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- Highs Strong powertrain choices, excellent hauling and towing capability, good highway manners.
- Lows Less composed than rivals over bumpy surfaces, uncomfortable seating position, base model is very basic.
- Verdict The Silverado 1500 is a capable and versatile full-size pickup that offers a wide rang of options and configurations.
Overview
The Silverado 1500 offers the choice of several capable powertrains, serious hauling capability, good real-world fuel economy, and a plethora of features, but it comes up short on ride and comfort. Its top 6.2-liter V-8 tows the most in the class and wins our highway fuel-economy test. Its brawn is balanced by looks that mean business, handsome interior trim, user-friendly infotainment, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
What's New for 2017?
The 2017 Silverado differs little from the refreshed 2016 model. For 2017, there are improved towing figures, where the Silverado comes out on top of its class. It also gains notable safety equipment, such as Chevy’s Teen Driver system and forward automatic braking.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- WT: $29,080
- LS: $31,105
- Custom: $34,940
- LT: $35,505
- LTZ: $43,235
- High Country: $52,995
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Silverado comes standard with a 4.3-liter V-6 that produces 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque; it’s mated to a six-speed automatic. The two optional engines are a significant step up in power and towing capability: The 5.3-liter V-8 delivers 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, and the 6.2-liter V-8 puts out 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic is standard, and an eight-speed is optional on some models. The 5.3-liter and eight-speed automatic are also available with eAssist. This mild-hybrid system uses a single electric motor to improve fuel economy. However, it doesn’t operate as a typical hybrid, meaning it cannot power the truck on its own. The 5.3-liter Silverado equipped with the optional eight-speed proved sluggish in acceleration, but the 6.2-liter V-8 is a rocket, quick enough to outgun many a sporty passenger car. The Silverado drives confidently for such a large vehicle thanks to peppy performance, accurate steering, and a dose of agility. But on pockmarked pavement, the ride gets jittery, and the Chevy is less composed than its rivals. Overall, the Silverado is stable in corners, it steers accurately, and it’s imperturbable at highway speed.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Functional design and good build quality make the Silverado cabin a pleasant place to be, especially in the well-equipped LTZ and High Country versions. But the interior suffers from seats that are not especially comfortable and a rear seat devoid of USB ports. Most materials inside the Silverado are solid and durable feeling, and higher trims are fitted with plenty of upscale soft-touch materials. Massaging seats haven’t yet found their way into the Silverado’s cabin, but almost every other luxury item you might desire has. Front-seat passengers can stay connected to their personal devices via an array of USB ports, a 12-volt outlet, and a 110-volt household receptacle while rear-seat passengers can lose themselves in a movie. The Silverado boasts voluminous storage inside its cabin and has bed options to suit almost any hauling job.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system is one of the best on the market. Its clear graphics, attractive looks, quick response times, and straightforward configurability make it likable and easy to use. Four USB ports in the front console allow you to connect multiple devices and utilize the smartphone interface, but sorry, rear-seat passengers: no USB ports for you. Higher trims and options include such features as navigation, wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a six-speaker premium Bose audio system, and SiriusXM satellite radio. An optional rear-seat DVD/Blu-ray entertainment system includes a 9.2-inch screen that flips down from the headliner, plus two pairs of headphones and a hand-held controller.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the Chevrolet Silverado 1500’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
