2010 Chevrolet Avalanche

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2010 Chevrolet Avalanche
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Key Specs
Our Take
Overview
Photos
Reviews
Safety & Recalls
Warranty & CPO
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Compare 3 Trims View Local Inventory

Key Specs

of the 2010 Chevrolet Avalanche. Base trim shown.

  • Body Type:
    Truck
  • Combined MPG:
    18 Combined MPG
  • Engine:
    320-hp, 5.3-liter V-8 (flexible; E85)
  • Drivetrain:
    4x2
  • Towing Capacity:
    5,100 lbs.
  • View more specs

Our Take

From the Cars.com Vehicle Test Team

The Good

  • Midgate provides versatile cargo area
  • LTZ interior
  • Roomy backseat
  • Styling distinguishable from standard pickups
  • Generous towing capacity and towing features

The Bad

  • 5.3-liter V-8 is only engine choice
  • Cost
  • Blind spots larger than in standard pickup

Notable Features of the 2010 Chevrolet Avalanche

  • 6.0-liter V-8 dropped
  • 3.08:1 rear axle now standard for all models, 3.42 optional
  • USB input
  • 1LT package includes high-end features and heavy-duty rear locking differential
  • Single-speed transfer case now standard on 4WD

2010 Chevrolet Avalanche Overview

By Cars.com Editors
Vehicle Overview
When it debuted for 2002, the Avalanche upset the trend of making more-SUV-like pickups. Chevy simply made its popular Suburban into a pickup; it gave the Avalanche more versatility, but didn't lose any of the SUV's inherent creature comforts. The Avalanche features a midgate that expands the cargo area into the passenger cab. By removing the midgate and folding down the second-row seat, the cargo floor extends from 5 feet, 3 inches to more than 8 feet. The cargo bed also features lockable, side-mounted storage. A locking tailgate and cargo cover increase the secured-storage options even more. The Avalanche is available in LS, LT and LTZ trim levels and in two- and four-wheel drive.

New for 2010
GM has dropped the 6.0-liter V-8 engine from the Avalanche lineup, leaving the 5.3-liter flex-fuel V-8 as the only engine. It's paired with GM's six-speed automatic, giving drivers two overdrive gears for better highway mileage. A 3.08:1 rear axle is now standard for both two- and four-wheel-drive models, enabling reduced engine speed during cruising to improve fuel economy. Inside, Chevy has added a USB port that allows you to control your MP3 player through the truck's stereo.

Exterior
The Avalanche doesn't mind flaunting its split personality. It's neither an SUV nor a pickup it's both. It has the bold but familiar front-end styling found on Chevy's truck-based products. Setting the Avalanche apart are distinctive sails tha...
Vehicle Overview
When it debuted for 2002, the Avalanche upset the trend of making more-SUV-like pickups. Chevy simply made its popular Suburban into a pickup; it gave the Avalanche more versatility, but didn't lose any of the SUV's inherent creature comforts. The Avalanche features a midgate that expands the cargo area into the passenger cab. By removing the midgate and folding down the second-row seat, the cargo floor extends from 5 feet, 3 inches to more than 8 feet. The cargo bed also features lockable, side-mounted storage. A locking tailgate and cargo cover increase the secured-storage options even more. The Avalanche is available in LS, LT and LTZ trim levels and in two- and four-wheel drive.

New for 2010
GM has dropped the 6.0-liter V-8 engine from the Avalanche lineup, leaving the 5.3-liter flex-fuel V-8 as the only engine. It's paired with GM's six-speed automatic, giving drivers two overdrive gears for better highway mileage. A 3.08:1 rear axle is now standard for both two- and four-wheel-drive models, enabling reduced engine speed during cruising to improve fuel economy. Inside, Chevy has added a USB port that allows you to control your MP3 player through the truck's stereo.

Exterior
The Avalanche doesn't mind flaunting its split personality. It's neither an SUV nor a pickup it's both. It has the bold but familiar front-end styling found on Chevy's truck-based products. Setting the Avalanche apart are distinctive sails that connect the cab to the bed and emphasize the smooth roofline and exterior length. The only real problem with the design is rearward visibility. Parking and backing up in tight spots can be tough, so the available sensors and backup camera are invaluable.
  • 17-inch wheels standard
  • Wraparound front bumper cover blends nicely with body
  • Available 22-inch chrome wheels developed with DUB magazine
  • Power-articulating running boards on LTZ models


Interior
The 1LT model now includes dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable pedals, remote vehicle start and a heavy-duty rear locking differential. Overall, the interior is spacious, with generous storage in the center console. The front seats are comfy and supportive. The interior's centerpiece is the fold-down rear seat and the removable midgate. The rear glass can be removed separately from the main midgate for an open-air effect.
  • Available rear-seat entertainment system plays DVDs and media from iPods
  • Available touch-screen navigation system
  • New seat fabrics on LS and 1LT models
  • Titanium and Cashmere interiors now available on Z71 models


Under the Hood
The Avalanche's standard engine is a 310-horsepower (326-hp E85), 5.3-liter V-8 with an iron block, rated at 335 pounds-feet of torque (350 pounds-feet of torque E85) with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Safety
Optional safety features include Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist and a rearview camera. GM has loaded the Avalanche with plenty of advanced safety features as standard equipment. They include:
  • Roof-mounted side curtain airbags with rollover protection
  • Front seat belt pretensioners
  • Electronic stability system with rollover mitigation technology
  • Seat-mounted side airbags for front occupants
  • OnStar with GM Advanced Crash Response (one-year plan standard, subscription required thereafter)


