DecodedCars2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 1500 P/U Crewcab S/Box 2WD, 1500 P/U Crewcab S/Box 4WD, 2500 P/Ucrewcab S/Box 2WD, 2500 P/Ucrewcab S/Box 4WD
- Engines
- 5.3L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- FFV
- MPG (best)
- 15 combined · 13 city / 18 hwy
- Length
- 221.7 in
- Curb weight
- 5,437–6,643 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 15 MPG combined, 17% below the 2005 SUV - average of 18 MPG.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 9 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche is a SUV - offered with a 5.3L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 222 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 130-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,437 lb (1500 P/U Crewcab S/Box 2WD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 15 MPG combined (13 city / 18 highway), 17% worse than the 2005 SUV - average of 18 MPG, for an estimated $4,450 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 35 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1500 P/U Crewcab S/Box 2WD | 221.7 in | 79.1 in | 73.2 in | 130.3 in | 65.4 / 66.1 in | 5,437 lb | 52/48 |
| 1500 P/U Crewcab S/Box 4WD | 221.7 in | 79.1 in | 74.4 in | 130.3 in | 65.4 / 66.1 in | 5,679 lb | 52/48 |
| 2500 P/Ucrewcab S/Box 2WD | 221.7 in | 79.1 in | 73.2 in | 130.3 in | 65.4 / 66.1 in | 6,356 lb | 55/45 |
| 2500 P/Ucrewcab S/Box 4WD | 221.7 in | 79.1 in | 74.4 in | 130.3 in | 65.4 / 66.1 in | 6,643 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avalanche 1500 2WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -17% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Avalanche 1500 4WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | -16% | $4,800 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche (this car) | 15 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser | 13 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2005 Chevrolet Suburban | 15 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Subaru Legacy/Outback | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Nissan Armada | 14 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2005 Mercury Mountaineer | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Mercury Mariner | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Service Brakes — 8 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Electrical System — 6 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 6 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 111,836 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Avalanche years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Avalanche | 17 | 218.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 108 |
| 2012 Avalanche | 17 | 218.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 45 |
| 2011 Avalanche | 17 | 218.1 in | Not rated | 5 | 138 |
| 2010 Avalanche | 17 | 218.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 108 |
| 2009 Avalanche | 16 | 218.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 83 |
| 2008 Avalanche | 16 | 218.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 237 |
| 2007 Avalanche | 16 | 218.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 368 |
| 2006 Avalanche | 14 | 221.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 27 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →