The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a truck built for work and comfort. Given the right options, it will outpace the competition in towing and luxury, all while being packed with technology.
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A Quick Overview of the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado
- The 2017 Silverado 1500 introduced a lot of new technology perks, including wireless charging and a WiFi hotspot.
- From a safety standpoint, the 2017 Silverado received perfect five-star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
- Six Trims packed the 2017 Silverado with luxury, sparking used prices to reach $47,000.
- There were three engine options with the 2017 Silverado 1500, which can hit 60 mph in under 7.7 seconds, no matter what trim and powertrain options you choose.
- The Silverado 1500 hit an average of 20 mpg, and compared to its rivals, like the Nissan Titan, the Silverado is a leader in fuel economy.
- Vehicle History has received over 400 consumer reviews of the 2017 Chevy Silverado, which was rated 4.6 out of five stars.
2017 Chevrolet Silverado is Offered Across 6 Different Trim Levels
The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado is available in six official trim levels, but some trims are offered in several body configurations. The body styles for the 2017 Silverado start with a two-door Regular Cab, then the four-door Double Cab, then the more spacious four-door Crew Cab. There are several bed lengths to choose from depending on your hauling needs but some lengths are only offered with certain cabs.
The trim level ladder for the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado starts with the WT then moves on to the LS, Custom, LT, LTZ, and the top-of-the-line High Country. Each trim level of this Silverado can be equipped with two or four-wheel drive and one of three engines. There are many optional extras on the 2017 Silverado but let’s take a look at the basic features each trim provides.
Silverado WT is a Nicely-appointed Entry-level Pickup
The first rung on the 2017 Silverado ladder is the WT (“work truck” ) model and comes with standard vinyl upholstery and a split-folding front seat. If you spring for the Double or Crew Cab, you’ll also get power windows and four-wheel-drive, plus integrated tow hooks.
The WT is equipped with 17-inch steel wheels, power door locks, and daytime running lights. Also, it has an active front grille, which has tiny shutters that open or close to optimize performance.
If you just want a truck that you can be rough on and not feel bad about it, the WT may be a good option for you.
2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT Pricing:
- 2WD: $20,130 – $25,267 (regular cab); $23,156 – $28,775 (extended cab); $25,151 – $30,738 (crew cab)
- 4WD: $25,019 – $30,436 (regular cab); $26,270 – $31,889 (extended cab); $28,161 – $33,748 (crew cab)
Silverado LS Adds Must-Have Features & Unique Exterior Styling
The LS trim is where the 2017 Chevy Silverado starts to feel like a modern pick-up truck. The 2017 model adds the MyLink system, a seven-inch touchscreen display, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and more.
On the exterior, the LS comes standard with chrome front and rear bumpers and a chrome grille. The wheels are still 17-inches but are made of stainless steel to give them a more polished look. The WT also adds keyless entry, which allows you to unlock the doors remotely.
The 2017 Chevy Silverado LS is a great entry-level truck for buyers looking for a good-looking, dependable pick-up that won’t cost them an arm and a leg.
2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LS Pricing:
- 2WD: $21,718 – $27,013 (regular cab); $24,732 – $30,430 (extended cab); $26,271 – $35,682 (crew cab)
- 4WD: $24,379 – $29,674 (regular cab); $27,332 – $33,030 (extended cab); $28,871 – $35,282 (crew cab)
Silverado Custom Equips 20″ Chrome Wheels to Double Cab Models
A 2017 Chevrolet Silverado Custom has all the standard features of the LS but with a few minor upgrades. The most notable addition to the Custom is 20-inch chrome wheels but you also get front tow hooks. Other additions to the Custom include a color-matched front grille and headlight surrounds.
Offered on the Custom, the Custom Convenience Package, which adds stiffer anti-roll bars, a rear window defogger, and a backup camera.
It is important to note that the 2017 Silverado Custom is only available in the Double Cab body style.
