Get Ready for Summer in Cedar Rapids in a New 2011 Chevy Avalanche
With a powerful engine, authoritative style and segment-exclusive amenities, there’s little question why U.S. News and World Reports deemed the 2010 Chevy Avalanche number one in Sport Utility Trucks, ranking it higher than the Honda Ridgeline, Cadillac Escalade EXT and Ford Explorer Sport Trac.
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An Avalanche of Possibilities
Chevy’s 2011 Avalanche (starting MSRP $36,110) commands attention and terrain with equal fervor. Powerful, statuesque and sitting comfortably between the people-moving Suburban and the Silverado pickup in Chevy’s deep lineup, the versatile Avalanche arrives for 2011 in LS, LT and LTZ trim levels, each available with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. Sculpted lines and an imposing stance frame standard features like heated side mirrors and a full-size spare, as well as upscale options like 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, integrated foglamps, chrome accents and a power sunroof.
Avalanche’s most flexible design feature is its ability to transform from five- or six-passenger sport utility to full-size pickup through manipulation of a segment-exclusive GM “midgate.” The conversion takes under a minute, and starts with the Avalanche’s spacious rear bench seats, which easily fold flush with the vehicle’s bed. Next, the midgate, (which separates the bed from the cabin) is lowered to create the largest trunk in the industry while a lockable, three-piece cargo cover protects the bed. Remove the cargo cover and the midgate’s rear window, and the Avalanche becomes a full-size pickup with an 8.2-foot rear bed and 45.5 cubic feet of cargo volume. Chevy’s innovative top box storage system stashes another 1.7 cubic feet of cargo space on each side of the cargo box, creating one of the most flexible and functional haulers in the segment.
2011 Chevy Avalanche Delivers Performance Versatility and the Modest MPG You Need in a Truck
All trims get a 5.3-liter Vortec V8, which makes 320 hp and 335 lb/ft of torque through a standard, fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission. For added fuel savings, Chevy’s V8 sports an innovative Active Fuel Management system that deactivates four cylinders when all eight aren’t necessary (during high-speed cruising for example). The Avalanche achieves up to 21 highway mpg, and is E85 ethanol FlexFuel capable.
Chevy’s StabiliTrak electronic stability control and Traction Control come standard, and the newest Avalanche rides on a smooth, coil spring suspension setup (LT trims get the available high-performance Z71 off-road suspension). LTZ models carry an Autoride suspension, which features a segment-exclusive semi-active, two position (“bi-state”) real-time damping control system, which provides an extra level of refinement and reduced body motion. Four-wheel drive-equipped LS and LT trims get a standard single-speed transfer case. The other four-wheel drive system, newly standard on the LTZ and available on the other trims, integrates a two-speed transfer case (including a neutral position for “dinghy,” or four-wheels down, towing) and a locking rear differential that give the Avalanche exceptional capability, and a towing capacity that tops out at 8,100 pounds. Heavy-duty four-wheel antilock disc brakes lend impressive stopping power. In comparison, the Honda Ridgeline has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, and Honda “recommends” premium fuel when towing.
The 2011 Avalanche’s pickup performance is matched by its upscale sport-ute interior. An eminently functional cabin, carefully styled and outfitted in premium materials, spaciously accommodates up to six passengers (five in LT and LTZ trims). In front of available adjustable pedals, front bucket seats feature optional 12-way power, memory and heated leather.
Rugged Yet Luxurious Cabin Design With Technology to Boot in New Chevy Avalanche
Bluetooth hands-free communication, dual-zone climate control, roof mounted luggage rails and a USB port are standard, and the Avalanche delivers premium options like entertainment and navigation systems (with real-time traffic and an integrated backup camera), a universal remote, a powerful eight-speaker Bose® Centerpoint® Surround-Sound audio system and XM Satellite Radio. New Chevys even feature the ability to communicate and interact directly with current iPhones; the MyChevrolet App is GPS-enabled and allows drivers to start their vehicles remotely, mark parking spots, schedule maintenance, check vehicle diagnostics and more from the palms of their hands.
For safety, Chevy complements the Avalanche’s reinforced body structure with daytime running lights, a tire pressure monitor and passenger sensing, dual-stage front, side and side-curtain airbags. Among other intuitive features, the GM-exclusive OnStar system features automatic crash response, emergency services and turn-by-turn navigation, and Chevy backs the newest Avalanche with a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The versatile new 2011 Avalanche is part rugged pickup, part upscale SUV and all Chevrolet.