2009 Chevrolet Avalanche Review

The Avalanche is back and how. Few of the problems that the 2002 avalanche had, have now been take care of by Chevrolet. Does the new avalanche out-perform its predecessor?….let’s find out.

One of the massive updates the Avalanche has gone through is the inclusion of a is the addition of a new Hydra Matic 6L80 six-speed, automatic transmission which takes the place of old  four-speed 4L60 unit. Under the hood of the 2WD there is a 5.3L OHV V-8  that produces 320 bhp and a torque of 340 lb/ft while the 4WDs are equipped with a 5.3L OHV V-8 pumping 310 bhp and a torque of 335 lb/ft made from an aluminum block, it will later switch over to an iron-block 5.3L getting a 320 bhp and 340 lb/ft. it also features an Active Fuel Management system, which automatically shuts off half the cylinders under light loads, and a Flex Fuel capability, allowing it to run on E85 Ethanol. Both the 2WD and 4WD models are also available with an optional 6.0L OHV V-8 that consists of the Active Fuel Management system as well as Variable Valve Timing making 366 bhp and 376 lb/ft of torque. The gasoline 5.3L V-8 gets an EPA-estimate of 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway, while the Flex-Fuel 5.3L V-8 gets a poor 10 mpg city and 15 mpg on highways. The 6.0L V-8 fairs better than the flex fuel version, with 14 mpg city and 19 mpg on the highway.

The general layout of the avalanche is, a front engine, Four-Wheel-Drive or an All-Wheel-Drive, 4 to 6 passenger, four-door truck.

The avalanche weighs in at 5478-5645 lbs and a maximum towing capacity  for the 2WD is 8100 lbs and 7900 lbs for the 4WD models.

Majority of the changes on the 2009 Avalanche model are on the inside. some of the features that Chevy have included are; a very useful backup camera and rear parking assist, dual-zone climate control, navigational system, a remote starting system, rain-sensing wipers,  and a DVD entertainment system on the rear-seats.

The Avalanche 2009 also features the latest version of OnStar, Bluetooth connectivity with steering-wheel mounted controls, a video screen for the backup camera is well placed in the rearview mirror, this goes only for the non-navigation-equipped trucks, there also is an XM Satellite Radio with NavTraffic for real-time traffic updates, a route planner as well as a Trailer-Brake controller. The Avalanche 2009 models have standardized seventeen inch wheels, while the LTZ trim level get the 20inch wheels.

The 2LT model gets a brand new luxury package that has 10-way adjustable power seats which are heated, by the way, a Bose Premium speaker system and ample amount memory storage. While the LTZ, which is the top-line model gets even swankier goodies, including the heated 12-way adjustable perforated leather seats with memory, a Centerpoint Surround Sound, Bose speaker system, a steering wheel with a brushed metal trim, a new rear with chrome highlights and a trailer hitch cover.

And the Z71, the off-road package has a beefed up suspension, huge tires and an auto-locking differential.

The Chevy seems genuinely concerned about their customers and so they included a vast safety features.

It comes equipped with standard driver and passenger front airbags as well as standard side-curtain airbags that stay inflated longer to protect in rollover accidents, a system to monitor tire pressure and the ‘StabiliTrack’, a stability control system that is dedicated for rollover reduction. Sensors are mounted all around the Avalanche to detect any possibility of collisions and notify the safety systems in advance. This system keep occupants in place by locking the seatbelts before a rear-end collision. All models are entitled to a free service with GM’s OnStar for a year, while LT and LTZ models also get turn-by-turn directions by the Directions and Connections plan which is free of cost for one year.The 2009  Avalanche is priced at $35,910-$44,100.