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2011
Chevrolet Avalanche

Starts at:
$36,300
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2WD Crew Cab LS
    Starts at
    $36,300
    15 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    6
    Seat capacity
    Gas/Ethanol V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    1,522 lbs
    Payload Capacity
    N/A
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 4WD Crew Cab LS
    Starts at
    $39,350
    15 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    6
    Seat capacity
    Gas/Ethanol V8
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    1,598 lbs
    Payload Capacity
    N/A
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 2WD Crew Cab LT
    Starts at
    $39,405
    15 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas/Ethanol V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    1,522 lbs
    Payload Capacity
    N/A
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 4WD Crew Cab LT
    Starts at
    $42,455
    15 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas/Ethanol V8
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    1,598 lbs
    Payload Capacity
    N/A
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 2WD Crew Cab LTZ
    Starts at
    $46,195
    15 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas/Ethanol V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    1,522 lbs
    Payload Capacity
    N/A
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 4WD Crew Cab LTZ
    Starts at
    $49,500
    15 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas/Ethanol V8
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    1,598 lbs
    Payload Capacity
    N/A
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche

Notable features

3.08 rear axle standard for all models
3.42 optional
USB input
22-inch rims have been discontinued
Body-colored mirrors now standard on LS package
1LT package includes high-end features and heavy-duty rear locking differential
Two-speed transfer case now standard on LTZ 4WD Packages
Steel Green Metallic, Mocha Steel Metallic and Inferno Orange Metallic replace Laser Blue Metallic and Black Graphite Metallic
Available 20-inch chrome-clad wheels

The good & the bad

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

Expert 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

When it debuted for 2002, the Avalanche upset the trend of making pickups more SUV-like. 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 2011

Three new exterior colors: Steel Green Metallic, Mocha Steel Metallic and Inferno Orange Metallic replace Laser Blue Metallic and Black Graphite Metallic. Body-colored mirrors now come standard with the LS package. Four-wheel-drive models now come equipped with a standard two-speed transfer case. The 22-inch wheels designed by DUB magazine have been discontinued, and 20-inch chrome-clad wheels are now available.

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. Exterior features include:

  • 17-inch wheels standard
  • Wraparound front bumper cover blends nicely with body
  • Available 20-inch chrome-clad wheels
  • Body-colored mirrors now standard on LS
  • Power-articulating running boards on LTZ models

Interior

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. Interior features include:

  • Available rear-seat entertainment system plays DVDs and media from iPods
  • Available touch-screen navigation system


Under the Hood

The Avalanche’s standard engine is a 310-horsepower (326 hp with E85 fuel), 5.3-liter V-8 with an iron block, rated at 335 pounds-feet of torque (350 pounds-feet of torque with 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 (4×2), 7,200 pounds (4×4)
Maximum payload capacity: 1,350 pounds (4×4)
Maximum towing capacity: 8,100 pounds (4×2)

Axle ratios:
3.08:1 standard, 3.42:1 (heavy-duty trailering package)

Minimum ground clearance:
9.1 inches

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
Approach angle:
16.78 degrees (4×2), 16.64 degrees (4×4)
Departure angle: 20.05 degrees (4×2), 20.31 degrees (4×4)
Cargo bed load height: 32.2 inches (4×2), 32.5 inches (4×4)
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



2011 Chevrolet Avalanche review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

When it debuted for 2002, the Avalanche upset the trend of making pickups more SUV-like. 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 2011

Three new exterior colors: Steel Green Metallic, Mocha Steel Metallic and Inferno Orange Metallic replace Laser Blue Metallic and Black Graphite Metallic. Body-colored mirrors now come standard with the LS package. Four-wheel-drive models now come equipped with a standard two-speed transfer case. The 22-inch wheels designed by DUB magazine have been discontinued, and 20-inch chrome-clad wheels are now available.

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. Exterior features include:

  • 17-inch wheels standard
  • Wraparound front bumper cover blends nicely with body
  • Available 20-inch chrome-clad wheels
  • Body-colored mirrors now standard on LS
  • Power-articulating running boards on LTZ models

Interior

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. Interior features include:

  • Available rear-seat entertainment system plays DVDs and media from iPods
  • Available touch-screen navigation system


Under the Hood

The Avalanche’s standard engine is a 310-horsepower (326 hp with E85 fuel), 5.3-liter V-8 with an iron block, rated at 335 pounds-feet of torque (350 pounds-feet of torque with 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 (4×2), 7,200 pounds (4×4)
Maximum payload capacity: 1,350 pounds (4×4)
Maximum towing capacity: 8,100 pounds (4×2)

Axle ratios:
3.08:1 standard, 3.42:1 (heavy-duty trailering package)

