2017 Chevrolet Silverado Redline Edition Review

2017 Chevrolet Silverado Redline Edition Review By Auto Critic Steve Hammes

More so than any other type of vehicle, trucks offer endless amounts of customization options. From the number of doors, bed lengths, engines and page after page of options lists, if you want a ride that speaks to your individualism, a pickup truck is the way to go.

Earlier this year at the Chicago Auto Show, Chevy expanded their Redline Edition across 9 vehicles. It’s a lipstick package that gives the car, truck or SUV a grittier look.  Available at a cost of $2,265, it can be ordered on Silverado Double Cab LT Z71 and like here on the Crew Cab LTZ Z71.

All Redline vehicles are equipped with black wheels featuring distinct red hash marks, black nameplates with a red outline, blacked-out grilles and black Chevrolet bowtie logos.

Additionally, the Silverado comes with red recovery hooks. I have to admit, Redline gives the Silverado an attractive, high performance stance.  With additional options, this truck stickers for just under $60,000.  And it’s loaded with goodies including heated and ventilated seats, power adjustable pedals, the full MyLink system with its excellent smartphone integration and OnStar connectivity, a 4-wheel drive system with the highly desirable Auto setting, a huge center console with tons of connection points, modern safety features and other luxury touches.  Plus, my truck ups the motor ante with the Corvette-sized 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 with V4 mode, 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque mated to an 8-speed automatic.  It’s quick, gutsy and surprisingly efficient.  It adds $2,495 to the price.  With the biggest rear axle and the max trailering package, this Silverado can tow a whopping 11,700 pounds.  And the Z71 Package with its Rancho shocks, and host of other off-road tricks not only imbues the Silverado with a work-truck resume but also improves its on-road ride.

The Silverado is a really good rig and the Redline Edition adds some street truck pop to for a dose of visual allure. And with the big 6.2 under-hood, it can back it up. Plus, with the Z71 suspension it drives like a dream. You’d swear it was a luxury sedan, so smooth and quiet. Plus the rear seats are as big as they come. And can you believe I’m averaging nearly 20mpg?

For 2017, Chevy offers the Silverado in a number of other special editions including Black Out, Special Ops, Rally, Midnight, Realtree, All Star, and Texas, in addition to a series of appearance packages that ostensibly turn the Silverado into just about anything you want it to be.

The redesigned 2019 Silverado is expected to debut next year. In the meanwhile, Chevy’s best-seller is staying fresh and looking better than ever.