2006 CHEVROLET Avalanche SUT 5.3L V8 4AT RWD (320 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Chevrolet introduced the second generation of the Avalanche in 2006 and showed an improved overall design, but kept its main advantages.

Built on the same platform as the Chevrolet Silverado/Cadillac Escalade, the Avalanche SUT was the budget-version of the Escalade SUT. It was a four-door SUV with a short bed in the back. The idea was not bad, but the customers were not very keen to adopt it.

On the 2006 model, the Avalanche SUT shared its front fascia with the Tahoe and the Suburban. It featured two rectangular-shaped headlights with corner-mounted turn signals and daytime running lights at the bottom. Its grille sported a transverse slat that wore the golden bow-tie badge in the middle, while GM adorned the bumper with a pair of fog lights. From its side, the four-door pickup featured a short bed in the back.

GM built the SUT version with a very flexible cargo area. The cabin featured a removable rear panel, extending the bed length. This was the main advantage of the Avalanche SUT. Its cockpit provided two wide seats at the front and a split-folding bench in the rear. Thus, the customer could have used the rear seats as a storage area or fit three adults inside. On the dashboard, Chevrolet included the transmission buttons to engage the 4×4 system and the low-range gear.

Under the hood, GM installed a choice of two engines: a 5.3-liter V-8 and a 6.0-liter V-8. The former was available with a two-wheel-drive configuration, while the latter was exclusively 4×4.