Avalanche vs 2500HD

Green_Machine · March 16, 2003

I have a 1994 GMC Sierra Z71 ext. cab with step side and am looking to get a newer vehicle. I have had good luck with my Sierra so probably stick to GM for my next purchase.

I am interested in what this forum has to say about what my next vehicle purchase should be, either an Avalanche or the 2001/2002 2500HD.

Thanks in advance for the advice!

lrymal · March 16, 2003

....I am interested in what this forum has to say about what my next vehicle purchase should be, either an Avalanche or the 2001/2002 2500HD.

I think that you'd need to figure out just what KIND of vehicle you need----pickup, or this part SUV, part pickup.

Green_Machine · March 17, 2003

Irymal

I would be happy with either because both come with a crew cab which is one of the features that i want.

The information i am interested in are the pros and cons of each vehicle.

I have read the reviews of these trucks but i want the down and dirty information from owners.

kshuart · March 17, 2003

I think you get more of a truck with the HD for less cost. I haven't really priced them out with equal options, but I think the Avalanche is more. My HD will pull more weight, has a bigger engine, and has a full size bed without any obstructions. If you put anything tall in the bed (motorcycle, fridge, etc), that mid-gate thing is kind of a pain. Now the flip side to all that is, the Avalanche will get 16-20 mpg (compared to 11-14 mpg) and from what I here it rides really nice. It might even be shorter than an HD too, if you have any garage constraints. Like lrymal said, you need to decide for yourself if you want a truck, or more of an SUV.

antig24 · March 17, 2003

It depends if you really need the ability of the 2500HD, since your considering the avy it doesn't sound like you really need the 2500HD. I wouldn't want to get a truck that is overkill for what I needed it for, it sounds like the 2500HD would be overkill for you so I'd go with the avalanche.

99silveradoz71 · March 17, 2003

I'd lean towards the HD just because I'm more truck oriented. You have to ask yourself what your usage would be, as well as your concerns. People or cargo? Daily driver? Gas mileage a concern(though on a truck or full-sized suv you're kind of throwing that out the window)

Greg · March 17, 2003

I faced the same decision when I bought the Avalanche in the fall of '01 and had the following thoughts back then. Advantages of the Avalanche: no need to buy bed cover, liner, etc; great ride; better mileage (2wd); shorter overall length when dealing with garages and parking; lot less expensive than Duramax/Allison that I feel is the best choice in the HD. Advantage of HD: Duramax/Alison; more dedicated pickup bed space; better looks; no doubts about the strength of midgate/window combination.

After 40K miles in the Avalanche, I like the ride, available space when needed, more compact size, 19 MPG, performance, no door dings and quicker to Zaino due to the cladding. I don't like the piston slap of the 5.3 and the creaking from the rear window.

Shaners · March 17, 2003

I think you get more of a truck with the HD for less cost. I haven't really priced them out with equal options, but I think the Avalanche is more. My HD will pull more weight, has a bigger engine, and has a full size bed without any obstructions. If you put anything tall in the bed (motorcycle, fridge, etc), that mid-gate thing is kind of a pain. Now the flip side to all that is, the Avalanche will get 16-20 mpg (compared to 11-14 mpg) and from what I here it rides really nice. It might even be shorter than an HD too, if you have any garage constraints. Like lrymal said, you need to decide for yourself if you want a truck, or more of an SUV.

I think this quote says it all...

If you are looking for a crewcab with decent towing capabillities, and the abillity to throw a few things in the back then the Avalanche is the way to go.

If you want to tow heavy loads or carry heavy loads, and if you don't care about MPG's or ride quality, then buy the HD CrewCab.

chevy4x4trucks · March 17, 2003

Well, for me it came down to wanting a crew cab, but not wanting the lenght of a short bed crew cab pickup. I wouldn't be able to fit it in my underground parking at work or in the garage at home so the AVY was the best alternative.

As far as tow ratings, if you want the best of both worlds get a 3/4 ton avy w/ 496 cubic inches of power

Green_Machine · March 17, 2003

Hey, thanks for the great responses. this is exactly the information i like to see.

I am still not totally decided.

I love the extra features on the Avalanche but I have driven my GMC Sierra for about 10 years now and it is hard to give up the look of the truck.

Thanks again.

silversport · March 19, 2003

You COULD get an Avalanche WBH (without body hardware) but the "Tupperware" makes the truck...Lovin' my Avalanche and never lookin' back...

:thumb:

:hail:

Green_Machine · March 24, 2003

Well, I guess I chose the best of both worlds. I found a great used Avalanche 2500 4X4 this past weekend.

The 8.1L engine is great and gets better milage than my 1994 GMC Sierra Z71.

I guess that I still like the look of the HD trucks a little more but the Avalanche is more of a family vehicle - Side Airbags are nice to have.

The only problem is that the Avalanche is Blue which doesn't fit my screen name.

Oh well - small price to pay.

I am now an Avalanche owner. :thumb:

chevy4x4trucks · March 24, 2003

I am now an Avalanche owner. :thumb:

Welcome to the club

antig24 · March 24, 2003

Congrats, any pics?

Shaners · March 25, 2003

Well, I guess I chose the best of both worlds. I found a great used Avalanche 2500 4X4 this past weekend.

The 8.1L engine is great and gets better milage than my 1994 GMC Sierra Z71.

I guess that I still like the look of the HD trucks a little more but the Avalanche is more of a family vehicle - Side Airbags are nice to have.

The only problem is that the Avalanche is Blue which doesn't fit my screen name.

Oh well - small price to pay.

I am now an Avalanche owner. :thumb:

Congrats on the new truck... My buddy has a 2500 Av, but if you want all the tips and tricks for the BigBlock Av, then you'll have to check in with Gandolphxx our high performance moderator. His 2500 Av is all modded up!!!