2012 Chevrolet Avalanche

Crew Cab Pickup

5.3L 5328CC 325Cu. In. V8 FLEX OHV Naturally Aspir

Automatic

3GNTKGE78CG224601

Clear

FLEX

The 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models, each with a choice of rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive. Standard on all models is a 320-horsepower, 5.3L V8 engine, hooked up to a responsive 6-speed automatic transmission. The engine has Active Fuel Management, which switches to 4-cylinder operation when possible to help save fuel. Fuel economy ratings of 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway are quite respectable for a vehicle of this size and capability. The Avalanche's unusual styling aside, the centerpoint of this truck's unique setup is its folding mid-gate, which allows items from the truck bed to utilize passenger cabin space when needed. As such, the Avalanche can function as both a 6-passenger SUV and as a truck with an 8-foot bed. With the mid-gate open and the back seat folded fully down, the Avalanche can fit a 4-by-8-foot piece of plywood. The bed also has built-in storage compartments with drains, ideal for being filled with ice and used as coolers. The Avalanche includes some of the same rugged character and ability as GM's full-size pickup models, including a very respectable tow rating of 8,100 pounds. Those who do plan to take their Avalanche far off the pavement will want to get the Z71 Off-Road package, which brings color-keyed wheel flares, tubular assist steps, a chrome grille insert and leather bucket seats. Z71 also includes a host of tough hardware, including high-pressure gas-charged shocks, on/off-road tires, recovery hooks, skid plates and an automatic-locking differential. The heavy-duty Trailering Package includes a 2-speed transfer case, which also comes standard on LTZ 4x4 models.