Sierra Vs. Avalanche

[AlaskanSilverado07]

Keep in the mind the 2011 and 2012 Avalanches are much better than the old body clad versions. Plus, if you get them with rear backup camera you can easilly see when you're hooking up to a trailer. I have owned Silverados for years and recently traded by 2009 for a 2011 Avalanche simply because I've gottent to the age where I don't use the bed all that often and having the ability to secure something in the Avalanche bed was what I needed.

 

As for the Silverado owners - and remember I have been one for years - how many times have you used the bed of your pickup? Most Americans never use them as evidenced by the very, very shiny paint in the bed of three, four and five year old pickups.

 

So, for some of us it makes more sense to have the Avalanche. Towing - No problem but if I wanted to tow a very heavy trailer I'd own a 2500 or 3500 with a Duramax. As for water leaks - zero. As for problems with the midgate - zero. As for problems with oil consumption - I have the 5.3L with AFM and all lines (Silverado, Avalanche, Suburban, Sierrra, etc) with that engine seem to be having oil consumption issues.

 

To each their own and that is was makes GM great in that we have options - Sierra, Silverado, Avalanche, etc.

[Carder09]

I almost got me an 06 Avalanche but bought my current instead, even though my truck bed has a spray on liner its all chipped up lol, I use my bed most in spring summer and early fall for the dirt bike and such but other than that, it stays covered.

[Vince Bissonnette]

I was looking at the Avalanche when I considering buying my Silverado. A lot of good comments here, but to me, one of the biggest factors here, as someone has already mentioned was value. Silverado, is much less expensive. Also depending on your needs the Silverado has much more capability, if you are going to use your truck, well , as a truck

[condition1kimber]

I actually have both. Wifey's ride is a 2009 Avalanche LS and mine is a 2010 Sierra 1500 Crew SLE. Same engine and trans in both. I really like the Avalanche. We haven't had any issues whatsoever with leakage or noises. I have a Truxedo low pro qt on my pickup and the locking tailgate handle, but I prefer to take her rig hunting/shooting. It's a more comfortable ride, and is a lot more secure and convenient for those kind of trips. I actually like the Avy better in some ways. The only inconvenience I have is taking off the bed cover sections and storing them when needed. The truxedo on my pickup rolls up easy, but that comes at the price of security.

 

I wouldn't mind having an Avalanche for my one and only rig. I do have the luxury of a 6x12 enclosed trailer for the rare times I haul bulky things.

 

We had a 2007 Tahoe LTZ before my Sierra, but it had to go since I got stationed in SD and it was 2wd. Both the Avy and Sierra have more room in the back seat. It's something I came to appreciate after having to use a rear facing child seat (wich was the downfall of my 06 Silverado EXT/SB Z71). The Avalanche rides and drives the same as the Tahoe, it's just a hair longer. My crew cab, 5.5' bed Sierra is a bit longer than momma's Avy.

 

I don't think you could go terribly wrong either way.

[LT1MCSS]

I know this a really old thread but since its been bumped into the top I will chime in. I have been in the same situation. I have been looking at getting a 2009-2010 Avalanche or Sierra Crew Cab. I don't mind the Silverado crew cab I just think the Sierra's look better. I have had an extended cab silverado for years and I rarely use the back seat or the bed. A Tahoe probably would be my best choice I just prefer the look of the trucks better.

 

I decided on the Avalanche basically because I think it will be the best of both worlds imo. I can have a full size back seat, still have a bed I can put stuff in, and a comfortable suspension. I haven't gotten anything yet so that may still change. I'm hoping I can find a truck in the spring.

[amf232]

I think the Caddy EXT would be my choice. That way

I would get to keep my 6.2!!

[LT1MCSS]

I think the Caddy EXT would be my choice. That way

I would get to keep my 6.2!!

 

 

The Caddy is nice for sure but it doesn't really fit what the OP was asking about. Reading through the post a lot of people picked the Sierra over the Avi simply due to cost. Everything about the EXT is going to cost more than even an Avalanche. It costs more to buy, more to insure, its AWD and has the 6.2L so its going to get worse gas mileage, and the fact you have to run 93 octane. They are nice trucks for sure but are out of the range of the average Joe. That's kind of where the LTZ comes in even more so 2 or 3 years old.

[SouthCo]

My buddy has a '09 Avalanche and I think it looks nice. I like the gmt900 ones that have the suburban/tahoe front end. I was reading truck trend and it said the Avalanche is being dropped with the next generation of trucks/suvs (2014 model year I believe). I was surprised to read that being that I see quite a few around here.

[slapshot]

I've owned both. The only thing I liked better about the 'Lanche is the mid gate and the ability to fold it down to longer loads (wood, etc). It was nice being able to lock the bed without buying an expensive hard bed cover. The downsides are they are known for leaky seals and plastic trim issues. Mine had no leaks, but the gray plastic cladding faded very quickly. The dealer repainted it with some special paint an it looked decent until I traded it in. Overall, I prefer the full size pickup crew cabs.