DecodedCars2006 Chevrolet Avalanche
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 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)
- 14 combined · 13 city / 17 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 14 MPG combined, 23% below the 2006 SUV - average of 18.3 MPG.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 9 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 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 14 MPG combined (13 city / 17 highway), 23% worse than the 2006 SUV - average of 18.3 MPG, for an estimated $4,800 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2006
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2005 Avalanche — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Avalanche →
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 / 17 / 14 | -23% | $4,800 | 635 |
| Avalanche 1500 4WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | -18% | $4,800 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche (this car) | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser | 13 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2006 Chevrolet Suburban | 15 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Subaru Legacy/Outback | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Subaru Tribeca | 18 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2006 Mercury Mariner | 27 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2006 Mercury Mountaineer | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Service Brakes — 10 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Power Train — 9 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 5 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 128,000 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 2006 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 |
| 2005 Avalanche | 15 | 221.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 35 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →