The 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche offers SUV comfort and configurability with pickup utility and space, thanks to a midgate wall and window that can be removed together or separately. Changes this year focus on more standard features and option packages, along with a new 6-speed automatic transmission that replaces the old 4-speed.
Whether in rear-wheel or full-time all-wheel drive configuration, the 2009 Avalanche rides smoothly. Its one-piece body design makes it feel more like a truck than harsher pickups, and engine and road noise are kept to a minimum, making it one of the quietest SUVs in its class. All four trims (LS, LT1, LT2, and LTZ) return this year with a standard 5.3-liter, 320-hp (310 in AWD versions) Vortec V8 engine that can tow up to 8,200 pounds and gets 14/20 mpg. A 6.0-liter, 366-hp Vortec V8 is available in AWD versions of all trims but the base LS. It is E85-compatible. Both engines feature Active Fuel Management, which deactivates up to four cylinders when they're not needed to improve fuel efficiency.
The updated OnStar 8.0 is now standard on all trims, along with Bluetooth and wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. The LS and LT1 get upgraded cloth fabric, while the LT2 receives a new Luxury Package option. This includes heated front seats, a 10-way driver's seat, and auto-dimming side mirrors with turn signals. The high-end LTZ sees the most changes for 2009, with the addition of standard heated and cooled front seats, a 12-way power driver's seat, brushed metal interior trim, a Bose surround sound system, and optional 20-inch chrome-clad wheels. An optional rearview camera is now offered apart from the navigation system, with its display moving from the navigation screen to the rearview mirror.
The 2009 Avalanche earns five stars in front and side impact tests, and three in rollover tests. Traction and stability control, dual front-side and side curtain airbags, and 4-wheel ABS brakes come standard. The LTZ adds rear parking sensors and an automatic load-leveling suspension that adjusts to road conditions, both of which are optional for the LT trims. An offroad package equips the SUV/pickup with stronger shocks and springs, offroad tires, and skid plates.
Its versatile storage capacity makes the 2009 Avalanche attractive to families needing to make Home Depot runs on the weekend. The 5.3-foot-long cargo bed expands to 8 feet with the midgate wall removed. The somewhat cumbersome removal process requires folding down the rear seats and reduces passenger space to the front seat (a three-person bench in the LS and two-person bucket seats in all other trims). The door opens separately from the window if drivers just need a pass-through. The cargo bed features tiedowns, a washable rubber floor, and lockable storage compartments on the outside of the bed. A watertight three-piece hard cover keeps stuff out of sight and out of the rain. A roof rack can be added.
Those interested in high-end SUV comfort will not be disappointed in the 2009 Avalanche, as all trims come well equipped, starting with power features, a power driver's seat, and a CD player, and gradually upgrading to a 6-CD changer, Bose sound system, power-adjustable pedals, wood trim, and memory settings. Owners appreciate the Avalanche's comfortable ride along with its ability to transition to workhorse function. Its powerful V8 tows as much as the Yukon, although it can struggle on acceleration when loaded. Thick roof pillars cause rear blind spots, and the Avalanche's wide turning radius hinders maneuverability.
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Love chevy and its a pick up with sun features. May 13, 2024
by John W
Dec 30, 2022
I love it, it is a good truck to driveDec 30, 2022
by Gerald L
Dec 24, 2021
Very nice car. Only a few minor issues. Well taken care of.Dec 24, 2021
User rating:
by Anthony B
May 13, 2024
Love chevy and its a pick up with sun features. May 13, 2024
by John W
Dec 30, 2022
I love it, it is a good truck to driveDec 30, 2022
by Gerald L
Dec 24, 2021
Very nice car. Only a few minor issues. Well taken care of.Dec 24, 2021
by Barbara L
Sep 11, 2021
This truck was very pretty, but had a very potent smell of gas mixed in the oil.
