On the road
When the trailer is empty, the shocks it imparts to the vehicle's chassis through the hitch platform are always felt by the occupants. With the Miata in the trailer, the total load was about 5,500 lbs. Thanks to the transmission's tow/haul mode, take-offs are smooth and gear shifts are nicely tuned. Despite such a load, I clearly felt that the Avalanche had not reached its maximum capacity. On the road, the truck remains stable and neither hesitates nor slows down when ascending hills. The cabin proves to be comfortable for passengers since the weight of the loaded trailer helps to mitigate jolts. The engine delivers more than enough power. If you want to tow a heavier load, expect normal downshifts during descents.
Lane changes are easy to perform because the weight transfer is stable, or should I say subtle. The truck's weight and wheelbase have a lot to do with it. Although my trailer featured electric brakes, the wiring connector of the Avalanche prevented me from using them. However, the truck's own brakes proved to be solid and they did not overheat. As for fuel economy, we averaged 21 L/100 km at the end of our test.
Flexibility and versatility
The Avalanche offers the best of both worlds. The roomy and comfortable cabin accommodates passengers and cargo depending on your daily needs. The MidGate system provides about the same cargo flexibility as a regular, 8-foot bed. I particularly liked the bed's removable panels that protected my hardware against the elements.
photo:Amyot Bachand
When the trailer is empty, the shocks it imparts to the vehicle's chassis through the hitch platform are always felt by the occupants. With the Miata in the trailer, the total load was about 5,500 lbs. Thanks to the transmission's tow/haul mode, take-offs are smooth and gear shifts are nicely tuned. Despite such a load, I clearly felt that the Avalanche had not reached its maximum capacity. On the road, the truck remains stable and neither hesitates nor slows down when ascending hills. The cabin proves to be comfortable for passengers since the weight of the loaded trailer helps to mitigate jolts. The engine delivers more than enough power. If you want to tow a heavier load, expect normal downshifts during descents.
 |
| The Avalanche had no problems whatsoever towing a 5,500-lb load. |
Lane changes are easy to perform because the weight transfer is stable, or should I say subtle. The truck's weight and wheelbase have a lot to do with it. Although my trailer featured electric brakes, the wiring connector of the Avalanche prevented me from using them. However, the truck's own brakes proved to be solid and they did not overheat. As for fuel economy, we averaged 21 L/100 km at the end of our test.
Flexibility and versatility
The Avalanche offers the best of both worlds. The roomy and comfortable cabin accommodates passengers and cargo depending on your daily needs. The MidGate system provides about the same cargo flexibility as a regular, 8-foot bed. I particularly liked the bed's removable panels that protected my hardware against the elements.
photo:Amyot Bachand
Road Tests and Reviews
Experts
Consumers
2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
Review Highlights
Article Gallery