2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Custom
- 2WD: $26,156 – $31,5962017 (custom extended cab)
- 4WD: $28,756 – $34,196 (custom extended cab)
Silverado LT Comes Standard with EZ-lower Tailgate & Offers Legendary Z71 Off-road Package
The LT trim comes with audio and phone controls on the steering wheel as well as a 4.2-inch driver display in the gauge cluster. While the driver information screen is not touch-sensitive, it can be operated by the controls on the steering wheel.
The LT features a chrome grille with a mesh black insert and color-matched door handles, mirror covers, and side trim. It is also fitted with an EZ-lower tailgate, which allows the tailgate to come down slowly.
This trim is a good middle ground for the 2017 Chevy Silverado, because it has more modern technology while maintaining a lower price than most of the other trims. The LT is also the first trim in the lineup that is available with the Z71 off-road package, adding hill descent control, Rancho monotube shocks, and skid plates.
2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT Pricing
- 2WD: $29,063 – $35,609 (regular cab); $26,687 – $32,579 (extended cab); $30,175 – $36,189 (crew cab)
- 4WD: $31,281 – $37,287 (regular cab); $29,287 – $35,179 (extended cab); $32,980 – $38,994 (crew cab)
Silverado LTZ Upgrades Cabin Amenitites & Exterior Styling
Silverado LTZ comes equipped with things like a 5.3L V8 as standard, a rear locking differential, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Other standard features of the LTZ are leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, heated electric front seats, and a remote starter. There are more subtle differences on the outside of the LTZ too, such as LED projector headlights, taillights, and fog lights.
2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ Pricing:
- 2WD: $30,142 – 36,430 (extended cab); $34,483 – $40,802 (crew cab)
- 4WD: $32,742 – $39,030 (extended cab); $37,083 – $43,402 (crew cab)
Silverado High Country is Top of the Line & Comes Standard with Advanced Safety Features
In terms of luxury, all other trim levels of the 2017 Chevy Silverado are in the shadow of the High Country. Starting on the outside, the High Country is fitted with 20-inch chrome wheels, six-inch chrome step assists, color-matched bumpers, and a bowtie logo on the standard spray-in bed liner.
The High Country’s interior includes a wireless phone-charging pad, six Bose speakers, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, navigation, and ventilated leather seats.
The Chevrolet Enhanced Driver Alert package is available as an option on other trims, but it is standard on the High Country trim. This package adds safety features like low-speed automatic braking and a driver seat that vibrates if it senses you’re about to have a collision.
2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country
- 2WD: $38,509 – $44,617
- 4WD: $40,659 – $47,217
2017 Chevrolet Silverado Engine Options Include a 420-horsepower 6.2L V8
The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado has three engine options. The 4.3L V6 produces 285 horsepower and 305 lb.-ft. of torque, and was the standard engine on lower-tier 2017 Silverados, such as the WT.
Add two cylinders and you have the 5.3L V8 producing 355 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque. The is the most common engine you will find in the 2017 Silverados because of its superior performance and towing capabilities. The 5.3L was such a popular upgrade on the 2017 Silverado that you can even find WT models equipped with it.
The most powerful engine that was available for the 2017 Silverado was the 6.2L V8, which was borrowed from the Corvette and produces 420 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque. All that power results in the 2017 Silverado hitting 60 mph in six seconds, which is blistering for a full-size pickup truck. Unfortunately, unlike the other engines, the 6.2L is only available in the LTZ and the High Country as an option.
The standard transmission on the 2017 Chevy Silverado is a six-speed automatic, but an eight-speed automatic is available in the upper trims, like the LTZ and the High Country. In most cases, the six-speed transmission will get the job done, but if you plan to do lots of heavy towing, consider the eight-speed, which improves the smoothness of shifts and gives you more leverage over the weight you’re hauling.
All three engines and both transmissions can be coupled to either the 2WD or 4WD drivetrain.
How Fuel Efficient is the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado?
The fuel efficiency of a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado depends on the engine and drivetrain it is equipped with. To ensure the most up-to-date information, we sourced these numbers directly from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Starting with the lowest displacement, we have the 4.3L V6 which gets an EPA estimated 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Moving on, we have the 5.3L V8 with an estimated 16 mpg in the city with 23 mpg on the highway. Finally, we have the 6.2L V8 with an EPA estimate of 15 mph in the city and 21 mpg on the open road.
