CHEVY FORUM REVIEW: 2017 Silverado 1500 LTZ 4×4

By Jerry Perez - April 7, 2017

We take the newest iteration of the Silverado 1500 for a spin and discover why it’s America’s most iconic pickup truck.

A raging fire — perhaps that’s the best way to describe the current pickup truck wars. The fight for pickup truck supremacy isn’t anything new, in fact, it’s existed since the very day pickup trucks were created

Steel, aluminum, turbocharged, naturally aspirated, you name it, it’s been a subject of discussion. The iconic Chevy Silverado enters 2017 mostly unchanged from 2016, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In our opinion, it’s the 2018 or 2019 models that will open the gates of change, ahem, aluminum. But hey, that’s still just a rumor, we suppose.

We recently had the opportunity to spend quality time behind the wheel of a lovely 2017 Silverado 1500 LTZ crew cab 4×4. Despite our press truck not being a range-topping High Country model, it sported tons of chromed body accents, wood inlays in the door panels, leather-wrapped surfaces, and nearly every option available. It wasn’t until we looked at the whopping $60,020 price tag that we wondered what the High Country model offered that our LTZ model didn’t?

The Truck

Visit Chevy’s website, open a magazine, flip through a brochure (yes, they still have those), and you’ll see that the Silverado is referenced as the most dependable, longest-lasting full-size pickup truck on the road. It’s true. According to vehicle registration data, there are more Silverados still registered in the US than any other model truck. So, I guess they must be doing something right?

At first glance our Siren Red Tintcoat Silverado proved to be a very, very handsome truck. The slight design tweaks hang very well with the overall design, and the upgraded front grille and 20-inch chromed wheels awarded the truck a timeless look. The exterior design features hard lines along the front, especially the rather muscular hood reminiscent of a Camaro.

The headlight housing features the new signature LED daytime running lights, which add a touch of modern and class. The sharp design queues continue through the side, and culminate on big and bold arches over the rear wheels. It’s the tailgate that holds the title for the most conservative body panel of the Silverado.

We can see this color and chrome combination favoring older folks, rather than the more anti-chrome younger buyers.

Ready for Work

This particular Silverado may resemble a luxury vehicle more than a work-horse, but that doesn’t mean it’s not capable of putting in serious hours at the work site.

A big reason why our LTZ truck rocked such a high price tag was due to its upgraded $2,695 gasoline-powered engine. This specific configuration ditched the common 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8, and upgraded to the 420-horsepower and 460 lb. ft. of torque, 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 motor. In addition, it was equipped with the $925 max trailering package, which awarded the Silverado a total towing capacity of 12,500 pounds. Oh, and in case you’re wondering, yes, that’s a best in class towing capacity.

Aside from the big engine and big towing capacity, it’s the small details that make the Silverado the perfect work and pleasure truck. A $495 spray-on bed liner made sure to protect the high-strength steel bed, and movable tie-downs along with built-in cargo box LED lighting made securing and organizing cargo a breeze. Lastly, the $295 telescoping, power-folding, heated and dual-glass trailering mirrors are bound to please the most dedicated road warriors.

The Driving Experience

After driving the Silverado on city roads, highways, and on dry and wet weather, one thing that stood out the most was its relaxed and refined driving experience. This is especially important, as our last Silverado test drive was notorious for heavy steering feel, pedals, and an overall truck-ish feel (we know, we know).

Not this time. The 8-speed automatic transmission that accompanies the upgraded 6.2-liter V8 engine is an absolute dream. More often than not we couldn’t notice the shifts taking place, and the transmission was responsive and smooth under acceleration and braking. Step on the throttle with a vengeance, and all 420-ponies come out to play in a hurry, quickly triggering the traction control light to light up.

The “heavier duty” springs courtesy of the max trailering package felt right at home with the rest of the truck, and didn’t make the truck feel jittery or bouncy on uneven roads.

The Silverado proved to be an excellent choice for driving the family around town comfortably, as well as the work-horse necessary for weekend trailering or work duties. Furthermore, several staff members noticed that the “easy-exit” button managed to move the seat forward toward the steering wheel, rather than making it easier to exit the truck.

Overall

After 250-miles of combined city and highway driving, our press truck delivered a combined average of 16-mpg. The EPA rates the 2017 Silverado with the 6.2-liter engine at 15-mpg city, 20-mpg highway, and 18-mpg combined. We are more than sure the 18-mpg figure could’ve been achieved during our test, had it not been for our obsession with 420-horsepower. Capish?

Aside from the easy-exit mode trying to crush us to death, our experience was a satisfactory one. More importantly, the Silverado seems to get better with age, and only time will tell what lies ahead for America’s iconic truck.