Used 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche Truck Review & Ratings

The 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche Truck has a 5.3-liter V-8 Flex Fuel engine that produces 320 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque, which is adequate for handling big loads. In fact, it is capable of towing up to 8,000 pounds comfortably. Don't think that power won't come with a price though. Fuel economy is a meek 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. A six-speed automatic transmission does help with fuel-efficiency a bit, as it would be far worse otherwise. Another beneficial feature is the Active Fuel Management system that automatically reduces fuel consumption when possible, without any impact to handling.

Six passengers fit comfortably in the cabin, and the exclusively designed truck bed can be lengthened with fold down midgate for extra-long carrying capacity. There are two containers integrated into the truck bed design, which come with locks included for five cubic feet of storage space, even when the passenger area is full to capacity. A three-piece cargo cover locks to keep cargo secure. Essentially, this vehicle combines the passenger space and interior comfort of a large sport utility vehicle with all of the carrying convenience of a full-size pickup truck.

The Chevrolet Avalanche Truck is not particularly responsive to steering, but considering its size and weight, it provides a good ride on the highway. Chevy's premium smooth ride suspension prevents passengers from feeling bumps, and the auto-ride suspension maximizes comfort and adds to handling and responsiveness. A specially designed automatic locking rear differential is available as an option as well; this allows drivers to send additional power to the wheel when necessary.

The Chevrolet Avalanche Truck has excellent standard safety features, such as LATCH rear-seat child safety anchors and the OnStar crash notification system, with six months of directions & connections service that includes turn-by-turn navigation. Additionally, there are front seat mounted and head curtain side impact airbags, as well as dual stage front seat airbags for driver and passenger protection. The Stabilitrak electronic stability control system with traction control makes it easy to move on icy or slippery conditions, and it adds to the communication between steering and vehicle response. Bluetooth wireless keeps conversations hands free for most phones.

The 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche Truck was not tested with all of the newest standards, however previous National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash test ratings gave this vehicle five stars for both front and side impacts (1 = lowest, 5 = highest). Updated rollover crash testing scored three stars.