2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Expert Review
Reviewed by Stefan Ogbac
The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado now comes standard with the Teen Driver feature and a capless fuel filler. A low-speed forward emergency braking system has been added as part of the Enhanced Driver Alert package. Two new exterior colors, Graphite Metallic and Pepperdust Metallic, have been added for the 2017 model year.
Vehicle Summary
Slotting above the midsize Colorado and below the Silverado 2500HD, the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a full-size truck that's available in rear- or four-wheel drive configurations. The truck is available in three cab styles, two bed lengths, and in variants ranging from a basic work truck to the premium High Country trim.
Overview
Four powertrain options are offered in the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, all paired to automatic transmission.
4.3L V-6
- Engine and Transmission: 4.3-liter V-6 - six-speed automatic
- Power: 285 hp/305 lb-ft of torque
- EPA-Rated Fuel Economy: 18/24 mpg city/highway (RWD); 17/22 mpg (4WD)
5.3L V-8
- Engine and Transmission: 5.3-liter V-8 - six-speed automatic or eight-speed automatic
- Power: 355 hp/383 lb-ft
- EPA-Rated Fuel Economy: 16/23 mpg (RWD, six-speed automatic); 16/22 mpg (4WD; six-speed automatic); 18/24 mpg (RWD, eight-speed automatic); 15/20 mpg (4WD, eight-speed automatic)
5.3L V-8 with eAssist
- Engine and Transmission: 5.3-liter V-8, electric motor - eight-speed automatic
- Power: 355 hp/383 lb-ft
- EPA-Rated Fuel Economy: 18/24 mpg (RWD); 16/21 mpg (4WD)
6.2L V-8
- Engine and Transmission: 6.2-liter V-8- eight-speed automatic
- Power: 420 hp/460 lb-ft
- EPA-Rated Fuel Economy: 15/21 mpg (RWD); 15/20 mpg (4WD)
Depending on the powertrain combination, cab style, and bed length, the 2017 Silverado can tow between 5,500 to 12,500 pounds when properly equipped. Available features include Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system with navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, full LED headlights, remote start, dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a Bose audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
Safety
The NHTSA gave the 2017 Silverado 1500 a five-star overall safety score (out of a possible five stars). In IIHS evaluations, the truck received a Good score on all crash tests except the small overlap crash where the extended cab and crew cab variants received an Average and Marginal score respectively (Good is the highest possible score). The truck also received a Poor score in the IIHS' new headlight safety test, and a Basic rating in the front crash prevention test because the IIHS has yet to test the Silverado 1500's active safety features.
Available as part of the Enhanced Driver Alert package, active safety features include Intellibeam headlights, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane keeping assist.
What We Think
In a 2015 First Test review, we said that the available 5.3-liter V-8 doesn't feel as powerful because of its lazy throttle and slow-shifting transmission. However, its interior is packed with many power outlets and USB ports, and good plenty of small storage spaces, making it ideal as a work truck.
The Silverado 1500 placed third in a 2014 comparison test that also included the Ford F-150 and the Ram 1500. Due to a fuel-economy-focused powertrain calibration, the Silverado 1500 felt slow around town. When towing, the Silverado 1500 struggled more than the Ram 1500 and F-150. The truck's ride is also firmer than its competitors when towing a trailer.
Cool Fact
The optional 6.2-liter V-8 is shared with other large GM SUVs including the GMC Yukon Denali and the Cadillac Escalade.
Key Competitors
- Ram 1500
- Nissan Titan
- Toyota Tundra
- Ford F-150
- GMC Sierra 1500
