With a mechanical center and locking center differential (a locking rear differential is optional) and both high- and low-range gearing, the 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche LT3 4WD pickup works both on and off the road. With the 4WD, the LT3 adds standard skid plates, mudguards, side steprails, and chrome trim. Wheel options range from 17 to 18 to 20 inches, with all-season tires. The 2008 Avalanche LT3 is powered by a 320-hp, 5.3-liter V8 that gets 340 ft-lbs of torque. It is matched only to a 4-speed automatic. A 6.0-liter, 366-hp V8 is optional.
Riding on an independent front and rear and multilink rear suspension, the 5-person LT3 earns the highest safety ratings except in rollover tests. It comes standard with stability control, rollover sensors, dual front and side impact airbags, 4-wheel ABS brakes, a tire monitor, automatic headlights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, foglights, halogen lamps, rain-sensing wipers, OnStar, and a tire monitor. A rearview camera and parking assist system are also standard, as is a first aid kit. The pickup has two rows, with the rear seats split-folding 60/40. The midgate wall can be removed alone or with the rear window. Removing the wall expands the pickup bed from 5 to 8 feet in length, which comes with tie-downs and a hard cover, along with a lockable storage box. A roof rack is standard.
Comfort is not abandoned for utility. Rear passengers get four cupholders, a power outlet, and audio controls. Front passengers also get four cupholders and a power outlet, but also full power features, 10-way power front seats with power lumbar support and driver's memory settings, heated seats, and wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls. The 6-CD changer comes with satellite radio and an MP3 input jack. Leather upholstery is complemented by leather and wood interior trim. Intermittent wipers, Bluetooth, a trip computer, temperature display and compass, remote entry, remote start, and a garage opener are other conveniences. Options include a navigation system, DVD player, and a sunroof.
