolet has made sure its latest truck exceeds your expectation and is completely different from your usual pickup trucks. Not only is the latest Chevrolet Avalanche economical for its size, but it also provides unbelievable mileage, which cannot be said about other pickup trucks you already may have come across with.
What is really interesting about the pickup truck is that it is marketed as a mid gate. The Avalanche’s open bed can be accessed through the back seat via a folding panel. But that is not all, as it even has a removable rear window and plenty of storage space for you to take advantage of. Furthermore, it comes equipped with plenty of handy features that will definitely make your life easier.
The first Avalanche was released in September 2001 and took many features and design cues from the famous GMT800 counterpart. During that time, the vehicle wasn’t exactly a hit, but the second generation models definitely proved to be a success. In fact, the vehicle earned a really good reputation in the US and was able to reach a total sales volume of 188,569 vehicles in a period of 6 years only.
The latest model, however, may come as a surprise for many truck enthusiasts, because the avalanche, although was the choice of many buyers, was suspended in 2013 due to its poor performance and reduced sales. But Chevrolet has definitely proved itself this time by satisfying all the needs and expectation of consumers. Therefore, there is a lot you can look forward to with the new model.
Configurations of the 2015 Chevrolet Avalanche include LS, LT, LS 4WD, LT 4WD, LTZ, and LTZ 4WD, all of which of course, come equipped with a larger and more powerful engine. However, in this review the main focus would be on the base model and its performance, exterior, interior, infotainment, and safety features.
Specifications
| Engine | Transmission | HP | Torque |
| 5.3-L, V8 | 6-Speed Automatic | 326 HP | 400 Lb-Ft |
| 0-60 MPH | Top Speed | Body Style | MPG |
| 8.6s | 135 MPH | Pick-up Truck | 15 City/21 Hwy |
Performance
The Avalanche is an SUV and pickup all wrapped up into one and has a towing capacity of 8100 pounds. However, if you got your hands on the 4WD models, then you are stuck with a vehicle that has a towing capacity of no more than 7900 pounds. But then again, it is not as bad as it may seem and will perform better than your expectations when the job demands it.
Even though previous models of the Avalanche performed poorly, they did manage to attract a cult following of their own. The 2015 Avalanche in particular has been designed to outdo its predecessors and offers something truly spectacular without breaking a potential buyer’s bank account in the process. The 5.3 liter V8 engine can easily deliver 400 pounds of torque and 326 HP without breaking a sweat.
On the other hand, the gearbox is far more powerful and effective. This is perhaps one of the reasons why it is incredibly easy for the pickup truck to meet its targeted towing capacity. If that does not impress you, the flex-fuel engine surely will. It actually means that the engine can be crammed with an E85 ethanol blended hydrocarbon for an increased fuel efficiency.
You can easily get anywhere in between 15 to 21 mpg, which itself is something to look forward to. Rest assured, the truck will not disappoint and neither has it been designed that way and will give you true value for your money. That being said, you can expect well-sorted handling and steering specifically due to its freelance suspensions in the rear and up front coil springs.
Exterior
The exterior of the Avalanche comes with a fresh design. Even its features have been amped up to meet and exceed consumer expectations. One of the major key differences in this model is its aggressive suspensions system. Additionally, massive improvements have been made to the fog-lights and headlamps. But the chrome grilles and LED lights are what actually keep this more interesting.
The vehicle supports wheels that are 17 to 20 inches in size. The chassis is sturdier and has been constructed using durable materials in order to make sure the truck lasts for years to come. At the same time, this also ensures the Avalanche is far more adaptive and is able to overcome any and all sorts of exposures.
Therefore, in terms of exterior styling, the car looks completely different from its predecessors. Not to mention the improvements in detailing, which can be noticed on the front and rear-end of the car also gives it a sportier look than before. Additionally, new side mirrors, rims, tires, bumpers, side skirts, rear lights, and headlights have also been introduced. Therefore, for a price of just $35,600, you get an amazingly sporty and aggressive looking pickup truck. So, what else could you ask for?
