Chevrolet Avalanche

It's also quiet, rides comfortably and the optional rearview camera system greatly improves outward visibility to compensate for a very large rear blind zone. The versatile cargo area has a watertight three-piece cover and two locking bins on the sides. The rear window can be removed and stored in a compartment on the midgate for taller items or left in place along with the bed cover for weather protection. This modular system provides several options, but in practice is fussy to use. The rear window is somewhat heavy, and both rear seats have to be folded in four steps to move either the midgate or the rear window. Model year 2013 was its last.

This feature allows the Avalanche to accommodate a variety of different passenger and cargo loads. Fussing with all those pieces, however, can be a chore. Based on the Suburban, the Avalanche uses that model's 5.3-liter V8, which provides impressive acceleration, though it isn't economical. The ride is commendably comfortable and quiet for a truck.