The new Chevrolet Avalanche isn’t terribly fast, but it is quick and agile. It enjoys all of the benefits of the latest GMT 900 light-truck architecture, and a new, shorter steering ratio improves response at every speed. The clunky plastic cladding of the previous model is gone, thank you very much, but pickup trucks of this type—be they Chevrolets, Hondas, or Cadillacs—are never going to win any prizes for their physical beauty. They are undeniably useful, however, and that usefulness has been enhanced in the new Avalanche with some really thoughtful design and development on the so-called Mid-gate—the removable three-piece partition that separates the cab’s interior from the bed.

The interior is far better looking than the exterior. In fact, the instrument panel and other important interior appointments would be right at home in a mid-range sedan. Front and rear seats are comfortable and relatively easy for driver and passengers to access, and there are no surprises among the small controls and switchgear. Any experienced driver will find everything just about where he or she expected it to be. Options include XM satellite radio, GPS navigation, and a reassuring rearview camera system for backing out of supermarket parking places.

The standard engine is the ubiquitous Chevy small-block V-8, in this case 5.3 liters working through a four-speed automatic box. The lovely 6.0-liter V-8 is available, but only in the full-boat LT3 and LTZ versions, which get pretty pricey—close to $40,000 to start. We liked the Avalanche a lot, and would recommend that anyone needing a combination pickup/four-door family hauler give it a look.