Chevrolet Avalanche

Why sacrifice comfort for utility? The Avalanche allows 6 passenger hauling and when necessary, the midgate can be removed and rear seats folded to increase the cargo box length from 5 feet 3 inches to 8 feet 2 inches. Not much new for 2010 besides a few color changes, an added USB port in the center console, and additional features included in the 1LT package.

MSRP: $35,725-$48,865
Base Engine: 5.3-liter V8 with 310 horsepower
Base EPA mpg: 15 city/21 hwy/17 cmb
Competition: Honda Ridgeline, Ford Explorer Sport Trac, Hummer H2 SUT

Model Highlights
5 Star NHTSA crash test rating
Optional rearview camera and blindspot detection system
Available Z71 Off-Road package features 2-speed transfer case

Chevrolet Aveo

Chevrolet’s most fuel efficient vehicle receives powertrain revisions for 2010 that improve its already impressive fuel economy. This frugality makes it one of the cheapest cars to operate, and its low sticker price makes it one of the cheapest cars to purchase.

MSRP: $11,965-$15,365
Base Engine: 1.6-liter 4-cylinder with 108 horsepower
Base EPA mpg: 27 city/35 hwy/30 cmb
Competition: Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, Hyundai Accent

Model Highlights
Available as a 4-door sedan or 5-door hatchback
Four-speed automatic available on LT and LT2 models
Side impact airbags are standard

Chevrolet Camaro

After an 8 year hiatus, the Camaro is back and badder than ever. Oozing aggression, the production car is remarkably close to the concept we saw back in 2006. Squared off against Ford’s Mustang and Dodge’s Challenger, it’s almost like 1970 all over again…just with MP3’s, USB, Bluetooth, electronic stability control, and electronic launch control. Let the arm-dropping and burn-outs commence.

MSRP: $22,680-$26,875
Base Engine: 3.6-liter V6 with 304 horsepower
Base EPA mpg: 18 city/29 hwy/22 cmb
Competition: Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger, Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Model Highlights:
SS model features a 6.2-liter V8 from the Corvette that produces a tire-shredding 426 horsepower with a manual transmission
Available Bluetooth and USB connectivity
All models come with either an automatic or manual 6-speed transmission

Chevrolet Cobalt

The now 5 year-old Cobalt soldiers on in 2010 with little changed. A few new exterior colors, a new MY LINK package that includes USB, Bluetooth connectivity, among other options should tide buyers over until the Cobalt’s replacement, the Cruze, is introduced in 2011.

MSRP: $14,990-$24,535
Base Engine: 2.2-liter 4-cylinder with 155 horsepower
Base EPA mpg: 25 city/37 hwy/30 cmb
Competition: Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla

Model Highlights:
XFE model achieves an EPA estimated 37mpg on the highway
A 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder lives under the hood of the SS model producing 260 horsepower
Available as a sedan or coupe

Chevrolet Colorado

Chevrolet’s midsize workhorse sees greater efficiency and standard head curtain airbags for 2010. The 300 horsepower 5.3-liter V8 engine added in 2009 carries over in 2010 with a few revisions that increase overall performance. Unfortunately, the value proposition of the Colorado is a little tough to understand, so be careful when checking the option boxes.

MSRP: $16,985-$28,915
Base Engine: 2.9-liter 4-cylinder with 185 horsepower
Base EPA mpg: 18 city/25 hwy/21 cmb
Competition: Dodge Durango, Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger

Model Highlights:
Capable of towing up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped
ZQ8 sport package adds lower sport suspension, 18-inch wheels, ground effects and the 300 horsepower 5.3-liter V8 engine
1LT package now includes dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable pedals, remote start, and heavy-duty rear differential

Chevrolet Corvette

Big news last year was the introduction of the fastest production vehicle Chevrolet has ever built, the 638 horsepower Corvette ZR-1. This year, the ZR-1 powers on while Chevrolet welcomes the Grand Sport to the Corvette family. The Grand Sport replaces the Z51 performance package on base model Corvettes while upping the performance ante with upgraded suspension, brakes, wheels, and transmission. It also looks very much like brother Z06 sporting the same front splitter and rear spoiler.