For me the price was a little to high knowing that gas in the oil could mean some upcoming problems would probably arise from that. Also the dash had a large Crack on drivers side and the air vent had a Crack. Also had a Chip in the windshield . Sep 11, 2021
by Dianna G
May 13, 2021
It was trashed and I wouldn’t give the $1 for it. May 13, 2021
by tommy c
Jan 18, 2021
Cool ride especially this one was,thank you very much Jan 18, 2021
by Sandifer M
Dec 06, 2020
Great truck, good price. I dont think it will last long on CGDec 06, 2020
by Bonnie I
Sep 16, 2020
This avalanche is a nice car however, it is a 2009. I realize that there arent going to be any more of these and that this is a great truck. I love them. Right now, Im trying to get enough money together to buy another one. Im having a little trouble though because of the prices for an older truck. When I do though, someone around here who has one will be hearing from me.Sep 16, 2020
by Jim H
Mar 03, 2015
a lot of lockable storage, great in the winter driving on the snow
terrible fuel economy even with the variable valve timing 5.3 engine
very nice comfortable ride, great for taking trips on highway and could never do without the factory navigationMar 03, 2015
by Justin W
Feb 05, 2015
Great all around suv. Go anywhere in style with the convenience of a small pickup truck bed. The DVDs keep the kids quiet and the navigational gps gets you to your destination with ease. I don't feel like I'm driving a large vehicle on the road.Feb 05, 2015
by Anonymous
Mar 24, 2013
This has hands done been myfavorite truck that I have had. The ride and room in the truck are second to none. I would recommend this truck to anyone looking for a high end riding truck with great towing capacity.Mar 24, 2013
by Anonymous
Feb 17, 2013
Ive done this review twice already so I'm not sure why it keeps asking for another. Bottomline, this truck is loads of fun. Forjust about any occasion. You have the comfort if a large cabin or truck bed if you need to do any work-and you can look good in it while doing the work! Feb 17, 2013
by Greg B
Nov 27, 2012
*** Update (6-24-13) ***
6 - 7 months into driving the Avalanche and I'm still all smiles. Next year, we may get bulk mulch and just fill the bed with a front-loader scoop, but this year we went the bagged route; with the mid-gate up, I fit 30 bags in the bed.
This last weekend, I went to Home Depot to pick-up some plywood for my son's club-house. I put the mid-gate down and all 6 sheets of plywood easily slid into the bed. I even managed to put a 2x4x10 in there!! Granted, the 2x4x10 would either have had to rested on the top of the closed tail-gate or on the arm-rest; given the way traffic is in the DC / Northern VA area, I opted for the arm rest. 2x4x8s fit in w/o a problem, right on top of the plywood. Didn't have to tie anything down, just closed the tailgate and drove home at 50 mph (posted speed is 50).
The only minor issue that we're seeing, is when we take family trips with the dog. We have an 11 - 12 year old Black Lab (Graying Lab) who is a part of the family and has his own back-seat next to our son. In the 2003 Montero Sport (what the Avalanche replaced), Jasper (the dog) could easily curl-up and sleep / rest during the family trips. However, in the Avalanche, the back seats appear to be a bit narrower than in the Montero, so we normally put a cooler or our son's air mattress between the front seat and back seat (where one's feet / legs would be) and that has worked well. Again, not a major complaint, just something that I wasn't expecting given the truck's size and comfort. Jasper is ~65 - 70 pounds, Black Lab mix --- a larger dog may need to be crated in the bed, have the 60-section of the split back-seat folded down, or have a cooler or some other sturdy object in the gap between front & rear seats for front paws and snout to rest.
After reading through the other reviews here, I saw a comment about the breaks and rotors on the 20 - 22" wheels. I think that will be my first big upgrade for the truck. She stops well enough, but feels spongy at times and I'd like to feel like the breaks respond when I push on the break pedal. It's not horrible, but now that I've seen the comment, it is something that I can think back on and notice.
The air dam on the front bumper needs to be trimmed. I saw a nice Tahoe with the air dam trimmed to the same height as the mounting tabs, which looked really nice! The bumper looked finished and he gained ground clearance. It's so odd to hear the air dam grind when parking and my wife's Kia Sorento handles the same spot w/ease. Again, very minor complaint.
Parking in the tight-spots of a city can be a bear. I don't even bother trying to parallel park; although the rear-view camera is a big aid for parking.
