The Chevy Avalanche is the rough and tumble brother of the Cadillac Escalade EXT. Like the EXT, the Avalanche's claim to fame is its "Midgate," positioned behind the rear seating area and the cargo bed. With the Midgate folded into the cab, and the rear seats folded flat, Avalanche can carry a 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed.

Avalanche is based on GM's new fullsize SUV platform (all-new for 2006), and was recently acclaimed as Best New Pickup Truck, in AJAC's 2007 Car of the Year Awards.

It has the new, high-quality interior that was bestowed on all of the GM fullsize SUVs, and gets its share of the new-generation small-block V8s (some can run on E85). Standard on 2WD models is the 5.3-litre V8 with Active Fuel Management (which cycles the engine between 4- and 8-cylinder modes), and standard on 4WD models is an aluminum-block 5.3-litre V8. Coming later in the model year is a new all-aluminum 6.0-litre with variable valve timing and AFM -- the industry's first application of VVT on a mass-produced pushrod V8.

While 17-inch wheels are standard, 20-inchers are available (standard on LTZ models). The available Z71 Off Road Package includes 18-inch wheels, and other functional and cosmetic touches. Properly equipped, Avalanche can tow up to 8,200 lbs.

Eclectic and effective

Too much truck for just transportation