MSRP: $48,930-$106,880
Base Engine: 6.2-liter V8 with 430 horsepower
Base EPA mpg: 16 city/26 hwy/19 cmb
Competition: Dodge Viper, Ford Shelby GT500

Model Highlights:
Z06 model features a 7.0-liter V8 with 505 horsepower
Features an optional heads-up display
Base and Grand Sport models are available as a convertible

Chevrolet Equinox

Using the Malibu and Traverse for design inspiration, the Equinox is completely redesigned for 2010. Features such as Navigation, 40-gig hard drive for media storage, Bluetooth capability, and a new 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that achieves an impressive 32 mpg on the highway are staples for the new midsize crossover.

MSRP: $22,440-$29,795
Base Engine: 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with 182 horsepower
Base EPA mpg: 22 city/32 hwy/26 cmb
Competition: Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Volkswagen Tiguan

Model Highlights:
Available in either front- or all-wheel drive
Rear-vision camera system features a display in the rearview mirror
All-new interior features best of class materials

Chevrolet HHR

A practical, unique, compact wagon/crossover, the HHR cruises into 2010 with little changes. Retro styling picks up where the PT Cruiser hasn’t quite left off yet, and the HHR Panel with windowless rear panels make the HHR an overall distinctive yet versatile family or work hauler.

MSRP: $18,720-$26,255
Base Engine: 2.2-liter 4-cylinder with 155 horsepower
Base EPA mpg: 22 city/32 hwy/26 cmb
Competition: Chrysler PT Cruiser, Toyota Matrix, MINI Clubman

Model Highlights:
2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine available in the SS model produces 260 horsepower
New rearview camera system will be available later in 2010
Seating for 5…except in the Panel, which is only a 2 seater

Chevrolet Impala

Chevrolet’s largest car-based family hauler is a somewhat underwhelming choice in the large car market. With minimal new developments for 2010, Chevrolet doesn’t put much emphasis on the aging Impala. It does offer an array of standard equipment and is also one of the most fuel efficient vehicles in the large car class.

MSRP: $24,290-$29,930
Base Engine: 3.5-liter V6 with 211 horsepower
Base EPA mpg: 18 city/29 hwy/22 cmb
Competition: Ford Taurus, Toyota Avalon, Hyundai Azera

Model Highlights:
Available SS package with 5.7-liter 303 horsepower V8
Five star frontal crash test rating from NHTSA
Rear seats fold flat for extra cargo

Chevrolet Malibu

This is one of the vehicles that prove Chevrolet knows how to build a great car. Being completely redesigned in 2008, the Malibu receives only a few tweaks to its award winning combination in 2010 including power driver lumbar support, an E85 capable 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, and a few new colors. Additionally, the Hybrid model has been discontinued for 2010.

MSRP: $21,825-$26,955
Base Engine: 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with 169 horsepower
Base EPA mpg: 22 city/33 hwy/26 cmb
Competition: Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima

Model Highlights:
Available 3.6-liter V6 engine packs 252 horsepower and 26 mpg on the highway
If you’re concerned about fuel economy while maintaining comfort, the top-line LTZ trim is available with the most fuel efficient engine option, the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder
5 star NHTSA crash test rating

Chevrolet Silverado

A full-size truck with the perfect blend of comfort and versatility, the Silverado is sure to please. Fuel economy and flex fuel is the name of the game for 2010, with Chevrolet adding E85 capability, variable valve timing, new axel ratios, and revised computer programming to multiple engine options.   

MSRP: $20,850-$41,775
Base Engine: 4.3-liter V6 with 195 horsepower
Base EPA mpg: 15 city/21 hwy/17 cmb
Competition: F-150, Dodge Ram, Toyota Tundra

Model Highlights:
Available 10,700 pound towing capacity
3 available V8 engine choices
Available XFE trim achieves 22 mpg highway fuel economy

Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty

If the Silverado 1500’s 10,700 pound towing capacity is inadequate, the Silverado 2500 or 3500 aught to do the trick.  In fact, when equipped with a fifth-wheel hitch, the towing capacity is a farm-hauling 16,700 pounds.  

