The engine connects to a four speed automatic transmission. This unit shifts smoothly, but I was even more impressed with the automatic four-wheel drive system; locking four-wheel drive low; four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive high settings. This is a user-friendly and highly functional design. At the touch of one of five dash-mounted buttons, the transfer case can shift from two-wheel drive to either an automatic four-wheel drive mode that sends power to the front wheels when rear-wheel slippage is detected, a locked-up, four-wheel drive high setting or a locked-up, four wheel drive low.
 |
| Equipped with skid-plates and an ultra-stiff frame, the Avalanche can tackle the most challenging off-road trails. (Photo: General Motors) |
Chevy's traction selection settings provide versatility for anything from wet slippery highway conditions through to the most challenging off-road trails that daring (or fool hardy) folks might want to tackle. The Avalanche also benefits from under-chassis skid-plates, ultra-stiff hydro-formed frame rails and, unless ordered otherwise, heavy-duty plastic cladding adorning the bumpers and lower body panels - the latter ensuring excellent protection from off-road abrasions.
 |
| Contrary to the forces of nature, the Chevy Avalanche is quickly brought to a stop by its beefy four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes. (Photo: General Motors) |
How do you stop an Avalanche? In nature you don't. In auto-topia four-wheel, anti-lock disc brakes featuring Dynamic Rear Proportioning, standard on the Chevy's Avalanche, get the job done quickly. Although the pedal in my tester had a mushy feel when it was firmly squished beneath my size 10s, the braking power was so strong I had to peel my face from the windshield. These are powerful brakes and the short stopping distances resulted in a sense of confidence. Speaking of pedals, the gas pedal in the electronic-throttle set-up was too lightly sprung for my liking, especially when wearing hiking or work boots. It was difficult to maintain even pressure as the Avalanche jiggled and bounced over rough terrain.
