2012 Chevrolet Avalanche LTZ

The 2012 Avalanche is Chevrolet's full-size pickup with a covered bed, so it hauls like a truck but keeps cargo secure and dry. It drives smoothly for a big truck, and owners say it turns surprisingly tight and feels steady on and off the road. The cabin is roomy and quiet, with a versatile midgate that folds down to carry long items while protecting them from the weather. Some owners note the plastic bed covers fade over time, and a few report cracked dashboards or a check engine light that comes on without cause. The LTZ is the top trim, so you get the luxury touches and upgraded interior over the LS and LT without giving up any capability. Under the hood is a 5.3L I8 making 320 horsepower, routed through a six-speed automatic and powering all four wheels. It rides on 20-inch wheels with a smoother suspension tune, so the LTZ feels more like a cushy SUV than a work truck.