Equipping your 2017 Silverado with 4WD will cost you an average of one mile per gallon in the city and the same on the highway, due to the added weight and rolling resistance. In terms of fuel efficiency, the 2017 Silverado is right on par if not a little better than its competition.
2017 Chevy Silverado Offers Outstanding Performance with Max Tow Rating of 12,500 Pounds
Depending on the engine and drivetrain you choose, the 2017 Silverado will hit 60 mph between 5.9 and 7.7 seconds. But, let’s be honest, speed is not the reason people buy pickup trucks. It’s about utility.
The 4.3L V6 has a maximum towing weight of 7,600 lbs. and a bed payload rating of 1,980 lbs. The 5.3L V8 will get you a max towing weight of 11,000 lbs. and a bed payload of 2,340 lbs. Of course, the most powerful engine has the most towing capacity, with the 6.2L able to tow a class-leading 12,500 lbs. Despite the extra power, Silverados equipped with the 6.2L have a lower payload capacity than the 5.3L at just 2,160 lbs.
In terms of handling, the 2017 Silverado is about as good as you can expect from an enormous full-size pickup truck. It’s not great, but options like the Z71 off-road package and performance-handling pack can improve the Silverado’s cumbersome handling.
2017 Chevrolet Silverado: Cargo Space & Dimensions
Most drivers who purchase a truck are looking for something with good cargo space and plenty of room inside. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 does not disappoint. Its exterior dimensions are between 73.5 and 74.17 inches (6.12 and 6.18 ft.) long and 80 inches (6.6 ft.) wide, with a wheelbase between 119 and 153 inches (9.9 and 12.75 ft.).
The Silverado comes with a standard 6.5-foot truck bed. Eight-foot beds are also available in some models. If you want a smaller truck bed, 5.75-foot beds are also available in select trims.
The truck’s interior offers plenty of space, too. There is seating capacity for three and six people, depending on the model. The front headspace in the cabin is between 42.4 and 42.8 inches, and its overall cargo capacity is between 53.4 and 76.3 cubic feet.
How Safe is a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given the 2017 Silverado a perfect five-star rating for safety. The truck’s frontal and side crash ratings were both five out of five stars. The rollover rating was four out of five stars.
While the NHTSA found the Silverado to be safe, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) noted a potential safety flaw. In terms of crash avoidance and mitigation, the IIHS graded the headlights on the Silverado and gave them a “Poor” rating. Everything else on the truck was marked as “Good” or “Acceptable.”
The IIHS also marked the child safety seating arrangements as “Marginal.” However, they were not noted as being hard to find or unreliable in any way. They simply provided LATCH in two locations and only a safety seat tether in the middle seat. So, if you are traveling with three children needing safety seats, this may be something to keep in mind.
Overall, the Silverado is a relatively safe vehicle to drive. Not to mention, there are a number of features, such as the backup camera and airbag systems that make it even more reliable.
2017 Chevrolet Silverado: Technology & Convenience Features
As far as pickup trucks go, the 2017 Silverado 1500 has a lot to offer in terms of technology. In fact, it is one of the things that really sets it apart. Most of its competitors hadn’t yet introduced many of the in-vehicle bells and whistles that Chevy equipped the Silverado with. It was truly designed for convenience and connectivity.
First, the truck comes with a seven-inch touchscreen radio and an 8-inch screen is available in some of the higher trim models. The infotainment system offers navigation services that are quick in response time. It also has a voice recognition system, which can be controlled through the driver’s phone. You can also access the AppShop through the touchscreen. This allows you to browse and install apps, such as Pandora, iHeartRadio, and The Weather Channel, through the truck’s radio system.
The radio system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. So, no matter what kind of device you carry, you can link it to your Silverado. This will allow you to use the touchscreen in the car to utilize certain applications, such as the phone, music, navigation, and more. Each Silverado also comes with OnStar, but you must activate it to use it. Plans can be purchased separately but, if purchased from a dealer, you usually get a six-month free trial.
