2011 Chevrolet Avalanche LS Trim Level Overview

2011 Chevrolet Avalanche LS 4WD

Add on-demand four-wheel-drive traction to the base Avalanche LS and beget the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche LS 4WD. This full-size crew cab pickup uses center and rear locking differentials, electronic hi-lo gear selection, and auto-locking hubs to provide go in the snow, while offering such standard appearance niceties as 17-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack, and step running boards. Inside, the LS 4WD mirrors its rear-wheel-drive sibling with its unique removable mid-gate, increasing bed length from just over 5 feet to a tad over 8 feet. Additional cabin conveniences include premium cloth upholstery, power front bucket seats, power accessories, dual-zone air conditioning, cruise control, and tilt-wheel steering. Standard entertainment features include a single-CD player with six speakers, XM satellite radio, and a USB connection, with OnStar/Bluetooth hands-free technology ensuring constant communication capability. Again, options for the LS 4WD include 20-inch alloy wheels, a heavy-duty trailer towing package, and power-retractable step running boards. An available bench front seat gives this unique pickup six-passenger capability.

Standard safety equipment for the 2011 Avalanche LS 4WD includes four-wheel ABS, traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, OnStar post-collision safety communication technology, and daytime running lights. Available safety equipment includes front fog/driving lights and turn-signal-integrated mirrors.

The ubiquitous 320-hp, variable-valve-timed 5.3-liter FFV (Flex Fuel) V8 engine powers the 2011 Avalanche LS 4WD. A standard six-speed auto-manual transmission, meanwhile, helps it churn out some 335 lb-ft of torque for a maximum 8,000 pounds of towing capacity when the available heavy-duty tow package is selected. Mileage for all 4WD Avalanche trims is presently unavailable, though the V8 also boasts cylinder deactivation at highway speeds.

2011 Chevrolet Avalanche LS

Sort of a combination pickup truck and full-size SUV, the five-passenger 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche LS pickup can do it all. Though the base trim of the lineup, the LS still packs the unique removable mid-gate, which effectively removes the rear cabin wall and window to convert the bed from 5 feet to just over 8 feet long. Other truck-oriented features include a trailer hitch and wiring, as well as step running boards complementing the more SUV-like roof rack. Inside, expect cloth upholstery, power-adjustable front bucket seats, power accessories, cruise control, dual-zone air conditioning, a single-CD player with six speakers, satellite radio, and a USB connection. OnStar/Bluetooth hands-free communications technology is standard as well, while options include 20-inch polished alloy wheels, a heavy-duty trailer towing package, and power-folding step running boards. Additionally, an available front bench seat makes room for an extra passenger in the spacious cabin.

Safety-wise, the 2011 Avalanche LS boasts four-wheel ABS, traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, daytime running lights, a post-collision safety system, and OnStar safety communications system. Front fog/driving lights and turn-signal-integrated mirrors are optional safety features.

Powering the 2011 Avalanche LS are a standard 5.3-liter Flex Fuel V8 and six-speed auto-manual transmission. This rear-wheel-drive (RWD) pickup puts out 320 hp and 335 lb-ft of torque, and will tow 8,100 pounds with the available heavy-duty trailer package. Expect, meanwhile, a rather lackluster 15/21 mpg from the V8, in spite of variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation at highway speeds.