2010 Chevrolet Avalanche

NEW FOR 2010:

- 6.0-litre V8 and non-flex-fuel 5.3-litre V8 engines discontinued

- Single-speed transfer case now standard on 4WD, with optional two-speed transfer case

- Standard USB stereo connector

- LT package adds dual-zone automatic climate control, remote vehicle starter and heavy-duty rear locking differential

- Exterior colours: Taupe Gray Metallic and Sheer Silver Metallic added; Dark Blue Metallic, Silver Birch Metallic and Greystone Metallic discontinued

For 2010, the Chevrolet Avalanche comes with one engine, instead of three as in 2009: the 6.0-litre V8 that was optional on the LT and LTZ has been discontinued, while a flexible-fuel 5.3-litre V8 that was standard on all 4WD models and optional on 2WD is now the standard engine, with the non-flex-fuel 5.3-litre V8 used on 2WD models in 2009 now gone. The Avalanche also receives a single-speed transfer case on four-wheel drive models, with a two-speed transfer case added as an option. A USB connector allows for music players to be played and charged through the stereo, while the LT package adds dual-zone automatic climate control, remote starter and a heavy-duty locking differential.

Based on GM's full-size SUV platform, the Avalanche uses a 5.3-litre V8 with Active Fuel Management, which shuts off half the cylinders under light load, and is capable of running on E85 ethanol fuel. The transmission is a six-speed automatic.

All Avalanche models are rated as one-ton trucks; the LS and LT come in 2WD or 4WD, while the LTZ comes only in 4WD.

Features on the LS include 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone manual air conditioning, assist steps, three-piece composite stowable tonneau cover, rubber cargo mat, privacy glass, heated mirrors, front recovery hooks, variable intermittent wipers, cruise control, floor mats, driver information centre, tire pressure monitoring system, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, power windows with driver's express down, 20/40/20 cloth seat with six-way power driver's adjustment, second-row 60/40 split-folding seat, CD/MP3 stereo with USB connector, XM satellite radio, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, trailer tow package, remote starter, power locks with keyless entry, automatic headlamps, OnStar, and theft deterrent system.

The LT adds dual-zone automatic climate control, fog lamps, centre console, remote vehicle starter, heavy-duty locking differential, rear seat audio controls and headphone jacks, cloth bucket seats with six-way power driver's adjustment, color-keyed door handles, and OnStar with Turn by Turn Navigation.

The LTZ adds 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, chrome door handles, bright chrome grille mesh insert, power-folding mirrors with driver's side auto-dimming, reverse tip-down and integrated turn signals, roof rails and crossbars, heated washer fluid system, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming rearview mirror, garage door opener, heated and cooled perforated leather twelve-way power seats, driver's side memory, six-CD/MP3 stereo, Bose premium seven-speaker system, AutoRide air assist suspension with rear auto-level control, and rear parking assist.

Also the base for the Cadillac Escalade EXT, the Avalanche uses a signature "Midgate", which opens to extend the cargo bed from a length of 1600 mm (63 inches) to 2500 mm (98 inches). The cargo box also contains lockable storage compartments with drains, so they can be used as coolers.