Interior
The interior of the Avalanche is not only enhanced, but it is meant to last for years to come. The seats are sturdy and comfortable. Fantastic leather materials have been used to design these unique seats that make them much more supportive at the same time. But you need to keep in mind that the truck still accommodates no more than 6 passengers, just like its predecessors. Considering its size, the legroom and headroom have been given significant importance as well.
Chevy has also successfully managed to remove the previously cluttered appearance of the truck and the 2015 Chevrolet Avalanche looks as spacious as ever. But, if you think that’s all, you are mistaken! One of the best features of the Avalanche is that the rear seats can be folded to provide additional space for cargo. Therefore, this abbreviated truck bed can prove perfect for truck-type hauling.
Not to mention, the Chevrolet Avalanche has always been the blockiest and largest of all the pickup trucks the brand has ever introduced, but even so the 2015 model gives slightly more of a comfortable and spacious interior look, thus the vehicle looks as luxurious and stylish on the inside as it is on the outside. Additionally, the hard-plastic materials have finally been removed and the dashboard has been replaced with a fully modern instrument cluster and soft-touch surfaces, including a more responsive touch-screen, making it easier to manage vital vehicle functions. So, what else could you ask for?
Features
The all new 2015 Chevrolet Avalanche doesn’t lack any important infotainment features. The car comes equipped with standard power mirrors, doors, windows, and locks, a power driver seat and an impressive CD/XM/FM/AM player that comes with steering-wheel audio controls, MP3 capability and USB Port.
Other more expensive configurations add a little more luxury features including ventilation for the front seats, remote start, power-adjustable pedals, leather seats, Bose audio, and Bluetooth controls. Therefore, for a reasonable price of just $36,000, the Avalanche definitely comes packed with some amazing features.
However, if you are looking for something different, you can also take a look at the optional features of the base model of the 2015 Chevrolet Avalanche, which includes a larger and more responsive 8.4-inch LCD screen that features a rocking Alpine sound system that will keep you dancing in the car all day and all night, a garage-door opener, rear parking sensors, a backup camera, and a heated steering wheel.
Safety
The truck is incredibly safe and secure and comes with unique safety gadgets, including stability and traction control systems, airbags, anti-lock brake discs, and a low tire pressure detector. But you really get your money’s worth with the high-tech equipment like keyless remote entry, automatic air conditioning system, rain sensing wipers, and a rear seat diversion system.
The Chevrolet Avalanche can also be fitted with blind-spot mirrors, rear view cameras, as well as rear parking sensors, all of which enhance visibility and make it easier to park the vehicle even in the most difficult spots. The truck has even earned five-start crash ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and top ‘good’ score ratings from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS).
Therefore, there is no doubt about that the 2015 Chevrolet Avalanche is an incredibly safe vehicle. So, if you are one of those safety-conscious buyers who want a vehicle that offers the ultimate reliability and safety, then perhaps the 2015 Chevrolet should definitely be on the top of your list.
Competitors
Generally, some of the advantages of the Chevrolet Avalanche over other regular-duty trucks include: better fuel efficiency in the city and on the highway, larger fuel tank, better traction and control on the road, rougher suspension, and naturally-aspirated engine. Therefore, some of its top competitors include the Ridgeline RT, Silverado 1500, Escalade EXT, Explorer Sport Trac XLT, and the new Tundra CrewMax, but of course none of them can match the features of the Chevrolet Avalanche.
Sources:
http://www.2015carspecs.com/2015-chevy-avalanche-four-door-truck/
http://www.2015trucksnews.com/2015-chevrolet-avalanche/
http://www.carspecreview.com/2014/11/2015-chevrolet-avalanche-review.html
http://trucks2016.com/2015-chevrolet-avalanche/