LS and up models of the Silverado also come with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The hotspot will support up to seven mobile devices and allows the driver and passengers to stay connected on the go. Typically, the hotspot comes with a three-month or three-gigabyte trial. After that, you will need to pay for a hotspot subscription.
Another tech feature that comes standard on all trim levels is “Teen Driver Mode.” This feature allows you to activate vehicle settings that encourage safe driving. It will limit certain features and prevent safety systems from being turned off. Teen Driver Mode will also give you a report of the driver’s habits so you can keep an eye on your child and give them notes as they learn to navigate the road.
Outside of the awesome radio and safety tech, some trim levels of the 2017 Silverado 1500 also come equipped with wireless phone charging. This is a standard feature in the High Country and is available in LT and LTZ models.
2017 Chevy Silverado: Interior & Exterior Color Options
There are 13 exterior color options with the 2017 Silverado 1500. Color options may vary, depending on the trim level you choose.
Depending on the trim level you choose, there are five interior color options to choose from, including:
- Cocoa/Dune (LT, LTZ)
- Dark Ash with Jet Black accents (Custom, LS, LT, LTZ, WT)
- Jet Black (LS, LT, LTZ, WT)
- Jet Black/Medium Ash Gray (High Country)
- Saddle (High Country)
How Reliable is a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado?
What Critics Say
When it comes to reliability, the 2017 Chevy Silverado has received a credible 4.5 out of five stars from the U.S. News. Given the consumer reviews above and the limited issues, the rating seems fair. The truck costs an average of $799 in annual repair costs, according to Repair Pal. However, the most expensive repairs can cost more than $1,500.
Repair Pal rated the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 at 3.5 out of five stars, and fifth out of 17 for the year’s best full-size trucks. While repair costs may be higher than some of its competitors, major issues appear to be less common.
All things considered, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is fairly reliable. But, that doesn’t mean it isn’t without a few faults. Currently, there are some known issues and recalls.
2017 Chevrolet Silverado: Known Issues & Safety Recalls
Chevrolet has announced six recalls on the 2017 Silverado 1500 in the four years it has been on the road. Recalls for this model actually began in 2016. General Motors recalled the 2016-2017 Silverado 1500, along with various other GM vehicles, because the upper control arms may not have been welded properly. This issue can compromise steering, potentially leading to a crash.
Another notable recall was made in July 2017 regarding the truck’s airbags which reportedly may not deploy. Because certain components were not working properly, it could increase the risk of serious injury or death in the event of an accident.
The Chevy Silverado 1500 was part of another large recall in September 2019 that involved nearly 3.5 million GM vehicles. According to the report, an issue with the vacuum pump may decrease power brake assist. This increases the time it takes to slow down and could potentially cause a crash.
Because the 2017 model is outside of the Chevy three-year warranty timeframe, you will have to rely on the powertrain warranty. Not every used vehicle will come equipped with the five-year/60,000-mile powertrain promise though, so be wary of these issues.
2017 Silverado vs. Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra, & Nissan Titan
The 2017 Chevy Silverado is not short on competition. There are industry leaders, such as the Ford F-150 it has to compete head-to-head with. Other companies like Dodge, Toyota, and Nissan have all emerged as front-runners in the pickup truck market as well. Here are our thoughts on how the 2017 Chevrolet stacks up against its competition from this year.
2017 Ford F-150 is a Close Match to Silverado That Ultimately Takes the Lead
Ford has been a leader in the pickup truck market for decades. In fact, it has been the best-selling truck in America for more than 30 years. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was introduced to the market to be a direct competitor of the F-150. In 2017, Chevy had a lot to offer. It was the first full-size pickup truck to offer LTE WiFi. So, from a technology standpoint, the Silverado had a leg up on the F-150.
Where performance is concerned, Chevy also seemingly provides a bit more than Ford. Although Ford’s 10-speed transmission did offer better fuel economy than its predecessors, Chevrolet was able to provide comparable mpg with a bit more power. The best fuel economy you will receive with the Silverado is 20 mpg on the highway with its 2WD 6 cylinder model, while the F-150 can get up to 21 mpg on the highway with its 2WD 6 cylinder automatic.
