There's less wind buffeting in the open-air configuration than you'd expect. For this, credit those flying buttress-type, angular diagonals behind the cabin, which channel most of the bluster back to the rear out over the bed.

The Avalanche is a workhorse for routine hauling. The bed is designed to take abuse and offers a 1,355-pound payload rating.

The 2WD model offers an 8,000-pound towing capacity (200 pounds less than last year's model), while the 4WD model offers 7800 pounds. We haven't towed anything with the Avalanche yet but it feels extremely stable and we're confident it'll make an excellent tow vehicle.

The re-engineered, more powerful engines deliver adequate acceleration, very linear. This is a heavy truck and we wouldn't call it quick. The transmission changes gears smoothly, although kickdowns for merging onto freeways or overtaking slower traffic bordered on lackadaisical. Power is up 25 horsepower over last year's model.

The popular 5.3-liter V8 is rated 310 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque and gets an EPA-estimated 15/20 mpg City/Highway. It's mated to a four-speed automatic.

The only disappointment came in observed fuel economy improvements versus those promised by the engine's high-tech controller. One element of this computerization enables the engine to run on either regular gasoline or E85, a mixture of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline, or any combination of the two. Another, the Active Fuel Management feature, electronically converts the V8 engine to a V4 under light load. Our test time with the new Avalanche did not include access to E85. But over the 300 miles we put on the Avalanche in the week we had it, miles split about evenly between interstate and local surface streets, we achieved 14.4 miles per gallon. And this was without ever towing anything or hauling anything heavier than a week's groceries. As for the Active Fuel Management feature, which electronically transforms the V8 to a V4 under light load, the telltale in the dash information display indicating V4 activation appeared only on downhill grades or while coasting, most often to a stop. This isn't all that surprising, actually, given that engine power drops by more than half in V4 mode.

Summary

The 2007 Chevy Avalanche is new and improved in almost every way that matters. From ride and handling to looks and packaging, it's a refreshing upgrade and update of an innovative concept that delivers unmatched flexibility without sacrificing function.

NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Tom Lankard filed this report from Carmichael, California.

Model Line Overview

Model lineup:Chevy Avalanche LS 2WD ($31,790), 4WD ($34,790); LT 2WD ($32,490), 4WD ($35,490); LTZ 2WD ($39,225), 4WD ($42,225)

Engines:320-hp 5.3-liter V8; 310-hp 5.3-liter V8 (flexible fuel); 355-hp 6.0-liter V8

Transmissions:4-speed automatic

Safety equipment (standard):twin dual-stage frontal airbags; LATCH child safety seat anchors; ABS; Stabilitrak electronic stability control; all-speed traction control; tire pressure monitor

Safety equipment (optional):side-curtain airbags; rear park assist; rearview camera

Basic warranty:3 years/36,000 miles

Assembled in:Silao, Guanajato, Mexico