Daily commuting isn't bad. I average ~15 mpg on the daily commute. My one complaint is that it's easy to lose sight of a smaller car or SUV when trying to merge. But, I had the same issue with a Dodge Ram and F-150 that I drove for a while (rented, tested, didn't own). Give yourself time to merge and notify the other drivers that your big-ole truck is going "right there" so they don't try to fit in first.
Long trips have been comfortable. So far, 4.5 - 5.5 hours is our longest trip. We have an 8 hour trip to Myrtle this summer. We'll see how gas mileage and ride comfort is on that trip. So far, on the trips from DC to Pittsburgh and DC to Lancaster, the truck has handled well. Accelerates through traffic w/o a problem. Cruise control is great. Mileage hovers in the 18 - 21 MPG range, up from 12 - 15 in city.
Ride height is good. I may install the 2" leveling spacers to bring the nose up. Between that and trimming the air dam, ground clearance shouldn't be an issue.
Getting into the front seats isn't an issue. My 8 year old son can get into the back seats fairly well. Although, the rear door is a bit heavy for him; he tries, but sometimes just waits for the door to be opened or closed if he can't get it to move easily. My 60 - 65 year old mother-in-law and mom are able to get into the back seats, thanks to the running boards. However, an extra, portable, step may be in their future, so that they can readily get to the running board w/o feeling like it's an uncomfortable step to take.
All-in-all, I'm very happy with this truck. My wife doesn't like parking it, but has driven it on occasion and feels comfortable doing so. It's considerably larger than her Sorento, but she handles the truck well. Not her choice for a daily driver, but if she needs to take the truck for a local trip or relieve me for a spell while driving on a long trip, she feels comfortable enough with the handling of the truck to do so.
***Original thoughts***
What more can I say? I haven't stopped smiling since the dealer gave me the key, almost a month ago. Power isn't an issue with this truck; foot's on the gas, we're going THAT WAY!
The ride is surprisingly smooth for a truck. I'm used to the old style, ga-dang, ga-dang, ga-dang ride-quality (then again, I did learn how to drive on Central PA farm roads....), but this truck is nice and smooth. My wife couldn't read in the car before, but she said that the ride was so smooth that she could read during the entire 300+ mile trip for Thanksgiving.
The rear seats are quite comfortable. I climbed back there to make sure that my friends and colleagues could fit in the back. Likewise, as my son continues to grow, that he'll fit back there too as he gets older.
The mid-gate is easy to put down. Even thought I've only owned the truck for a month, I've already had the mid-gate down to carry a 12' board home from Home Depot. I didn't have to tie it to the roof or anything. It rested on the dash a little bit, but I fit a 12' board in my truck!!
The rubberized mat in the bed is nice. Stuff does not slide around back there.
I can't really think of anything that I don't like about the truck. It's big...it barely fits in my garage, but it fits. I don't think that a 2500 would have fit, though. But, we have a shed, so I can fit some of my garage "toys" in the shed or basement...truck fits; happy camper :).
I keep up with traffic on the PA Turnpike, I-70 & 270 in MD, 495 in the DC area. I had no problem climbing the mountains near Breezewood, PA, coming up from MD on 70. I haven't tried 68, yet nor Skyline Drive, but those should be fun with this truck too.
I haven't had need to use the 4-wheel drive yet. But, from the sounds of it, I may need the 4x4 option this January.
The little black air dam on the front bumper is about ready to be removed, before it gets torn off. I think that I have great ground clearance and then hear that plastic piece drag against something. If I'm out w/my friend's Jeep, I'm sure that the plastic piece will need to be removed before the terrain removes it for me.Nov 27, 2012
by Rod S
Nov 25, 2011
Factory rotors not enough for 22" wheels. Needs some technical upgrades, better navigation, iPhone integration, and more power. It is fun to drive. Gets a lot of attention.My second one, seats tend to wear, door armrests not comfortable. My 2006 had more small storage spaces than the 2009. 6.2L should be option. Friggin black plastic trim on bed fades. Hard to keep up.
Nov 25, 2011
by Patrick D
Sep 12, 2010
366cid (6.0l) vortec max engine, 370hp
2 wheel, 4 wheel & auto 4 wheel drive, 6 speed trans
cylinder deactivation, 8 to 4
best gas mileage in class
cheap to maintain compared to imports, fun to drive, this is my 2nd AVALANCHE!Sep 12, 2010
by Vincent B
Apr 15, 2010
Build Quality: So far so good...
