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Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 4X4 Versus Dodge

A plain-Jane Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 4X4 has a MSRP of $34,185 (based on Western United States price structures).  This includes vehicle destination charges of $720 but does not include tax or registration.  So how does the competition really stack up?

Dodge Dakota Quad Cab SLT 4X4

To equip the Dodge Dakota Quad Cab SLT 4X4 close to the Avalanche you have to add:

  • 5.9 Liter Magnum V-8 for $1,125

  • 4-speed automatic transmission for $975

  • 3.92 gear ratio rear-axle for $40

  • Under rail bed liner for $245

  • 4-wheel anti-lock brakes for $495

  • Rear-window defroster with power heated mirrors for $230

  • Deluxe Convenience Group with cruise control and tilt steering column for $390

  • Front and rear floor mats for $50

  • Fog lamps for $120

  • Heavy duty service group with heavy duty cooling and upgraded battery for $180

  • Power Convenience Group with keyless entry, power door locks, and power windows for $885

  • AM/FM Stereo Cassette with CD Player for $225

  • Electronic full-time 4-wheel drive transfer case for $395

  • Tire and handling group with 16" aluminum rims and tires, rear stabilizer bar and fender treatments for $465

  • Trailer towing group with Class IV receiver hitch, seven pin wiring harness with four pin adapter for $275

The MSRP is $29,975, but you still don't get:

  • Foldable midgate with removable rear window to expand cargo area to 8'1" in less than one minute (not available)

  • Transmission oil cooler (not available)

  • Pre-wired for trailering brakes

  • Daytime running lamps (not available)

  • Integrating locking box-top storage with lights and drains (not available)

  • Lockable tailgate (not available)

  • 4-wheel disc brakes (not available)

  • Driver's message center (not available)

  • Split 60/40 folding rear passenger seats (not available)

  • Illuminated visor vanity mirrors for driver and passenger (not available)

  • Rear passenger map lights (not available)

  • Driver and passenger side airbags (not available)

  • 3-piece rigid composite stowable cargo cover (not available)

  • Anti-theft alarm system

  • 7,100 pounds of STANDARD towing capacity

Talk about charging up the extras!  Smaller truck, less durable chassis, less interior room, less features, and despite having the bigger engine, less horsepower.  You get what you pay for!  What happened to the starting base price of $23,880???

Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4X4 SLT Short Wheel Base

To equip the Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4X4 SLT Short Wheel Base close to the Avalanche you have to add:

  • Customer Preferred Package "G" for $1,710

  • Magnum 5.9 Liter V-8 for $595

  • 4-speed automatic transmission for $975

  • Supplemental side airbags for $490

  • 3.92 rear-axle ratio for $50

  • Under rail bed liner for $245

  • 4-wheel disc anti-lock brakes for $495

  • Fog lamps for $140

  • AM/FM Stereo with CD player for $125

  • Security group with keyless entry and anti-theft alarm system for $415

  • Trailer towing group with Class IV hitch, transmission cooler, heavy duty engine cooling, and seven pin wiring harness for $465

The MSRP is $32,585, but you still don't get:

  • Foldable midgate to expand cargo area to 8'1" in less than one minute (not available)

  • Pre-wired for trailering brakes (not available)

  • Daytime running lamps (not available)

  • Heated outside rear-view mirrors with ground illumination (not available)

  • Integrating locking box-top storage with lights and drains (not available)

  • Lockable tailgate (not available)

  • Driver's message center (not available)

  • Auto dimming rear view mirror

  • Rear window defroster

  • Deep tinted privacy glass

  • 3-piece rigid composite stowable cargo cover

  • Rear passenger map lights

  • electronically controlled transfer case

Now in Dodge's defense it does come with 17" rims.  Steel rims with chrome (painted aluminum will cost you another $100).  Although the Dodge has slightly more torque it has less horsepower and towing capacity than Avalanche, even if with the big 5.9 Liter V-8.  That bill is a bit of shock when you add in the options to match Avalanche, isn't it.  Oh ya - I forgot to tell you the bed is smaller too.  One more thing, Avalanche trounced Ram in Motor Trend's Truck of the Year evaluations.