Avalanche adds fuel flexibility to its traits

The Chevrolet Avalanche, arguably the most flexible of full-size pickup trucks because of its fold-down "Midgate" between the passenger compartment and pickup bed, just keeps getting better.

The once ungainly Avalanche that used to wear way too much cladding now is streamlined and clutter-free on its exterior.

For 2007, the interior is refined, too, and includes improved fronts seats, more rear shoulder room and better views out because the dashboard is lower and the windshield is more steeply raked.

The base, 5.3-liter Vortec V-8 under the Avalanche hood now is capable of running on either gasoline or E85, so drivers who want to reduce reliance on Middle East oil can opt for the E85 ethanol-gasoline blend of fuel instead. E85 contains 85 percent ethanol, typically corn-derived in the United States, and only 15 percent oil-based gasoline.

Additionally, with a new platform underneath, the Avalanche has a more comfortable, less bouncy ride than before.

But be aware that the 2007 Avalanche isn't a bargain-priced pickup.

Starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, is $32,690 for a base, 2007 Avalanche LS model with two-wheel drive and 320-horsepower V-8.

Competitors include the 2007 Ford F-150 Super Crew, which starts at $30,765 for a base XLT two-wheel drive model with 248-horsepower V-8, and the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab ST. It starts at $26,120 for a two-wheel drive model with 215-horsepower V-6 and $28,355 for a two-wheel drive model with 235-horsepower V-8.

The Avalanche is basically a four-door, five-passenger pickup truck with a short, 5.3-foot-long bed.

It's based on Chevrolet's full-size sport utility vehicle, the Tahoe. So it's apt to think of the Avalanche as an SUV-meets-pickup-truck kind of transport.

Offered in two- and four-wheel drive and in three trim levels -- LS, LT and LTZ -- the 2007 Avalanche is all about flexibility and capability.

Notably, unlike competitor vehicles, the Avalanche's rear wall of the passenger compartment -- where the rear seatbacks are -- can be manually unlocked and folded down inside the vehicle.

The rear window stays in place, but with the Midgate down flat, the Avalanche allows 4-foot-by-8-foot sheets of plywood to slide through to the interior in the bed. This means the big plywood can sit in the bed while the tailgate at the back of the vehicle remains closed.

And all the while that cargo is neatly arranged, the Avalanche can tow a hale and healthy 8,000 pounds. This is enough for a sizable boat or trailer.

The test Avalanche, which topped out at more than $40,000 with options, also featured a three-piece, hard cover over the pickup bed and a locking tailgate, so nosy passersby didn't see and couldn't get at the tools and lawn equipment that I carried in the bed.

There also are nifty, small, locking storage compartments at the sides of the bed for little items that would otherwise bang around in the bed.

But at 5-foot-4, I couldn't reach all the way down into these compartments unless I stood up on the tailgate. I also couldn't see or reach items inside the pickup bed when standing next to the Avalanche. The sides of the pickup bed are too tall. So I scrambled up and into the bed to get at things.

Because the test vehicle was four-wheel drive, it had the base 5.3-liter Vortec V-8 with slightly less power -- 310 horses.

The Avalanche's 5.3-liter V-8s are now "FlexFuel" capable, meaning they can burn E85 that's being offered at more filling stations nationwide.

But because there were no E85 stations in my area, the test Avalanche traveled on standard unleaded gasoline.

I didn't lack for power, though the Avalanche didn't necessarily have a rip-snorting, sporty personality. I did wait just a bit for the power to kick in, and the engine sounds aren't as sporty as those in a Dodge Ram or Nissan Titan pickup truck.

Keep in mind, though, that the four-wheel drive Avalanche tester was a heavy, 5,645 pounds, and peak torque for this Avalanche base engine is a strong 335 foot-pounds at 4,200 rpm.

Government mileage ratings are lower if the Avalanche uses E85. The city/highway rating is 11/15 miles per gallon vs. 15/20 mpg for the same Avalanche using regular gasoline. This reflects the fact that ethanol has a lower energy content than does gasoline, so drivers using E85 can expect to stop and fill up the tank more often.

Unfortunately, I didn't get anywhere near the government ratings. The test Avalanche got only 14.4 mpg in combined city/highway travel. This is despite the fact the 5.3-liter Vortec V-8 includes an Active Fuel Management system that automatically deactivates four of the eight cylinders when they're not needed.

All Avalanches come with a four-speed automatic transmission only.

Seats are comfortable and roomy up front, with a good amount of space between the two separate seats.

In the back seat, three adults have decent space.

Be aware that the Avalanche tailgate is heavy. I couldn't push it closed, for example, with just one hand.

I was thankful the tester had optional rear park assist. There was simply no way for me to know what was behind the Avalanche's high tailgate, otherwise.

The 2007 Avalanche has more safety features than its predecessor. Stability control and tire pressure monitoring system are among the standard features.

But curtain air bags are optional.