Description: Full-Size Pickup Truck
Base MSRP Range: $33,910 - $38,320
Invoice Price Range: $30,010 - $33,913
Where built: Mexico

Built from a Silverado LD truck with a cabin like the super-size Suburban wagon, Avalanche discards Suburban's rear bay in favor of the shortened bed of a pickup. The back wall of the cabin folds flat after the back seat tumbles forward and forms a generous extension of the truck box. A deluxe cab in Avalanche mimics the Suburban in a layout with seating for five or six.

There's a big V8 aboard, a four-wheeling traction mechanism that automatically channels torque to all wheels, and a heavy-duty automatic transmission. Avalanche comes in 1500 or 2500 series with RWD or Autotrac 4WD traction. The 1500 pulls power from a Vortec 5.3-liter V8 that makes 295 hp but the 2500 packs the Vortec 8.1-liter V8 scored to 325 hp. On 2006 models the tow capacity improves -- for the 1500 to 8200 pounds or to 12000 pounds for Avalanche 2500.