Chevrolet Avalanche vs. Nissan Titan - Comparative Review

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The 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche

The Avalanche has a unique feature;  it switches roles via its ingenious Midgate.  This is a removable rear bulkhead between the passenger compartment and the pickup bed. Along with a hard, tonneau-like bed cover, the Midgate allows the Avalanche to be configured as a Tahoe-sized sport utility with a five-foot pickup bed and comfortable, five-passenger seating.  If you fold down the rear seats and open the Midgate, it's a pickup with an enclosed eight-foot bed, capable of securing valuable gear from thieves or shielding drywall from weather. Remove the rear glass and the tonneau panels and it's capable of hauling an ATV.  The reworked Avalanche is combined with better integrated driver-assist and entertainment features, and modernized mechanics. 

The Z71 Off-Road package is available on LT models with 2WD or 4WD. It includes heavy-duty springs, gas-charged shock absorbers, tow hooks, wheel flares, P265/65R18 on/off-road tires, skid plates, tubular assist steps, a high-capacity air cleaner, and unique exterior trim. Avalanche LS 2WD and LS 4WD are the entry-level models. Seats are cloth covered benches, front and rear. The rear seat splits 60/40. Other standard features include dual-zone air conditioning, the usual array of powered utilities, plus multi-media stereo with XM satellite radio, leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, front and rear carpeted floor mats, two auxiliary power outlets, ready-to-tow trailer setup and P265/70R17 all-season tires on 17-inch aluminum wheels. Options include a stereo upgrade adding an in-dash, six-CD changer; luggage rack and cross rails, auto-lock rear differential,  tow-friendly 4.10:1 rear axle ratio, an engine-block heater, transmission oil cooler, and white-letter-highlighted tires. Avalanche LT 2WD  and 4WD feature an upgraded interior with cloth bucket seats, OnStar with Directions & Connections navigation service, a center console, and rear-seat audio controls with dual headphone jacks. Halogen fog lamps are standard. A front bench seat is a no-cost option. The Chevy Avalanche is a true truck at heart, and it is big at that. Since 2008, the standard 40/20/40 front bench seat incorporates some storage in its center section as well. Front door panels have hard-plastic fixed map pockets with molded-in can holders. The ride and handling of the current Avalanche is a huge improvement over the pre-2007 models. The engines deliver adequate acceleration.  The 5.3-liter iron-block V8 is rated 320 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque.  The 2008 Chevy Avalanche is a superb truck when it comes to flexibility for hauling cargo and people, and has the ability to serve many purposes.

The 2008 Nissan Titan

The Nissan Titan was redesigned in 2008 with an interior that is at more attractive and user-friendly. Because of the huge engine, the Titan leans to the sporty and heavy-user ends of the pickup truck spectrum. There are more than 25 variants are available.  There are the King and Crew cabs, short or long bed wheelbases, two- and four-wheel drive, and four trim levels: XE, SE, Pro-4X, LE.  These can go in almost any combination with these exceptions: The Pro-4X model is 4WD only and the King Cab Pro-4X is short wheelbase only. The base XE model is focused on function and includes cloth seating for six, active front head restraints, full instrumentation, cruise control, and on Crew Cabs, power windows and door locks. 

The more popular SE models add alloy wheels, upholstery upgrades, a CD changer, heated power mirrors, and conveniences such as remote keyless entry and illuminated visor mirrors. Luxury characterizes the LE model, which runs 20-inch wheels, fog lamps, leather power seats, a 350-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system, dual-zone climate control, power adjustable pedals, and chrome power folding heated mirrors. 

All Titans except the XE offer a front side/side curtain/roll-sensing stability control option package. SE and Pro-4X have the most choices, from spray-in bedliner to seat choices, while navigation is reserved for Pro-4X and LE trucks.  A new center dash section for 2008 combines audio, climate, navigation, and switching duty: tow mode, VDC off, or diff lock. This new setup looks better than in previous models and more easily handles extras like the dual-zone climate control on LE models. All controls are easy and sensibly arranged.  With deep bins in the center console and smaller ones along the sides, big door and seatback pockets, and generous cup holders, there is plenty of organizational storage. Titans can be equipped with a six-person bench seat interior or with captain's chairs in front for a five-seat capacity.  The Titan has always performed well in pickup brake tests, and it is known for safety and durability.  The 2008 Nissan Titan adds long bed models to the mix and more refinement, but continues to stay true to its original design highlights.  Titan offers a robust powertrain with responsive acceleration. Additional information is available on the 2008 Titan.

Conclusions

The Chevy Avalanche is a unique truck/ SUV that is well-designed throughout, with impressive attention to detail. Versatility is the key to its desirability. It successfully combines the hauling capacity of a long-bed pickup with the comfort of a five-passenger SUV. This is an innovative design. The Midgate is what separates the Avalanche from other pickups.  The MSRP is $34,960 - $46,200.  The Avalanche's fuel economy range is 20 mpg Hwy, 14 mpg City.  Its towing capacity is 5,000 lbs. For another view on the Avalanche, click here.  The Nissan Titan is a big truck that got two noteworthy additions and a host of detail improvements for 2008.  It now delivers more of the truck capability while also appealing to a broader range of drivers and occupants.  The MSRP for the Titan is $26,150 - $39,350.  Its fuel economy range is 18 mpg Hwy, 13 mpg City, and it has a towing capacity of 6,500 lbs.   The Avalanche is priced slightly lower, and gets a better fuel consumption rate.