Car Comparisons: The GMC Denali, Chevy Silverado, and the Dodge 2500. It kinda a little of the best from each...
Performance: Definitely not a real strong handler but I figured that being it sits on 20's. No real complaints.
More About My Car: It get crap for gas mileage...only real issue with it.. Apr 15, 2010
by Kevin J
Nov 30, 2009
nice and good and mud tires but won change i love it because it is bad to the bone tag bad avalanche good speed good bars on the side and the bed and big mufflers with big lites on the top and needs to be mud riding Nov 30, 2009
by Logan L
Jul 31, 2009
its awesome.. it has a back up sensor and camera and xm radio.. it has onstar, gps, heated and cooled seats and alot of other kool stuff. it was $50,000 but it is totally worth it.. it has good gas mileage and it is very fun to drive..Jul 31, 2009
by Samantha R
Jan 18, 2009
The build of it is going to be kick ass! The colour will be a royal sparkling blue like the old avalanche we use to own. Its going to have On Star, Bush bar, Sun roof, Black leather seats, AC, a loud speaker system so i can crank my music, AND its going to smell SOOOOOO good just because im going to have coconut air freshners in it that smell so good. Jan 18, 2009
by Mark P
Sep 13, 2008
Absolutly Solid GM Truck...Rides Better than any Truck on the market. Powerful, efficient and luxurious.
Recommend to anyone who has a need for a pick up truck but also wants a vehicle for luxury and a cool image.
Opt for the smooth ride suspension and 20" wheel package if it is in the budget.Sep 13, 2008
I have 08 4 wheel drive avalanche wreaked bent frame bad but also have a09 avalanche 2 wheel drive good frame evening on frame is good so I traded frames wiring harness on 2 wheel frame and engine only one big black plug on wiring harness is different then one going into the cab guess the dash
I have a 2009 Chevy Avalanche that I purchases, used, in October 2012. The truck runs great, looks good and has handled well in the limited snow we've had in the DC-Metro Area. Plus, the truck keeps up w/traffic on 495 w/o a problem. Gas mileage is right where I expected it to be, in the 15/21 range. However, I can't help but wonder if the claims of increased gas mileage for an air intake or cat back system would be worth the investment. I plan to have the truck for the next 5 - 6 years (6 year loan); the Monstero was in my garage for 10 years. So, hopefully, I'd be able to see a nice Return On Investment (ROI). Looking through the various sites and videos, it looks like I could install the air intake in my garage. However, I would need to drop the truck and parts off at my local mechanic's to have the cat back removed / installed. Have any of you, or those you know, added either after market option? If so, did you / they see a nice ROI? Getting 16/22 to 17/23 with the intake would be nice (extra 30 - 60 miles / tank, if I'm doing my math right). According to the various parts sites, similar gains could be seen with the cat back (not sure if the mileage benefits stack, though). An added bonus, if you will, from what I've read is that the truck gets a nice sound to it...beefier, if you will. Many thanks, in advance, for your insight and input. It's very much appreciated.
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Auxiliary audio input: jack · Rear headphone jacks · Wireless headphones · In-Dash Single CD/DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Bose premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · XM with NavTraffic satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Auxiliary audio input: jack · Rear headphone jacks · Wireless headphones · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Bose premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · XM with NavTraffic satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Auxiliary audio input: jack · Rear headphone jacks · Wireless headphones · In-Dash Single CD/DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · XM with NavTraffic satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Center console trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: storage organizer · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.08 · Locking differential: rear
Engine
Alternator: 145 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: polished aluminum · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Lower body step rails: power-retractable · Mirror color: chrome · Pickup tonneau cover: hard · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: folding midgate · Running boards: chrome
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: rear · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low oil level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Auto on
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rails: black · Sunroof: power glass
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: perforated
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Air Suspension: rear · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Axle Ratio: 3.42 · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Auxiliary audio input: jack · Rear headphone jacks · Wireless headphones · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · XM with NavTraffic satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 10