2012 Chevrolet Avalanche

The 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche is a crew-cab pickup that has a lot of room for cargo as well as passengers. It has a large design that is both functional and sleek. There are three different types of models available. These include the: LS, LT and the LTZ.

The LS is the base model, but it still comes with a lot of features that make it stand out from similar models of vehicles. The Nissan Titan and Ram 2500 are similar, but this tends to be a more popular type of vehicle for buyers.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: SUV Truck Base Price: $36,800.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 31 gallons (117l) MPG: 15 city / 21 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 221.3 in. (562.1 cm) Wheel Base: 130 in. (330.2 cm)
Height: 76.6 in. (194.5 cm) Width: 79.1 in. (200.9 cm)
Curb Weight: 5840 lbs (2649 kg) Ground Clearance: 9.1 in. (23.1 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 45.5 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: Vortec V8 OHV FlexFuel Displacement: 5.3 Liter
Horsepower: 320 HP Max RPM: 5400 RPM
Torque: 335 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
Max Towing Capacity: 8100 lbs (3674 kgs) Maximum Speed: NA
Available Trims & Engine
Option:LS 4WD MSRP: $39,850; MPG: 15 city / 21 hwy
Option:LT 2WD MSRP: $40,195; MPG: 15 city / 21 hwy
Option:LT 4WD MSRP: $43,245; MPG: 15 city / 21 hwy
Option:LTZ 2WD MSRP: $47,000; MPG: 15 city / 21 hwy
Option:LTZ 4WD MSRP: $50,305; MPG: 15 city / 21 hwy

Engine

The Avalanche LS has a 5.3 L V8 FFV 6-speed automatic engine with a 5.3 ft bed on the back. It has overhead valves, variable valve timing and 16 valves total. It has a torque that produces 335 ft/lb @ 4000 RPM.

The engine type is flex-fuel and has turning radius of 43 feet. It also has short and long arm front suspension along with a bar for stabilization in the front and back.

Performance

This truck gets 15 mpg in the city and 21 on the highway. The range in miles is 465 in the city and 651 on the highway. The fuel tank capacity is 31 gallons and it takes unleaded fuel. The drive type is rear wheel drive with 6-speed shift-able automatic for more control while driving.

Exterior

The wheels are 17×7.5″ alloy with a steel spare wheel in the back. They are all-season P265/70R, which means no need to switch tires throughout the year. There are wipers on the back as well as a rear defogger for safer driving during unfriendly weather conditions. In addition to this, there is privacy glass and a roof rack on the top of the truck. The bumpers are painted and there is a hard bed truck cover included.

Interior

The driver and passenger seats are powered and can be moved in six different ways. They are covered with premium cloth and bucketed, so they are comfortable to sit in. The rear seats feature a folding storage center, rear ventilation ducts and a split-folding rear seatback. The mirrors in the car are powered and lighted. It also has power windows and door locks.

Reading lights and illuminated vanities are located inside the cabin. There is also a clock, trip tracker, warning for low gas and compass. Entertainment options include: CD player, USB connection, satellite radio and more.

Safety & Reliability

A four wheel ABS comes included as does front and back disc locks with ventilation. There are airbags throughout the truck and sensors to determine when they should go off. There are also child safety locks in the back along with child seat anchors. Other safety features include: engine immobilizer, daytime running lights, headrests and stability control.

Pros

  • Numerous features that come standard.
  • High safety scores.
  • Roomy interior.

Cons

  • Can be hard to see through back while driving.
  • More expensive than similar models.
  • One engine option available.

This is a truck suitable for all types of drivers. It has more options for seating when more people need to be transported. The Avalanche gets good gas mileage, so it’s a great choice for anyone who needs a truck but wants to save on gas.

Competition

Only the Toyota Tundra Crewmax (MSRP $30,335; 15 city / 20 hwy) and the Ford F-150 Supercrew (MSRP $33,285; 17 city / 23 hwy) have been compared to the Avalanche. These are worth looking at. The Avalanche is the higher priced of the three with the F150 providing with just a little better gas mileage. In the end, its your choice.

Overall Rating
74 out of 100

What others say:

“The Avalanche is the only truck on earth that can go from six-seat SUV to full-size pickup–though it loses a closed, two-row cabin in the process.”Car Connection

“The steering has good feel, though effort is somewhat high during low-speed maneuvers. The brakes are responsive, with a short, firm pedal stroke. Avalanche, a long truck with a sizable turning radius, is a challenge to park in tight spaces.”Consumer Guide

“The Avalanche has a compliant ride and a quiet cabin.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Despite its size and obvious pickup-truck chassis, the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche delivers an impressive level of refinement in areas of both ride and handling.”KBB

“Thanks to its practical midgate configuration, the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche is an ideal crew-cab pickup for carrying a combination of passengers and cargo.”Edmunds

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