2009 Chevrolet Avalanche: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche is a six-speed automatic transmission across the lineup. This is a useful feature update rather than a redesign, with standard Bluetooth and several smaller trim and drivetrain changes.
About the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche
2nd generation (2007-2013), third model year; feature-update year with no redesign.
Chevrolet positioned the Avalanche as a full-size truck for people who wanted pickup usefulness without giving up the comfort and enclosed-cabin flexibility of a large SUV. Its signature Midgate lets the cabin and bed work together in a way ordinary crew-cab pickups cannot, and the ride is smoother and quieter than many traditional trucks of the period. For most buyers, the Avalanche’s appeal is simple: one vehicle that can haul people, tow, and carry bulky cargo without feeling like a stripped-down work truck.
The 2009 Avalanche combines a roomy cabin and full-size truck capability with a Midgate that opens the passenger area into the cargo bed. LS emphasizes basic utility and a six-person cabin, LT adds more everyday comfort, and LTZ brings heated and cooled leather seats, an adaptive suspension, and a Bose surround-sound system.
What changed, by category
2009 Chevrolet Avalanche specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 5.3 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter | V8, 5.3 Liter / V8, 6.0 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter | V8, 5.3 Liter / V8, 6.0 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | 2WD | 2WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel |
| MPG City | 14 mpg | 14 mpg | 14 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 20 mpg | 19–20 mpg | 19–20 mpg |
| Horsepower | 310 hp | 310–366 hp | 310–366 hp |
| Torque | 335 lb-ft | 335–376 lb-ft | 335–376 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 7900 lb | 7900 lb | 7900 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 101 cu-ft | 101 cu-ft | 101 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.1 in | 39.1 in | 39.1 in |
| Seats | 6 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Power Side Steps | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| Video Input | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Cooled Seats | |||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Memory Pedals | |||
| Power Adjustable Pedals | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Tilt Wheel | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche?
The biggest change is the switch to a six-speed automatic transmission on every 2009 Avalanche. Bluetooth also becomes standard throughout the lineup.
Was the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche redesigned?
No, the 2009 Avalanche was not redesigned. It remains part of the second generation introduced for 2007 and receives feature, drivetrain, and trim updates instead.
Does every 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche have Bluetooth?
Yes, Bluetooth phone connectivity is standard on every 2009 Avalanche trim, including LS, LT, and LTZ.
How is the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche different from the 2008 model?
The 2009 Avalanche gets a six-speed automatic across the lineup, standard Bluetooth, and a taller 3.08 rear axle on many rear-wheel-drive versions. These are practical updates, but the underlying body and chassis do not change.
What distinguishes the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche LTZ?
The 2009 LTZ is the luxury-focused Avalanche. Its notable equipment includes heated and cooled leather front seats, an adaptive suspension with rear load leveling, Bose surround sound, rear parking sensors, and remote start.