2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Z71 LTZ Crew Cab 4WD Midnight Edition

Highlight: The Silverado includes a 'key' feature, which allows parents to monitor the driving habits of teen drivers.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $55,600 (base model $37,530)

Seating Capacity: 5 or 6 (depending upon trim)

Standard Safety Features: air bags; a locking tailgate; a tire pressure monitoring system; Daytime running lights; a stability control system; a hill start assist system; and a trailer sway control system

Standard Equipment (WT):  17-inch wheels; a 6-speed automatic transmission system; overall tow/drive mode;  a/c; 4.2-infotainment system; split bench front seats (vinyl/cloth); a manually operated tilt steering system; corner step rear bumpers; tailgate and bed rail protection caps; and a heavy duty crank battery
                
Standard Equipment LTZ II Pckg: 18-inch wheels; a 5.3-liter, V8 engine;
an 8-speed automatic transmission; a remote locking tailgate; a remote keyless entry; OnStar concierge service; in-vehicle WiFi; a CD player; SiriusXM Satellite; HD radio; 4.2-inch infotainment screen; rubberized vinyl floor mats; leather wrapped steering wheel; a tilt/telescopic steering system; illuminated front seat visor vanity mirrors; an 8-inch Mylink system; a dual temperature control a/c system; a remote vehicle starter system; a rearview automatic dimming mirror; a rear view camera; 40/20/40 leather appointed seats; power front heated seats; power rear sliding window with rear defogger; a chrome front bumper; a chrome rear bumper; deep tinted glass; fog lamps; transfer case; a 720-heavy duty cold battery; cooling external transmission oil cooler; a hill decent control system; an easy lift/lower tailgate; a remote vehicle start system; and a navigation system

A Z71 off road package: air cleaner; a hill descent control system; recovery hooks; brushed metal sill plate; unique gauge cluster; trailering package; a locking rear differential; and 18-inch bright machine wheels

Optional Features On Test Vehicle: LTZ Package, which includes power adjustable pedals, Bose audio system and heated steering wheel; Midnight edition, which includes 18-inch wheels, black bowtie emblem, alloy wheels, body color handles, body color mirror caps; power sunroof; front and rear parking assist; active safety lane keeping assisting system; a low speed forward collision braking system; automatic high beam headlights; a safety alert seat system; heated/ventilated front seats; USB ports; a wireless charging system; an 8-inch infotainment screen; a navigation system; and a Mylink system

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle:  a 6-speaker AM/FM/HD with satellite radio

Bluetooth Connectivity:  Yes

iPod connectivity/USB Port: Yes
                                                                                                       
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 4.3-liter, 6-cylinder/285-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage:

15-city/20-hwy

Towing Capacity: 9,400 lbs

What’s New: While the fullsize truck is in the last stage of its product cycle, Chevy has managed to make a few tweaks in order to keep it fresh and competitive. Crew cabs are now available with a 12,500-lb maximum trailer rating, while some models are available with a low-speed forward automatic collision braking system.

Pros: America’s second best-selling truck is available in six trim levels: work truck, LS, Custom, LT, LTZ and High County. The fullsize truck can also be configured in a short box or a long box powered by a rear wheel drive or a 4WD system. And with those configurations, buyers can opt for a regular cab, a double cab or a crew cab.

The roomy and well-equipped LTZ model we reviewed really came in handy during a recent hurricane we found ourselves in the midst of. Although we found ourselves without electricity for several hours, because we had access to the Silverado, we never fretted. The sporty looking truck served as a temporary mobile office, until the electricity came on again. The fully functional truck provided a place to recharge our smartphone, an in-vehicle Wi-Fi system and outlets to recharge our mobile devices. Yes, this vehicle is right for all types of weather. The vehicle’s capabilities shined beyond its towing and hauling capabilities, as well as its overall workmanship.

Outside of the Silverado being the perfect vehicle to have to weather most storms, the crew cab we reviewed, with the customized-like night edition trim, included 18-inch wheels and a black-on-black exterior treatment. Added to that, our vehicle was outfitted with Chevy’s easy-lift tailgate, which made it literally a breeze to open, as well as close despite its weight.

Moreover, we welcome such safety driving aids as the lane departure warning system, the vibrating safety alert driver seat and the parking sensors. All of these features are designed to minimize accidents

Lastly, depending upon the trim and configuration, buyers can be assured the Chevy trucks are a true workhorse in terms of powertrain, as well as hauling and towing capabilities.

Cons: While we realize this vehicle is not a car, the ride-quality of Chevy’s trucks are just a tab to firm for our taste. Ironically, many of its competitors offer more of car-like ride. However, we must note even without the Z71 package, which offers special shock absorbers, we would still say the same.

Verdict: GM’s pair of trucks, the Chevy Silverado and the GMC Sierra, are slated for a makeover soon. It is widely speculated that that they will offer an aluminum body like Ford. GM has been on the offense this year, as a result of Ram, taking the number two sales seat away from them three times. Yes, competition is fierce. GM continues to come up with new packages to stay in the game, until the new design is released next year. For shoppers in the market, they can’t go wrong with the Chevy. While it lacks some of the technological features available on the F-Series, it’s still a worthy workhorse to consider.

Competition:  Ram 1500 Sport Night Edition (in terms of package)

Other Competitors: GMC Sierra 1500; Ford F-150; Nissan Titan; and Toyota Tundra