The trucks on the new Chevy lineup are all high-performance vehicles that have received impressive reviews from automobile professionals. However, this line of vehicles comes with some new technology that may not be comparable to past models. We’ll guide you through the specs of every Silverado and Colorado model on the 2017 lineup, so you do not need to feel overwhelmed by a long list of features.
Trucks are sold on the market with a wide variety of features. Some of these features offer excellent utility functions that make driving a more pleasant experience, but many of these add-ons simply give producers new ways to compete with other sellers. As a person who drives trucks, you shouldn’t be distracted by these extra features until you find an option that serves your needs. Instead, focus on the engine and performance specs that affect your overall driving experience. After all, dependable trucks have a high payload capacity and plenty of torque. Keep this in mind when you are looking for a vehicle that serves your needs. We’ll evaluate the following vehicles:
- 2017 Chevy Colorado
- 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500
- 2017 Chevy Silverado 2500
- 2017 Chevy Silverado 3500
Colorado
Many people complain that trucks are made more expensive to own due to their historically poor fuel economy; Chevy addresses this complaint with the 2017 Colorado. The Chevy Colorado is a fuel-efficient mid-sized truck that boasts a fuel economy of 30 mpg on the highway. With the standard Duramax 2.8L Turbo-Diesel engine, drivers can travel up to 630 miles on a single tank of fuel. Diesel fuel is more expensive than gasoline, but the improved fuel economy of the Colorado will offset these costs if you plan to drive the same vehicle for several years.
The standard Colorado is a two-wheel-drive vehicle. It has a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. This towing capacity is significantly smaller than other trucks on the market, so the Colorado may not be ideal for people that need to haul livestock trailers and heavy machinery. It outputs 369 pounds of torque and 181 horsepower in optimal conditions.
If you are willing to sacrifice the superior fuel efficiency that has made the Colorado a prime choice for long-distance drivers, consider upgrading the engine to the 3.6L V6 engine. This is a powerful engine that offers up to 308 horsepower.
For off-road drives, the Colorado has a unique feature. When you set the vehicle to off-road mode, the engine and transmission are calibrated for the demands of steep grades and uneven terrain. A traction control system also helps drivers navigate rugged environments.
The Colorado has several entertainment and communication features that can come in handy. The vehicle is a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, so passengers can stream content or browse the Internet while they ride to their destination. Like a smartphone, messaging and music applications can be used on the Colorado’s interface.
Several safety features are included with the Colorado. Distracted drivers will appreciate the forward collision alerts, lane departure warnings, and rear cameras. In the event of an accident, the vehicle is protected by several airbags, a steel frame, and a safety cage.
Silverado 1500
The Silverado 1500 is one of the most popular trucks on the market. This sturdy vehicle is made of puncture-resistant high-strength steel. The Silverado 1500 is not the strongest vehicle in the Chevy lineup, but it boasts a high towing capacity and payload for most recreational and work purposes. The 2017 model also has better fuel efficiency that previous Silverado 1500s. This improvement can be credited to the patented fueling methods used by the EcoTec3 engines. They use a series of fuel management, direct injection, and variable valve timing systems.
There are currently three engines available for the Silverado 1500. The 4.3L V6 offers 24 mpg on the highway. It has a peak horsepower of 285 at 5,300 rpm. The Silverado 1500 also has 305 pounds of torque at 3,900 rpm. This lighter engine provides a towing capacity of 7,600.
For more power, use the 5.3L V8 engine. This standard V8 engine offers 355 horsepower at 5,600 rpm. It also provides 383 pounds of torque at 4,100 rpm. The towing capacity is also significantly improved. With this engine, drivers can haul up to 11,100 pounds. Thrifty drivers will also appreciate the fuel economy of 23 mpg on the highway, which is an excellent fuel rating for a V8 truck of this size.
The 6.2L V8 engine offers the maximum specifications for the Silverado 1500. The vehicle produces 420 horsepower at 5,600 rpm, and it has 460 pounds of torque at 4,100 rpm. Drivers can tow up to 12,500 pounds with this engine. It also has an impressive fuel economy rating of 21 mpg on the highway. The 6.2L V8 is the superior engine for large payloads and demanding hauls, so it is suitable for personal use and industrial projects.
To help drivers manage heavy loads, Chevy has included several new features. An integrated brake control system and auto-grade braking system increase stability while reducing rotor stress. The Silverado 1500 also has a setting known as tow-haul mode. This feature calibrates the engine to handle heavy loads. Trailer-sway control settings are also included.
This vehicle also includes 4G LTE WiFi, wireless device charging, and other entertainment features. It has airbags, a rear camera, and safety alert features.
Silverado 2500
The Silverado 2500 is a sturdier version of the 1500, and it offers greater power with its two engine options. The standard engine is the Vortec 6.0L V8 engine. This engine grants the Silverado 2500 a maximum towing capacity of 14,800 pounds. It has a maximum payload 3,534 pounds. For additional towing capabilities, the Silverado 2500 can be paired with a gooseneck trailer. This makes the 2500 a great vehicle for towing large livestock trailers and other massive loads.
For greater power, the Silverado 2500 can be upgraded with a Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 engine. This engine offers 910 pounds of torque, and it has 445 horsepower at 5,400 rpm. This engine boosts the 2500’s towing capacity to 18,100 pounds.
Like other trucks in the Chevy lineup, the Silverado 2500 has trailer-sway control and braking technology to support hauling efforts. Each Silverado 2500 comes equipped with a trailer camera system and several safety features. Forward collision alerts and lane departure warnings are useful for drivers who frequently navigate busy highways. The 2500 also has a customizable display, so drivers can hide unessential gauges and meters.
Silverado 3500
The Silverado 3500 is nearly identical to the 2500, but it offers more strength for large payloads and hauls. This vehicle comes equipped with a Vortex 6.0L V8 engine. It offers 360 horsepower at 5,400 rpm, and it produces 380 pounds of torque at 4,200 rpm.
This vehicle can manage a payload of up to 7,153 pounds, and it can tow up to 14,600 pounds. However, the towing capacity can be increased to 23,300 pounds with a Duramax engine. With these specs, the Silverado 3500 is suitable for all commercial projects. Steering a vehicle that is burdened with heavy loads can be difficult, so Chevy has equipped the Silverado 3500 with a digital steering assistance system.
Trailer-sway control and advanced braking systems are also included with the Silverado 3500. The 3500 can be outfitted with a fifth-wheel trailer hitch. The 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and entertainment features of the other Chevy trucks are available for the 3500.
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