CHANGES FOR 2013: - Black Diamond Avalanche badge featured on all models - Exterior colour: Fairway Metallic (late availability) - Heated seats kit (dealer-installed) - Powertain grade braking in normal transmission mode - LS models add a rear camera, rear park assist, power adjustable pedals, fog lamps and remote start as standard equipment - LT models add a standard rear camera It looks like 2013 will mark the Avalanche's swan song – a shame, because this is a truly innovative vehicle, with a pickup bed that is both weatherproof and can be accessed from inside the passenger cabin. The addition of standard features in LS (backup camera, rear park assist, adjustable pedals) and LT models add value, and all get the same engine braking transmission feature added to GM's other large trucks. For all that GM charges a lot for what is essentially a Silverado with a different body, we'll be sad to the see the super-versatile Avalanche disappear. The Avalanche is rated as a one-ton crew cab truck. The LS and LT trim levels come in two- or four-wheel drive, while the LTZ is 4WD only. Also the basis for the Cadillac Escalade EXT, the Avalanche uses a “Midgate” between the cabin and box. It opens to extend the cargo bed length from 1600 mm to 2500 mm. The cargo box also contains lockable storage compartments with drains. Features on the LS include 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone manual air conditioning, assist steps, three-piece composite stowable tonneau cover, rubber cargo mat, privacy glass, heated mirrors, front recovery hooks, variable intermittent wipers, cruise control, floor mats, driver information centre, tire pressure monitoring system, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, power windows with driver’s express down, 20/40/20 cloth seat with six-way power driver’s adjustment, second-row 60/40 split-folding seat, CD/MP3 stereo with USB connector, XM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, trailer tow package, power locks with keyless entry, automatic headlamps, OnStar, theft deterrent system, a rear camera, rear park assist, power adjustable pedals, fog lamps and remote start. The LT adds dual-zone automatic climate control, centre console, heavy-duty locking differential, rear seat audio controls and headphone jacks, cloth bucket seats with six-way power driver’s adjustment, colour-keyed door handles, and OnStar with Turn by Turn Navigation. The LTZ adds 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, chrome door handles, bright chrome grille mesh insert, power-folding mirrors with driver’s side auto-dimming, reverse tip-down and integrated turn signals, roof rails and crossbars, heated washer fluid system, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming rearview mirror, garage door opener, heated and cooled perforated leather twelve-way power seats, driver’s side memory, six-CD/MP3 stereo, Bose premium seven-speaker system, and AutoRide air assist suspension with rear auto-level control.
