The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado is currently the oldest full-size pickup truck on the market. Chevrolet and GMC are readying the next-generation pickup for the 2019 model year, but in the meantime, the Silverado makes do.
However, despite a solid performance, its credentials weren’t enough to place it ahead of its domestic rivals in the latest work truck comparison test by PickupTrucks.com.
Judges found the chassis and auto-locking, limited-slip differential as high spots in the 2017 Silverado 2500 WT and amenities such as Apple CarPlay, OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi, towing mirrors and more were appreciated. But, other spots were a letdown.
Specifically, during a loaded braking test where the Silverado WT was hauling 3,300 pounds, the weight actually began to bend the truck bed and signs of stress were also seen in the cab. Judges noted this did not happen with the other contenders – a Ram 2500 Tradesman, Ford F-250 Super Duty XL and Nissan Titan XD S.
Meanwhile, the test’s first place finisher, the F-250 Super Duty, was lauded as a jack-of-all-trades work truck. It boasted the best fuel economy, capability and livability when off the work site. We doubt a die-hard Chevrolet guy or gal will seriously switch their beliefs and turn to Ford, but the test does show a serious need for Chevrolet to update its workhorse. Thankfully, that’s coming sooner rather than later.
Comments
The writer of this is right! No article like this is going to change a person like myself.
Dodge Ram is the oldest Full-Size Pickup on the market, same model since 2009
Kevin,
That’s what I thought. the RAM current generation is 2009-current.
The Chevy Silverado was new in 2014, then refreshed in 2016.
So I am with you.
This goes along with what people say about GM in general, anytime people can find negative info about a GM product they make their comments known weather they are truthful or not.
I think what would help if GM corrected this info with commercials and ads in the various mags, Internet, and news papers.
Can GM use aluminum body panels for the exterior of the bed while making the inside of the bed out of steel? In order to help reduce weight while keeping the bed strength that is needed.
One feature that chevy still rocks, exterior style. They know that it’s due an update, that’s why they have all those special editions to maintain sales while waiting for the next gen
Does anyone know why Chevy and GMC redesigned their trucks for 2014 then again just 2 years later? The 2016s look really sharp compared to the 2014s and Ford’s F150 but a facelift after just 2 years on the market? Why didn’t they release the 2016 styling in 2014?
It’s a mid cycle refresh, all manufacturers do this. Basically identical truck, not a redesign, with different trim and lights, a few new features inside maybe. Gives the impression there’s something brand new, and maybe goads a few ’14 owners to buy a ’16.
The bed bend is concerning, but serves GM right for giving Ford such a hard time for the aluminum bed. The real world test showed the truth.
I know companies do mid cycle refreshes but it seemed odd they did one just 2 years after the new styling came out
Chevy has been moving “up” its refreshes because they don’t just give it a new look, they cut costs.
IE- replace with headlights or taillights that are cheaper to build than the originals.
Its actually relatively brilliant. Why wait 4 years when you can bring forward cost savings?
The risk is that your car starts to age quicker, but most redesign elements don’t have major costs associated with them.
Hmmmmm, …. what about the many frame twisting tests where Dodge and Ford, both, had EXTREMELY twisted frames and the tailgates would NOT open, while Chevrolet’s SHOWED MUCH LESS TWIST-??? . .. Confusing, but I saw it with my eyes in real life, so I question “results” in this article. THANKS, E.E.
The article refers to the bed sheet metal bending near the cab, as nothing to do with frame stiffness.
Actually, the RAM HAD line was significantly redesigned in 2014. New frame, link coil rear suspension, new front end suspension design, introduction of the 6.4L Hemi and more.
I would also like to see a pricing guide between all these trucks as tested.
Silverado wt, compared to f250 super duty xl.
I love when these mags do these test where they are testing two different cars that are not optioned the same.
They tell us in the article that this lower model was the only one they could get their hands on at the moment. Then delay the comparison!
PickupTrucks.com has always been pro Ford and anti GM, they have few articles on GM trucks that are not negative in nature!
That becomes apparent once you start to pay attention to their agenda!