Minimum ground clearance:
9.1 inches

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
Approach angle:
16.78 degrees (4×2), 16.64 degrees (4×4)
Departure angle: 20.05 degrees (4×2), 20.31 degrees (4×4)
Cargo bed load height: 32.2 inches (4×2), 32.5 inches (4×4)
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



Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Rollover rating
3/5
22.8%
Risk of rollover
22.8%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
3 years / 36,000 miles
Powertrain
5 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years / 100,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
5 model years or newer / up to 75,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12,000 miles bumper-to-bumper original warranty, then may continue to 6 years / 100,000 miles limited (depending on variables)
Dealer certification
172-point inspection

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Consumer reviews

4.8 / 5
Based on 46 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.9
Interior 4.7
Performance 4.5
Value 4.3
Exterior 4.9
Reliability 4.6

Most recent

  • GM has dropped the ball.

    Having severe body rust issues, all wheel openings, paint seems hard with severe rusting rock chips. Engine has oil pressure issues. Very disappointed with GM
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 1.0
    9 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Avalanche 11

    Second avalanche I have owned. Bought a 2011 a few months ago. Had a few problems but I love the looks of them along with the comfort and room..great for hauling kayaks(reason I bought it). Like the Flex fuel option also. Especially since gas prices are up! Mine has over 177k miles. Plastic cover has alot of fading but still pretty truck. Only complaint really is that the outside door handles wear and break easily, plastic fading, headlight lens discoloration. Power isn't what it should be(no giddy up) but it's older truck. If your wanting speed then it's not the truck for you! I purchased a brand new one when they first came on market but it had transmission problems soon after getting it. Love the back seat fold and window remove feature the best!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 3.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • PURCHASED IN 2011 WITH 7000 MI. ON IT

    PRIMARILY OUR TRAVELING VEHICLE WITH 59TO 60000MILES ON IT HAS PREFORMED WELL TILL THIS WINTER REDUCED ENGINE POWER LIGHT COMES ON, CHEVY GARAGE CLEANED THOTTLE BODY, CONTINUED WITH PROBLEM, THEN REPLACED TPS CURED THE PROBLEM, THEN DISCOVERED A RECALL ON THIS, HAS THIS RECALL BEEN EXTENDED?
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    8 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • 2011 Chevy avalanche love the design mechanics suc

    Since I bought the 2011 avalanche I have done nothing but pour money into in the last 4 months I have owned it I think I have put a few thousand dollars in it just in 4 months. Now the torch converter is going out and get this another 500-2000 dollars for the problem
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 1.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • High quality used truck

    This Chevy Avalanche LTZ is living up to my expectations and meeting all of my families needs . l look forward to many years of reliable service from this truck.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    14 people out of 14 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • The Looks, Power, Functionality, Dependability!

    This truck meets all my needs! Great functionality with all the stock options- 5.5ft bed converts into an 8ft bed. Many locking storage compartments. Powerful and decent gas mileage. Excellent in the snow. Super comfortable. Love it!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I owned a 2007 Avy LTZ for 9 years 336k miles.

    I needed this truck (2011 Avy Z71 49k miles) so that I can use it for towing a camping trailer (Z71) the 5.3 is easy to work on. this one comes with a life time warranty.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Towing
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Nice looking truck with a comfortable ride.

    Hauls a lot with a longer bed than most crew cabs. Great ride quality like an SUV. Great styling with an integrated hard panel over the bed to keep things dry.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Newest car I've owned

    This vehicle meets all my needs and I am super excited because it's a beautiful ride. I'm really enjoying being a "new to me" truck owner.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great truck - excellent price too!!

    We wanted another Avalanche and this one fits the bill. Looks and drives great. Compfortable truck. Nice folks at dealership. Knowledgeable and willing to help and work with you.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Best vehicle I've owened

    This is the perfect vehicle for me. I am very impressed by the looks to the way it drives! I will keep this truck for as long as possible!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most luxurious truck I?ve owned

    Incredibly luxurious, smooth ride, new tires, converts into a full size pickup truck when needed. I would highly recommend this truck to anyone! Love it
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

Chevrolet dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche?

The 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche is available in 3 trim levels:

  • LS (2 styles)
  • LT (2 styles)
  • LTZ (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche?

The 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche offers up to 15 MPG in city driving and 21 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche?

The 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche reliable?

The 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche has an average reliability rating of 4.6 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche owners.

Is the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche a good Truck?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche. 91.3% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.8 / 5
Based on 46 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.9
  • Interior: 4.7
  • Performance: 4.5
  • Value: 4.3
  • Exterior: 4.9
  • Reliability: 4.6
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