Avalanche 2WD or 4WD Recommendation?

alchymie · November 16, 2001

I'm considering buying an Avalanche, but am torn between the 2WD and the 4WD. Anyone have any opinions as to which one is best.

Does anyone know how the the 4WD handles versus the 2WD. Handling, ride, etc. on the highway and off.

I do most of my driving on the freeway, but wouldn't mind having the 4WD capability when needed. However if the ride is unacceptably stiff, or doesn't handle as well, it may not be suitable for commuting to work.

If they behave the same, I'll most likely get the 4WD model.

chevy4x4trucks · November 16, 2001

Without ever actually riding in one I'm going to have to guess that the ride would be pretty much the same. Most trucks 2 or 4wd will ride the same. Personally I'd go 4x4. It comes in handy and you know that if you don't get it a situation will arise when you wish you had it. Besides, it's easier to sell a 4wd than it is a 2wd (at least here in Wisconsin)

Shaners · November 16, 2001

Welcome to the forum alchymie...

From the people that I know that have bought a 4wd Avalanche they say the ride is great. It is much better than the 4wd '00 excab Chevy's they traded in. The 2 people I know that made this trade are still amazed at the ride quality!!!

The advantages of 4wd are the traction is there if you need it. And with 4wd it seems to help the sellabillity of the truck when you are ready to get rid of it.

However, 4wd will cost a bit more when you buy your truck (Avalanche), but the 4wd option actually will retain most of it's original cost over the life of the vehicle, so you will get that money back come time to trade or sell. Also 4wd may cause a little less mpg's, but over the highway I would think you should still get high teens... which is great for a vehicle as big as it is!!!

You should drive them both and then make up your mind, but if it were me I'd buy the 4wd. I rarely use 4wd in my truck, but I sure am glad it's there when I need it, and I know it will make my truck easier to get rid of when the time comes!!!

chevy4x4trucks · November 16, 2001

when you are talking about a 2wd are you thinking strictly 2wd or the 2wd Z66 on-road option. I really haven't heard much about that. In fact I've only seen one on the dealer's lot. Out of the 100 or so I've seen there was the one Z66, everything else has been a Z71

mrowe8 · November 16, 2001

I never even thought about the 2wd....(I guess I figured 4wd to compensate for my other lacks :0 ) But I can't imagine the 2wd could drive any nicer. I have had my Av for about a month and its awesome. Not quite the same sports car awesome as my accord coupe but more like a dreamy Town Car floating feeling. Sometimes you don't feel the road quite as much as you would like but it's better then being josseled all over like in the Dodge. If all that is holding you back is the ride then go 4wd you won't have any reason to complain about the ride.............it's smooooooothhhhhh.

alchymie · November 16, 2001

Thanks for the feedback. Actually I have recently driven both the 2WD and the 4WD. Albeit only a few city blocks near the dealership. (No highway driving.)

That's the rub, its difficult for me to form a firm opinion based on my limited experience.

Those who have owned the truck(s) for a month or two will have a better feel for how each one behaves.

Each test drive was performed at a different dealer so I couldn't drive them over the same route, making it difficult to distinguish the differences.

It seemed to me that the 4WD had a more truck-like feeling. I believe it sits up a bit higher as well. It also seemed to feel the bumps more. Interestingly the 2WD felt pretty nimble for a big truck. It rode pretty good. I drove the 2WD a little farther over more varied streets than the 4WD, so my impressions are a little more concrete regarding it.

Yes, I intend to take both out for a test drive again. I still would like to hear feedback from those who have lived with them. Hopefully I can make a more intelligent choice this way.

alchymie · November 16, 2001

mrowe8

You have the Z71 Avalanche, and you're happy with the ride? How about the handling? Is it sluggish or pretty responsive?

Some of the 4x4s I've been in means you have to feel every bump in the road. After awhile you feel like you've been beat up.

LarryE · November 17, 2001

2wd

brmiller · November 17, 2001

We have ~2000 miles on our Z71 Avalanche. At least 1800 of those were highway miles from the Willamette Valley in Oregon to the Central Valley in California and back. I-5 drove "real nice" on its maiden voyage, and we still averaged 18mpg. We didn't do any "off-roading" (except for my dad's gravel driveway ). This stretch of I-5 has several grades (some 6%) near the OR-CA border, and our Z71 4WD drove smooth, and the cruise control kept firm at whatever we set it to.

Yes, you sit high and don't always feel the road on the highway, but the times that I've driven in dirt or gravel, you can definitely feel where the tires are and about how much grip they have.

All in all, I'm satisfied. I can't wait to take it to the snow and mess around with the 4WD. My normal (dry weather) vehicle is a Nissan 240SX RWD sports coupe, and the Avalanche is a big change--stability in the wet, for sure, but of course not the handling I'm used to sitting 6" off the ground.

I say go for the 4WD--it only added $2-3k to the price (what is that, like ~10%?), and we figured it was worth it, even if we use it 1% of the mileage. Who knows, maybe we'll move to a more wintery climate someday...

I don't think you can go wrong with either Avalanche, though.

Brendan

2002 Chevrolet Avalanche Z71 Indigo Blue Metallic

1995 Nissan 240SX SE Blue Emerald

1988 Chevrolet Sprint (1.0L!) faded red

gandolphxx · November 17, 2001

I would go for the 2500 4x4 - real engine - great ride - what a truck is supposed to be - just got the K&N FIPK and Gibson cat back installed - waiting on Super Charger options - added real wheels - fun to drive. We own 3 4x4's, can't imagine anything else - you have to see the roads in Houston to understand - don't need to go to the hills.

Greg · November 17, 2001

I usually buy 2wd with limited slip because in pickups there is a definite difference in step-in height which is important in helping my wife transfer in from a wheelchair. With the Av though, that difference is less than an inch. 2WD will net a couple more MPG, less to go wrong drivetrain wise, and usually a better ride. Limited slip will handle most all of what I encounter here in southern Michigan. If not, I just stay home.

The point about resale and lack of depreciation in 4WD is very valid, especially here where 80% of the trucks are ordered with 4WD.

Bear · November 17, 2001

I have had my Av for just over 3 months now. The ride in my Z71 is much better than a Tohoe. In my first month they needed to do some work on my truck and the dealer loaned me a 2001 loaded Tohoe. In the day I had that truck the ride was much harsher than the Av. I have also taken a long road trip and found the ride as good as the car I had on the highway (95 Eagle Vision). Rougher roads are more noticeable, and do provide a more truck like ride. All in all, I wouldn't skip the 4x4 option. BTW the height on all Av's (2x4, 4x4, 1500, 2500) are the same 73.3. I find the 5.3 and 1500 more the enough in both power and load handling, but to each their own.

Bear

Stepside Z · November 17, 2001

I am not sure where you are from but being from Maine I will say this. You may only use 4WD 1% of the time but when you need it you need it. The frustration you save yourself will be well worth the extra money.

ScottS · November 17, 2001

I guess the answer will depend on your driving style and the terrain. I drive in snow up country going to and from Ambualnce Stations, and I get good use out of the 4x4. I find the ride as good as any car I have owned, and would certainly not hesitate the 4x4 on a ride basis.

The bigger question for me would be, do I want to pay for and maintain the extra driveline parts. If I might need them, as said above, even 1% of the time, for me it is worth it. But if you don't need it, then 2x might be ok for you.

Driving a 2500 4x4 and lovin' every minute of it!!

Scott

GManiac · November 17, 2001

My av has a smooooooth ride on the road. Haven't taken it offroad yet but soon. I mostly travel on sand when I go shorecasting so the 4wd comes in handy. I must say again the ride doesn't seem harsh.