2011 Chevrolet Avalanche: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche is that navigation became standard on LS and LT. Otherwise, it is a lightly updated carryover with a few trim-specific equipment and appearance changes.
About the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche
2nd generation (2007-2013), late-cycle year without a redesign or major refresh.
Chevrolet positions the Avalanche as a full-size crew-cab truck for buyers who want SUV-like comfort and enclosed-cabin flexibility without giving up open-bed utility. Its defining feature is the fold-down Midgate, which turns the short bed into a much longer cargo area when needed. That makes the Avalanche stand out from ordinary pickups: it suits families, towing, weekend projects, and bulky gear better than a typical truck while feeling more like a large SUV on the road.
The LS delivers the core Avalanche formula: a 5.3-liter V8, a fold-down Midgate that extends the cargo area into the cabin, and lockable bedside storage. The LT adds everyday conveniences such as rear parking sensors, automatic climate control, remote start, and Bose audio. The upscale LTZ pairs heated and ventilated leather front seats with a smoother adaptive suspension, a rearview camera, navigation, and Bose surround-sound audio.
What changed, by category
2011 Chevrolet Avalanche specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel |
| MPG City | 15 mpg | 15 mpg | 15 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg |
| Horsepower | 320 hp | 320 hp | 320 hp |
| Torque | 335 lb-ft | 335 lb-ft | 335 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 8000 lb | 8000 lb | 8000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 45.5 cu-ft | 45.5 cu-ft | 45.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.1 in | 39.1 in | 39.1 in |
| Seats | 6 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Power Side Steps | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Video Input | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Cooled Seats | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Power Adjustable Pedals | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Tilt Wheel | |||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche redesigned?
No. The 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche carried over the same second-generation body, Midgate cargo layout, engine, and transmission. Its updates were limited to trim-specific equipment, exterior colors, and small appearance changes.
What is the biggest change to the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche?
The biggest change is that navigation became standard on both the LS and LT. Other updates included more standard equipment, new exterior colors, and a four-wheel-drive hardware upgrade for the LTZ.
What changed on the 2011 Avalanche LS?
The 2011 Avalanche LS gained standard navigation, Bluetooth, roof rails, and body-color outside mirrors. Its 5.3-liter V8, six-speed automatic, and fold-down Midgate carried over.
What changed on the 2011 Avalanche LT?
The 2011 Avalanche LT gained standard navigation, roof rails, and leather seats. It retained the same 5.3-liter V8 and six-speed automatic as the previous year.
Did the 2011 Avalanche get a new engine or transmission?
No. Every 2011 Avalanche retained the 5.3-liter flex-fuel V8 and six-speed automatic. The drivetrain-related change was a standard two-speed transfer case on four-wheel-drive LTZ models, adding low-range gearing.