2017 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 FIRST LOOK

2017 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 FIRST LOOK BY AUTO CRITIC STEVE HAMMES

The Chevy Silverado half-ton underwent a significant freshening last year with new front fascia designs, additional LED lighting, the expanded use of the 8-speed automatic transmission and a bevy of comfort and convenience upgrades.

Now for the 2017 model year, the Silverado 1500 can do more.  Its trailering rating has increased to a maximum of 12,500 pounds giving it bragging rights among crew cab models in the segment.  Other updates focus on technology.

GM’s lauded Teen Driver feature is now standard, encouraging safe driving habits while Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking has been added to the optional Enhanced Driver Alert package.

After the 2016 freshening, specific appearances for different models make Silverado trims more distinguishable, ranging from a no-nonsense 2-wheel drive, V6 WT regular cab to the luxurious 4-wheel drive High Country crew cab with an available 6.2-liter 420 horsepower V8 and 22” wheels.  Other recently added features include an available remote locking tailgate, a faster Chevrolet MyLink system with the addition of Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charging for compatible devices, auto high beams and lane keep assist.

Two new colors; Graphite and Pepperdust also debut for 2017.  While a 6-speed auto is standard on all but the biggest V8 models, the 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 on LTZ and High Country models can now be upgraded to an 8-speed automatic for improved start off with a heavy load while reducing RPMs at highway speeds.  Four-wheel drive Silverados equipped with this gearbox are rated at 15mpg city/20mpg highway.

A base Silverado starts at about $33,000, while the High Country tops out around $60,000.