A new concept in truck design, the SUT or sports utility truck was unleashed in 2002. The Chevrolet Avalanche was created; combining the features of a pickup truck with a 6-passenger capacity of a sedan. With an 8.1' bed after deployment of Avalanche's midgate feature, Chevrolet has created a truly transformable vehicle. Housed under the hood is a Vortec 5300 V8 that unleashes 285-hp that enables the Avalanche to tow up to 8000lb. Not just a big pickup with a crew cab, the 4-door Avalanche comes with a removable rear window that stows inside the vehicle and offers passengers a premium open air traveling experience.

The Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 heavy-duty level offers an 8.1L V8 that boosts the towing capacity up to 12,000lb. Optional packages available;leather upholstery, 4-wheel drive, OnStar service, and special "North Face" enhancement. The Avalanche is not all glass and chrome; it has everything necessary, so you can take care of business on any job-site. Take into account how well the Chevrolet Avalanche handles ungraded terrain with it's traction control, low-range gearing, and off-road suspension package.

The Avalanche has undergone cosmetic changes from 2002 until 2006, when it became a thorough redesign. Retaining its midgate features, the newly designed Avalanche left out the horizontal metal strip that divided the grille and headlights. The brushed gold bow tie and other trims keep the Avalanche tied to the Suburban and Tahoe bloodline. Although the new Avalanche no longer has its aggressive style lines running along the sides of the truck, its overall look is just as tough as ever.

As with all large trucks in its division, the Chevrolet Avalanche is not winning fuel economy awards, it is however, being recognized for its quality and safety. No hybrid or diesel models seem to be in the works for the Avalanche, which appears to have been a move seen as salvation to some of its competitors. The Chevrolet Avalanche remains a popular model in the competitive truck market.