The cargo area sports a many unique features, the first of which is the material used to clad the bed area. Called PRO-TEC, this composite material effectively resists scratches and dents. The three interlocking cargo covers are held in place using latches, each can be removed independently, so you can take off just one panel to accept a tall, narrow object, while leaving the other sections in place. The removed panels easily stow along the sides of the pickup box. Slots for vertical dividers have been provided to prevent cargo from sliding back and forth.
Step sockets in the rear bumper and grab handles at the tailgate make it easy to climb into the bed.
In the concept Avalanche pictured, lamps have been mounted into the quarter-panel storage compartments as well as along the sides of the bed for loading and unloading in the dark. Even though the Avalanche is based on the Suburban, Chevrolet's engineers have done an excellent job in creating a new look that bears very little exterior resemblance to the Suburban. They look great and hopefully will be included on production vehicles. With the Avalanche able to comfortably carry up to six adults, provide the comfort of a full-size SUV, coupled with pickup truck hauling capability wrapped in looks that are sportier than an SUV's and classier than a pickup's, this might be the perfect truck for people having to decide which one to buy. As a matter of fact, this truck may be just the thing to generate sales to people who have not even been contemplating an SUV or pickup.