KansasCity.com's view

PALM SPRINGS-Chevrolet’s Avalanche can be configured so many ways perhaps Chevy should rename it the chameleon.

This cleverly-conceived part-pickup, part-SUV has the cabin and 130-inch wheelbase of a Suburban, the covered bed of a pickup and a unique look that comes from a new front-end and yards of gray plastic lower body cladding. The cladding not only gives the truck the outdoor look of a hiking boot, but it offers protection from rock chips. The look may not suit everyone, but the truck’s high level of functionality is bound to appeal to those who want an SUV that can haul like a truck when the situation warrants.

It goes on sale in June in California, Florida and Texas. It will be available across the rest of the country later in the summer. The two-wheel drive, 1500 Series starts at $30,965, while four-wheel drive versions begin at $33,695.

The beauty of the Avalanche is its ability to adapt to your needs. The convert-a-cab system allows removal of the wall between the cabin and the pickup box. Called a midgate, this unit stores neatly inside the back seat area of the truck and turns the 5-foot, 3-inch bed into one that is 8-feet long when the rear seat is folded down. The rear window comes out, as well, either with the midgate or by itself.

The Avalanche is similar in concept to Ford Explorer Sport Trac and F-150 SuperCrew. The biggest difference between it and the SuperCrew is the removable midgate, plus the inside of the bed is wider. If you want to haul sheets of plywood and keep them protected from the weather, you can do it by taking out the midgate. If you want to haul five people, three will fit in the back, and getting in is easy because the back doors are full size. With the optional power sunroof open and the removable back window stowed, the open-air feeling is almost like a convertible.

Topping the box is a removable rigid aluminum and plastic cover capable of supporting 250 pounds. This cover keeps the cargo area dry and secure, yet it slips off and folds up in seconds when you need an open bed.

Every available nook and cranny has been put to use. The space between the inner and outer bed walls of the pickup box has small storage boxes built in. These cubbies are accessed by a locking top door, and they have lights inside so you see what is there.

Chevrolet invited auto writers to spend a day driving Avalanches in and around the Anza-Borrego State Park. To demonstrate hauling versatility, each truck was loaded with lumber, home appliances and heavy tools, such as log splitters and power washers. We drove to Mountain Center, Calif., to Camp Ronald McDonald where Chevy donated all the gear to the camp for children with cancer.

A 285-horsepower, 5.3-liter V-8 with automatic transmission sits under the hood. This engine is the same as that used in the Silverado pickup. The four-wheel-drive version come with Autotrac, Chevy’s full-time four-wheel-drive system.

A five-link rear suspensio n with coil springs is used to provide for better ride quality. The brakes are disc on all four wheels, with anti-lock and front-rear proportioning standard.

A wide range of equipment packages and options is offered so the Avalanche can be dressed up or down as much as you want. OnStar, GM’s GPS system, is also optional.

Chevy gave us a peek at two more models: a special North Face edition designed in conjunction with the camping outfitter, and a heavy-duty 2500 Series with the new 8.1-liter, 340-horsepower Vortec V-8.

The 2500 series would be great for heavy towing, and the North Face edition is very luxurious, with white-faced gauges and dark-green leather seats with red lace accents.

The Avalanche is targeted more at SUV owners than truck owners, but it is capable of functioning as both.

Price

The base price of two-wheel drive is $30,965 and $33,965 for four-wheel drive. Fully loaded, each model would top out at $35,711 and $38,711.

Warranty

Three years or 36,000 miles.

To get in touch with Tom Strongman, send e-mail to tstrongman@kc.rr.com.

There is no At A Glance box because this is not a regular test drive.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 5.3-liter V-8
Transmission: automatic Two-wheel or four-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 130 inches
Base price: $30,965 two-wheel drive
$33,965 four-wheel drive
Mpg rating: 14 city, 18 hwy two-wheel drive
13 city, 17 hwy four-wheel drive
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