MSRP: $27,465-$43,920
Base Engine: 6.0-liter V8 with 360 horsepower
Base EPA mpg: Not Tested
Competition: Ford Super Duty, Dodge Ram Heavy Duty

Model Highlights
Up to 16,700 pound towing capacity
Available 6.6-liter V8 Duramax Diesel with 660 pound feet of torque
USB audio connectivity standard on all but the base radio

Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid

City fuel efficiency and full-size pickup trucks have traditionally not seen eye-to-eye. The Silverado Hybrid aims to change that with 21 mpg in the city, and all electric driving up to 30 mph. Take into account its 6,100 pound towing capacity, and the hybrid adds fuel economy with minimal loss in utility.

MSRP: $38,340-$47,820
Base Engine: 6.0-liter V8 with 332 horsepower
Base EPA mpg: 21 city/22 hwy/22 cmb
Competition: Ford F-150, Dodge Ram, Toyota Tundra

Model Highlights:
Electric only drive up to 30 mph
21 mpg city fuel economy
Bluetooth connectivity standard

Chevrolet Suburban

With room for nine and all of their gear, the Suburban is the pinnacle of “Sport Utility”. Considering the availability of low duty and heavy duty models that can tow up to 9,600 pounds, the Suburban is the perfect vehicle for someone with a large family and a lot of toys.

MSRP: $40,635-$55,625
Base Engine: 5.3-liter V8 with 310 horsepower
Base EPA mpg: 15 city/21 hwy/17 cmb
Competition: Toyota Sequoia, Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada

Model Highlights:
All Suburban radios come equipped with USB connectivity
Offered in 2-wheel-drive or 4-wheel-drive
All engines are E85 FlexFuel capable

Chevrolet Tahoe

In case you don’t need the expansive space of the Suburban, but towing is still important, the Tahoe may be the full-size Chevrolet SUV for you. There are only a few new colors, added technology bits, and optional Z71 suspension package on the 1LT trim added for 2010.

MSRP: $37,280-$53,615
Base Engine: 5.3-liter V8 with 320 horsepower
Base EPA mpg: 15 city/21 hwy/17 cmb
Competition: Toyota Sequoia, Nissan Armada, Jeep Commander

Model Highlights:
Can be equipped to tow up to 8,400 pounds
Available 9 passenger seating arrangement
High-gas-mileage XFE model achieves 21 mpg on the highway

Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

Much like the Silverado Hybrid, just with seats for up to 9, the Tahoe Hybrid offers a no-compromise solution to the need for utility and efficiency. The two-mode hybrid allows electric-only driving up to 30mph and 21mpg city fuel efficiency…all with the capability of towing up to 6,200 pounds. It was new in 2009, so changes for 2010 are minimal.

MSRP: $50,720-$53,525
Base Engine: 6.0-liter V8 with 332 horsepower
Base EPA mpg: 21 city/22 hwy/22 cmb
Competition: Toyota Sequoia, Nissan Armada, Jeep Commander

Model Highlights:
EPA estimated 22mpg combined fuel economy
Seating capacity for up to 9 passengers
Navigation with hybrid power flow display is standard

Chevrolet Traverse

Minivans are so 2000…or at least Chevrolet likes to think so. The front- or all-wheel-drive Traverse crossover replaced the discontinued Uplander minivan in 2009, and carries into 2010 mostly unchanged. It’s a very compelling alternative for potential Tahoe buyers that don’t need all of the Tahoe brute.

MSRP: $29,224-$39,985
Base Engine: 3.6-liter V6 with 281 horsepower
Base EPA mpg: 17 city/24 hwy/19 cmb
Competition: Ford Flex, Toyota Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder

Model Highlights:
Seating for up to 8 passengers
5,200 pound towing capacity
USB port included with premium radios