|
|
The 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche is a carryover from the prior model year. It
retains the same level of versatility, affordability, and generous power. With
four trims to choose from, buyers have the opportunity to customize the
Avalanche to fit their driving needs. The most innovative element in the 2009
Avalanche is the cargo box that can function as a truck bed or a lockable,
spacious trunk. The rear seats in this Chevrolet fold flat so that the cargo
area can be extended, allowing owners to have the roominess of a compact sedan
in the cabin, more storage space than a full-size sedan, and the flexibility of
the Hummer SUT, or a pickup truck. The Chevrolet Avalanche can also be fitted
with a flex-fuel engine, which enables drivers to fill up on E85 fuel, a cleaner
burning, more affordable option.
Under the hood, the 2009 Avalanche can be equipped with a 310 horsepower Vortec
5.3L V8 or a 366 horsepower Vortec 6.0L V8. Both engine selections come standard
with Active Fuel Management. This program shuts off cylinders while not in use
during driving to save on fuel. Flex-fuel capabilities are only offered on the
4X4 versions of the Avalanche. Buyers also only get one transmission option, a
six-speed automatic with overdrive. Chevrolet includes Stabilitrak on the
Avalanche, which helps the vehicle stay upright in the event that a driver loses
control or a collision occurs. The base trim, the LS, features 17-inch alloy
wheels, while the 1LT and 2LT come standard with 17-inch aluminum wheels, and
the sportier LTZ features 20-inch polished aluminum. Buyers that opt for the
smaller engine can expect 14 city MPG and 20 highway MPG, which beats out most
of the competition. However, the 4X4 models drop down to an unimpressive 11 city
MPG and 15 highway MPG.
Inside, the Chevrolet Avalanche is stocked full of conveniences. Those that
purchase the base trim can expect to see a tire pressure monitoring system,
leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio controls, a CD player that is
MP3 compatible, and Bluetooth connectivity. The innovative tire pressure
monitoring system alerts drivers if a tire has too much or too little pressure
while the integrated Bluetooth gives drivers the ability to make and take
handsfree telephone calls.
Consumers will also find that the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche has a warranty that's
hard to beat at 100,000 or five years. Included with the warranty is also
roadside assistance. However, some might rather choose to use the OnStar system
for any emergencies. OnStar is provided for the first year of purchase and
features helpful services like instant accident alerts, airbag deployment
sensors, and turn-by-turn navigation. Nevertheless, the directions are actually
given by a live OnStar rep, rather than a digital readout on an in-dash LCD
screen.
Overall, the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche simply stands out from the crowd of
traditional pickups. Not only that, priced at $34,255, a buyer will pay about
the same as a full-size SUV or larger truck but will get a lot more bang for
their buck. However, those that have larger families would do well to check out
an SUV or wagon, as the Avalanche only seats up to six passengers. |
|
|
