2013 Chevrolet Avalanche vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 7.8 out of 10

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

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Apr 20, 2012

Almost unique in the world of pickup trucks--it'd be a solo act without its fraternal twin, the Cadillac Escalade EXT--the Chevy Avalanche is one of two pickup trucks with a fold-down midgate and the utility of both a sport-ute and a pickup truck.

The Honda Ridgeline has the SUV goods, and the running gear of one too, but its pickup bed is short and its intended use is strictly light-duty.

Once the Avalanche is gone, you'll have to turn to the Honda, or to one of the four-door trucks we've recommended for years for their all-around utility.

Ford's F-150 continues to improve, and its EcoBoost V-6 is a real V-8 alternative; the new Ram 1500's V-6 and eight-speed automatic promise the same, with excellent gas mileage and an even nicer interior bundled into a revised package.

There's also the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra, the trucks on which the Avalanche is based, though they're up for replacement in the 2014 model year.

2013 Chevrolet Avalanche Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Ram 1500 Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Ford F-150 Get FREE Price Quote	2012 GMC Sierra 1500 Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Honda Ridgeline Get FREE Price Quote
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
7.8 The clever, useful Chevy Avalanche takes a final bow largely unchanged; we like the idea, but not enough truck buyers were into its short bed or its fold-down midgate.	8 The 2013 Ram 1500 leads full-size trucks in interior quality, gas mileage, and handling; it adds infotainment to the list this year, but we're mixed on its new air suspension, and towing capacity is down.	8.2 Efficient and burly, the 2012 Ford F-150 shares the lead in full-size trucks thanks to extreme capability and extreme high-tech features.	7.6 The 2012 GMC Sierra has one of the greenest pickup trucks in its lineup, but some of its early spec-sheet triumphs have been bested by the latest F-150 and Ram.	7.4 The 2012 Honda Ridgeline won't satisfy those who need a real full-size truck, but for those who need hauling on occasion, it offers an interesting alternative.
MSRP From
$35,980	$22,900	$23,500	$22,195	$29,350
Gas Mileage
15 MPG City / 21 MPG Hwy	14 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy	11 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy	12 MPG City / 22 MPG Hwy	15 MPG City / 21 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas/Ethanol V8	Gas/Ethanol V8	Gas/Ethanol V6	Gas V6	Gas V6
EPA Class
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	4WD Standard Pickup Truck
Style Name
2WD Crew Cab LS	2WD Reg Cab 120.5" Tradesman	2WD Reg Cab 126" XL	2WD Reg Cab 119.0" Work Truck	4WD Crew Cab RT
Drivetrain
Rear Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Four Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	3	3	3	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
Crew Cab Pickup	Regular Cab Pickup	Regular Cab Pickup	Reg Cab 6.5' Wideside	4 Door Crew Cab
Transmission
Automatic	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic