Will Avalanche get XFE or 6 speed?

[igor]

With the Silverado/Sierra and Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon getting the XFE treatment, will Avalanche get the option too?

Will non XFE GMT900's (Avalanche) get the 6speed transmissions too?

Me and my better half are considering a replacement for an aging (but still reliable and dependable) Expedition.

For now we are stuck between two truck choices - Ranger 4 door (a Mexican model) and Avalanche. The choice is between practical/prudent (Ranger) v. spoiled/decadent (Avalanche)

Of course, our concern is mileage. We love the Avanche - it is pretty in and out, but 14/20. while class leading pales compared to the Ranger . The I4 / manual (only combo available on the 4 door) gets 21/26mpg. So any improvement in the Availanche mileage - even 15/21 would start tipping the scales. The reason the Expy is under cut-consideration is that in its old age, it only got some 14mpg highway .... and as a result, it was used only in when unavoidable - towing a trailer - hauling large objects etc - and otherwise sat idle. We want a truck, but want one we will be OK driving on a regular basis - to the beach, to family .. etc ..

Thanks

Igor

[mbukukanyau]

I thought you died. I do not see you much anymore

[likearock00]

I believe the Avalanche gets standard 6-speeds as of 2009. I don't know about an XFE model. If you keep your foot from being too heavy on an Av you'll get better mileage than GM admits. My truck has done better than expected mileage since I bought it.

[MrCritical]

Being as how the 6 speed was advertised as a mid '07 year model change across the board for C/K vehicles, I think '09 would be an excellent time to finally add it.

[t-rex]

I wish that goofy eyesore would the axe...

[likearock00]

Originally Posted by t-rex

I wish that goofy eyesore would the axe...

What?? That is an awesome truck that I would love to have instead of my crew cab. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but it is extremely versatile. I just wish I could afford one. When they first came out, I found one for $25k. I looked at one just yesterday with an MSRP of $50k+!

Way overpriced, but an awesome truck.

[PAULSTS1]

The Avalance is one of my favorite GM designs. Since the 2nd year of production, the plastic cladding was a opt-out option (I didn't like it) it made the truck more aerodynamic with the wind buffeting cladding removed.

I have a friend with one he gets 14 mpg in the city and about 23 Hwy, not bad for a big V8 of that size. And guess what, it's fun to drive as well!

[Navymac]

The 6 speed is standard on all of the 2009 avalanches.

Blue tooth is new for '09 and std as well.

[MrCritical]

The 6 speed was supposed to be standard equipment in the new truck mid 2007 model year. The 4 speed auto was supposed to be bye-bye.

Now I look on www.fueleconomy.gov and still see it in 2009.

[igor]

Originally Posted by mbukukanyau

I thought you died. I do not see you much anymore

i am on sabbatical from my automotive interest ... I was in europe for over a month and now am moving ....well I moved and am settling in .. I should be back online in early September ...

Igor

[igor]

thanks for the responses ...well it seems the 14/20 rating is the 2009+ 6speed rating .. ... but I will keep my eye on it ..


the Expy is in a decent shape for a truck that moved us from Texas to Ohio, back to Texas, from Texas to Pennsylvania, and again back to Texas (and has almost 200k miles on it) ... however as we would like something we will not be afraid to drive ....

Igor

[ADI RIDES]

2007 Avalanche With Gm Air Box And Gm Performanace Exhaust..in Houston Traffic With 65,000 Miles., And 22 Wheels..i'm Averaging 16.5 Mpg...straight Hwy @ 70 Mph 21mpg..

[Navymac]

Originally Posted by igor

thanks for the responses ...well it seems the 14/20 rating is the 2009+ 6speed rating .. ... but I will keep my eye on it ..


Igor

the 14/20 is with the 4 spd on the '08. I'd be very surprised if it doesn't increase with the new tranny but stranger things have happened...

I average 16.3 in town, 17.1 when I'm nice to it, 15.8 or so when I'm beating on it.

[member12]

I just want to put this out there: Gas has dropped about $0.60/gallon this week while I was in Ashville, NC.

Just something to consider when trading down for gas mileage.

[igor]

Originally Posted by member12

I just want to put this out there: Gas has dropped about $0.60/gallon this week while I was in Ashville, NC.

Just something to consider when trading down for gas mileage.

well we are not trading down for mileage .... we are replacing an old truck .. and even if gas is back to $2 (which it will not be) the 14mpg to 20mpg jump will be coniderable ... we are lookin to have something newer gain (primary reason for this discussion) - the mileage part is: do we get the av or the Ranger .. I personally root for the Ranger, but it will be my GF's car .. so it is her call .. it was also her call to rule out SUV's and Crossovers - she really likes having a truck ... so we settled on a 4 door truck ..Explorer SportTrack got kicked off cause she does not like it .. and she does not really want "just a 4 door" Sinverado or F150 ... again her decision

we are at least a year from buying ... so many things can change .. but as a Ford guy (and she is a Ford girl) I found myself lacking confidence in talking abut the Av ... so I am trying to brush up and get better information.

Igor