Of Interest to Truck Owners
  • Gross vehicle weight rating: 7,000 pounds (4x2), 7,200 pounds (4x4)
  • Maximum payload capacity: 1,350 pounds (4x4)
  • Maximum towing capacity: 8,100 pounds (4x2)
  • Axle ratios: 3.08:1 standard, 3.42:1 (heavy-duty trailering package)
  • Minimum ground clearance: 9.1 inches
  • Approach angle: 16.78 degrees (4x2), 16.64 degrees (4x4)
  • Departure angle: 20.05 degrees (4x2), 20.31 degrees (4x4)
  • Z71 Off Road Package includes: monotube shock absorbers, 18-inch off-road tires, color-keyed wheel flares, tubular side steps, automatic locking differential, tow hooks, skid plate and large-capacity air cleaner
  • Cargo bed load height: 32.2 inches (4x2), 32.5 inches (4x4)
  • Cargo bed floor length: 63.3 inches (midgate closed), 98.2 inches (midgate open)
  • Cargo bed floor width at wheel well: 50 inches
  • Cargo bed height with cover: 22.6 inches
  • Cargo bed depth: 25 inches



View 16 Photos

Latest 2010 Avalanche Stories

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Consumer Reviews

4.8
17 reviews
Exterior Styling
(4.8)
Performance
(4.4)
Interior Design
(4.6)
Comfort
(4.8)
Reliability
(4.9)
Value For The Money
(4.4)

What Drivers Are Saying

(4.0)

This is the third one I?ve owned

by Chevy guy 921 from WI on August 15, 2018

This truck is amazing I like the Versatility of a suv and truck. It has such a smooth ride, and a great look overall a excellent truck great value for the price Read full review

(5.0)

The Rock

by DogTrainerElite1 from Fulton, MS on July 21, 2018

Really good truck. So comfortable and well isolated from the road. Never had a minutes worth of problems and gives back decent MPG. Most ppl like the rugged good looks, and I like the AC seats during ... Read full review

Safety & Recalls

Recalls

The 2010 Chevrolet Avalanche currently has 2 recalls

NHTSA Crash and Rollover Test Ratings

Based on 2010 Chevrolet Avalanche LS

NHTSA rates vehicles using a star rating system from 1-5 stars, with 5 being the highest.

Overall Rollover Rating
3 Star
Driver's
5 Star
Passenger's
5 Star
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. NHTSA provides vehicle safety information such as front- and side-crash ratings and rollover ratings. Vehicles are rated using a star rating system from 1-5 stars, with 5 being the highest.

Manufacturer Warranty

  • Bumper-to-Bumper

    36 months / 36,000 miles

  • Powertrain

    60 months / 100,000 miles

  • Roadside Assistance

    60 months / 100,000 miles

CPO Program & Warranty

Certified Pre-Owned by Chevrolet

Program Benefits

Two Factory-Backed Warranties, CPO Scheduled Maintenance Program, Vehicle Inspection & Reconditioning, 3-Day/150-Mile Vehicle Exchange Program, 24/7 Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation, OnStar & SiriusXM Satellite Radio Trial Offers, and a Carfax Vehicle History Report

  • Limited Warranty

    Two Factory-Backed Warranties

    6-Year/100,000-Mile, Powertrain Limited Warranty and a 12- Month/12,000-Miles, Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty, both with $0 deductible

  • Eligibility

    Under 5 years / 75,000 miles

    Vehicles receive a 172-Point Inspection & Reconditioning.

    See inspection details.

Have Questions about warranties or CPO programs?

See Warranty FAQs

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Cars.com Car Seat Check

Certified child passenger safety technicians conduct hands-on tests of a car’s Latch system and check the vehicle’s ability to accommodate different types of car seats. The Avalanche received the following grades on a scale of A-F.*
* This score may not apply to all trims, especially for vehicles with multiple body styles that affect the space and design of the seating.

Warranty FAQs

What is a Bumper-to-Bumper warranty?

Often called a basic warranty or new-vehicle warranty, a bumper-to-bumper policy covers components like air conditioning, audio systems, vehicle sensors, fuel systems and major electrical components. Most policies exclude regular maintenance like fluid top offs and oil changes, but a few brands have separate free-maintenance provisions, and those that do offer them is slowly rising. Bumper-to-bumper warranties typically expire faster than powertrain warranties.

What is a Powertrain warranty?

Don't be misled a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty doesn't promise a decade of free repairs for your car. It typically covers just the engine and transmission, along with any other moving parts that lead to the wheels, like the driveshaft and constant velocity joints. Some automakers also bundle seat belts and airbags into their powertrain warranties. With a few exceptions, powertrain warranties don't cover regular maintenance like engine tuneups and tire rotations.

What is included in Roadside Assistance?

Some automakers include roadside assistance with their bumper-to-bumper or powertrain warranties, while others have separate policies. These programs cover anything from flat-tire changes and locksmith services to jump-starts and towing. Few reimburse incidental costs like motel rooms (if you have to wait for repairs).

What other services could be included in a warranty?

Some automakers include free scheduled maintenance for items such as oil changes, air filters and tire rotations. Some include consumables including brake pads and windshield wipers; others do not. They are typically for the first couple of years of ownership of a new car.

What does CPO mean?

A certified pre-owned or CPO car has been inspected to meet minimum quality standards and typically includes some type of warranty. While dealers and third parties certify cars, the gold standard is an automaker-certified vehicle that provides a factory-backed warranty, often extending the original coverage. Vehicles must be in excellent condition and have low miles and wear to be certified, which is why off-lease vehicles feed many CPO programs.

See also the latest CPO incentives by automaker