The F-150’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine gives the truck 375 hp and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. The Silverado, on the other hand, serves up 420 hp with 460 lb.-ft. torque. Not to mention, the Chevy Silverado also has a higher towing capacity (12,500 lbs compared to 12,200 lbs), which is a key selling point for many truck buyers. Most used 2017 Silverados are several thousand dollars cheaper than the F-150.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2017 Ram 1500 Lacks Tech/Safety Features of Silverado but Costs Less
Another competitor on the market for the 2017 Silverado is the Dodge Ram 1500. Side by side, the fuel economy is nearly the same at 20 mpg city/highway combined. The Ram puts out a good 20 to 40 more horsepower, depending on the trim level you choose.
As with the Ford, the Silverado does offer more towing capacity than the Ram 1500. So, if you are going to be using the truck to haul things or drag a trailer, this is something to keep in mind. The Silverado also still offers more technology features as well. Anyone wanting the perks of on-the-go WiFi and other luxuries, such as several inches of additional cargo space, might prefer the Silverado in comparison.
All those bells and whistles come at a price though. You will likely be able to find a 2017 Ram for a bit cheaper than you will find a Silverado of the same year. If you are on a strict budget, this is something to consider.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2017 Toyota Tundra Can’t Compare to Silverado’s Tech Features or 12,500 Max Towing
Toyota also has a direct competitor for the 2017 Silverado. As with the other competitors on this list, it does offer less towing capacity than the Silverado. At the same time, it comes with a lower price tag than the Chevy.
When you put the two side by side, the Silverado is a clear winner in some categories though, like fuel economy. In fact, when you compare similar trim levels, the Tundra is extremely thirsty. The Silverado offers 22 mpg on the highway, while the best the Tundra can provide is 18. It also bests the Tundra in performance, offering 420 hp and 460 lb.-ft. of torque, compared to Toyota’s 381 hp and 401 lb.-ft. of torque.
From a technology standpoint, both trucks have more to offer than some of the other competitors on this list. That being said, the Silverado still provides a touch more with wireless phone charging options, Apple CarPlay, and other sweet perks. Of course, the Silverado has more towing capacity, which seems to be the trend when stacking it up against its competitors from that year.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2017 Nissan Titan Lacks Engine Options of Silverado & Gets Subpar Fuel Economy
Last on the lineup of competitors is the Nissan Titan. These two trucks are most comparable in price when you put them next to one another. Despite them being close in price, the Silverado outpaces the Titan in a number of ways.
There is no surprise when we inform you that the Chevy has a higher towing capacity of 12,500. Up against the Titan’s meager 9,390-lb towing capacity, there is no real competition between the two. The Silverado also offers more power because the Titan is only available in a 5.6L V8, which generates 390 hp and 394 lb.-ft. of torque. It also gets lower fuel economy. Nissan’s Titan only gets 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.
On top of that, Chevy has a lot more options for car buyers to choose from. The Titan has a very limited number of options. There is only a short box or crew cab, nothing larger, which limits its towing abilities. As mentioned above, the Chevy comes with various technology perks as well, none of which you’ll find available with the Nissan, no matter what trim level you choose.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
So, is a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado a Good Truck to Buy?
For many years, Ford has sold more F-150s than Chevy has Silverados but it is starting to be hard to understand why. The 2017 Silverado is stylish, comfortable, more well equipped than all of its rivals. At the end of the day, it is a better buy when compared to other trucks in its class.
This year Silverado has a towing capacity of 12,500 lbs with the 6.2L engine, which puts it in a place to outpace its competitors in doing what trucks are supposed to do best. The Silverado outshines the competition when it comes to technology features as well. When you consider all the facts the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado is an excellent buy for anyone looking for a dependable pickup.
Even if you decide to go with another pickup, finding something that will serve your needs will take some research. However, we would suggest taking a close look at the Silverado and challenge you to find a better option as far as pickups are concerned.
Photos: Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Dodge
