2008 Chevrolet Avalanche LTZ

The Chevy Avalanche successfully combines the hauling capacity of a long-bed pickup with the comfort of a five-passenger SUV. We found it an innovative, well-designed vehicle, impressively executed. Avalanche switches roles via its ingenious Midgate, a removable rear bulkhead between the passenger compartment and the pickup bed. Along with a hard, tonneau-like bed cover, the Midgate allows the Avalanche to be configured as a Tahoe-sized sport utility with a five-foot pickup bed and comfortable, five-passenger seating. But fold down the rear seats and open the Midgate, and it's a pickup with an enclosed eight-foot bed, capable of securing valuable gear from thieves or shielding drywall from weather. Remove the rear glass and the tonneau panels and it's capable of hauling an ATV. Versatility is what makes the Avalanche so desirable. It also offers an 8,000-pound towing capacity, making it an excellent choice for pulling an enclosed car trailer or a fairly big boat. It's as long as a Chevy Suburban and can haul a lot of stuff, with payloads over 1,400 pounds and a bed designed for abuse.