2013 Chevrolet Avalanche Black Diamond — 2nd Gen Overview

2013 Chevrolet Avalanche Black Diamond (2nd Gen, GMT900)

Historical Context and Development Background

When Chevrolet launched the original Avalanche for the 2002 model year, it carved out a niche between SUV and pickup using the clever Midgate: a foldable bulkhead that transformed a 5-foot-plus bed into an over 8-foot cargo channel with the rear seats folded. The second generation arrived on the GMT900 architecture for 2007, sharing core structure with Tahoe/Suburban and Cadillac Escalade, and trading the first-gen’s aggressive composite body cladding for cleaner sheetmetal and improved aerodynamics. Coil-spring rear suspension set it apart from leaf-sprung pickups, giving the Avalanche SUV-grade ride quality while retaining body-on-frame durability.

The 2013 Black Diamond marked the end of the line. Chevrolet commemorated the final model year with unique Black Diamond badging and value-added content across LS, LT, and LTZ trims. The decision aligned with a market that had shifted decisively toward crew-cab pickups and crossovers; even the platform-mate Cadillac Escalade EXT bowed out alongside it. In the competitive landscape, the Avalanche stood against Ford’s F-150 SuperCrew, Ram 1500 Crew Cab, Toyota Tundra CrewMax, Nissan Titan Crew Cab, and the unconventional Honda Ridgeline, yet none combined a full-length bed extension with an enclosed, lockable SUV cabin the way the Avalanche’s Midgate did.

Engine and Technical Specs

All 2013 Black Diamond models used GM’s stalwart small-block V8 with Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation and flex-fuel capability. The package delivered familiar torque, long-life components, and serviceability that endears the Avalanche to owners who actually use their trucks.

Driving Experience and Handling Dynamics

On the road, the Avalanche behaves more like a full-size SUV than a traditional half-ton pickup. The coil-spring, five-link solid rear axle and independent front suspension yield a compliant ride with better secondary motion control than leaf-sprung rivals of the era. Steering is recirculating-ball with a light, consistent effort; precision is adequate for highway tracks and towing lanes, though feedback is filtered by the SUV-tuned front end and tire selection.

The 6L80’s calibration is a highlight. In tow/haul it holds gears sensibly on grades and manages heat effectively, while the manual range selection gives proper control descending with loads. The 5.3L’s AFM is unobtrusive at steady-state cruise, and throttle response is clean if not overtly urgent—this is a 2.8-ton vehicle after all. LTZ models with Autoride (real-time damping, load-leveling) feel more buttoned-down over patchwork pavement, particularly with passengers and gear aboard.

Full Performance Specifications

Variant Breakdown: Trims, Packages, and Production

Every 2013 Avalanche carried Black Diamond badging to commemorate the final production year. Trims and notable factory options are summarized below.

Total 2013 Avalanche production (all Black Diamond): approximately 20,088 units.

Ownership Notes: Maintenance, Parts, Restoration

• Powertrain longevity: The Vortec 5.3L is widely regarded for durability with regular oil service. AFM-equipped engines benefit from clean oil and proper PCV/valley cover function.
• Service intervals (typical GM guidance of the era): oil by Oil Life Monitor; spark plugs around 100,000 miles (iridium). Coolant (Dex-Cool) service around 5 years/150,000 miles. Transmission, transfer case, and differentials should be serviced earlier under towing/off-road duty cycles.
• Known trouble spots: AFM lifter issues and oil consumption on some engines (often mitigated by updated PCV or AFM hardware/service); exhaust manifold bolt breakage; door lock actuators; HVAC blend door actuators; dashboard top cover cracking on GMT900 trucks; rear air shocks (Autoride) can be costly when due; Midgate/tonneau seals and latches require periodic adjustment or replacement to maintain weather-tightness; spare tire hoist mechanisms can seize in corrosive climates.
• Parts availability: Excellent mechanical parts support through GM and aftermarket; trim-specific pieces (interior plastics, sail-panel trim, tonneau panels, midgate seals) are available but condition-sensitive when sourcing used.
• Restoration difficulty: Straightforward by modern-truck standards. Body and bed integration adds time for weatherstrip/glass work; electrical and chassis systems are conventional, with strong documentation and scan-tool support.

Cultural Relevance and Collector Interest

The Black Diamond badge is more than a decal—it marks the closing chapter of a uniquely American idea executed at full scale. Collectors value the 2013 models for their one-year significance, especially well-optioned LTZ examples with low miles and clean Midgate/tonneau hardware. Public auction listings have shown strong interest for tidy, documented Black Diamonds, with values tracking condition, mileage, drivetrain, and options. The Avalanche’s closest conceptual rival, Cadillac’s Escalade EXT, ended the same year, further underscoring the era’s finale for luxury SUTs.

FAQs

What engine is in the 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche Black Diamond?
All 2013 Black Diamonds use the Vortec 5.3L V8 with Active Fuel Management and flex-fuel capability, paired to the 6L80 six-speed automatic.

How quick is it?
Typical independent instrumented tests place 0–60 mph around the low-8-second range (about 8.3 seconds) and the quarter-mile in the mid-16s. Top speed is electronically limited to about 98 mph, dependent on tire rating.

How much can it tow and haul?
Properly configured, towing capacity is on the order of 8,000–8,100 lb. Payload varies with trim/drivetrain and typically falls in the 1,300–1,400 lb range.

What makes the Black Diamond special?
It denotes the final model year and adds unique exterior badging and value-added standard content across LS, LT, and LTZ, without powertrain changes.

Is the Midgate practical?
Yes. With the Midgate folded and tailgate down, the Avalanche carries items over eight feet long while retaining SUV-like cabin utility when closed. The factory tri-fold hard tonneau and lockable bed compartments enhance security.

What problems should buyers watch for?
Listen for AFM lifter noise, check for oil consumption, inspect exhaust manifold bolts, confirm smooth 6L80 shifts, test all door locks/HVAC functions, and examine Midgate/tonneau seals for water intrusion. On LTZ, verify Autoride compressor/shock operation.

Are parts hard to find?
Mechanical parts are widely available. Model-specific trim and weatherstrips exist but condition and completeness matter—inspect tonneau panels, hinge hardware, and Midgate seals closely.

What is the drivetrain layout?
Front-engine, with either rear-wheel drive or a selectable 4WD Autotrac system offering 2Hi, Auto, 4Hi, and 4Lo ranges.