2013 marks the final year of production for the Chevrolet Avalanche. To mark this occasion, Chevy has added “Black Diamond” to the name as well as host of new standard features which were previously only available with add-on packages. As a result, this is easily the best Chevrolet Avalanche to own if you plan on buying one.
Overview of the 2013 Black Diamond Chevrolet Avalanche
The Chevrolet Avalanche is a unique combination of pickup truck and SUV. While a number of changes have been made for its final year of production the same basic benefits and drawbacks still remain. In order to create a truck/SUV hybrid this Chevy vehicle essentially made the front half similar to an SUV with the backend of a truck. Separating the two sections is a midgate behind the rear seats. It can be lowered to create an 8 foot load floor. There is also a lockable tailgate and removable three piece tonneau.
The primary reason people were drawn the Chevrolet Avalanche is because it offers the functionality of a truck but the ride felt more like an SUV. This means less bouncing, more precision, and greater stability. Unfortunately, some of the added comfort means less towing capacity. The 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche towing capacity is 8,100 pounds. It is impossible to say whether or not the benefits and drawbacks are worth it in a general sense. It is entirely up to you to decide what you value more in a truck/SUV. The closest comparisons are typically made with the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Toyota Tundra.
2013 Chevrolet Avalanche Body Styles and Options
Technically the 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche is considered to be a full-size crew-cab pickup truck but there is additional versatility not found in other crew-cab trucks because of the removable rear window and fold-down midgate. In 2013, you have 3 trim levels to choose from. They are the LS (base), LT (midrange), and LTZ (premium).
The LS has 17 inch alloy wheels, fog lights, roof rack, side assist steps, remote start, and rear parking sensors among other exterior features. On the interior, you receive dual-zone air conditioning, power adjustable pedal, 60/40 split rear seats, rearview camera, satellite radio, auxiliary audio jack, and iPod/USB port as the most notable features, however there are others as well.
The LT includes all of the LS features as well as a locking rear differential, and seven speaker Bose sound system. 18 inch wheels can be added as well. There is also an All-Star LT package which added polished wheels, chrome trim, and power folding mirrors.
The LTZ includes the All-Star package as well as several notable additions. This includes 20 inch alloy wheels, adaptive suspension, automatic load leveling; perforated leather upholstery, 12 power adjustable heated/cooled front seats, navigation system, driver seat memory functions, and eight speaker Bose surround sound system. There is even a universal garage door opener and power-retractable side steps.
There are several additional package add-ons which can provide a sunroof, rear seat entertainment system, 20 and 22 inch wheels, specialized springs and shock absorbers, front recovery hooks, and much more.
2013 Chevrolet Avalanche Performance
The 2013 Black Diamond Chevrolet Avalanche is powered by a 5.3 liter V8 engine. It can produce up to 320 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque. The standard option is a six speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, although four-wheel drive is an option. Some models include a single speed transfer case with low range gearing. Overall, you can expect the 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche to get approximately 15 mpg in the city and 17 mph on the highway.
Interior Design of the 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche
Since the front end of the Avalanche is more SUV than truck, it is shouldn’t be surprising that it is considered to be the most comfortable mid-sized crew-cab pickup. The design pays special attention to functionality without skimping on comfort. One thing to keep in mind is that some people have problems with visibility via their rearview mirror so you may rely on the rearview camera and parking sensors more often than you would normally expect.
Overall
If you have ever been interested in a Chevrolet Avalanche then this is the year to buy it. You get a much greater value as numerous features which were previously optional are now standard. Plus, it accelerates extremely well for a pickup truck. It also drives smoother and quieter than its competition. The Chevrolet Avalanche is unique vehicle so people either love it or hate it. It depends entirely on what you want from a truck or large SUV and whether or not the added benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
