Which 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Is Right for You?

The 2017 Silverado 2500HD is ready to tackle any job you need, whether it’s on the road or a worksite. Along with choices in cabs, beds, and engines, you can choose a trim level that fits your needs. But should you go with the affordable WT, or the top-tier High Country?

Cab and Engine Options

Chevrolet focuses on customization so your truck can handle a broad range of jobs. There are five options for the size and shape of your Silverado. You can choose from a regular cab with a long box, a double cab with a standard or long box, or crew cab with a standard or long box. This will affect cost and performance, and not all cab options are available with all trims.

The Silverado also comes with two engine choices. The first is a 6.0-liter Variable Valve Timing V8 SFI engine that produces 360 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft of torque. The second is a Duramax 6.6-liter Turbo Diesel V8 engine, which, coupled with an Allison transmission, can put out 445 hp and an incredible 910 lb.-ft of torque. The Duramax engine may come with additional features for some trims. Additionally, all trims are available in two-wheel drive, with the option to upgrade to four-wheel drive.

WT

The 2017 Silverado 2500HD WT is the least expensive option at $34,905. It comes standard with the 6.0-liter engine and a regular cab with a long box. When properly equipped, the WT has a maximum 9,300-pound gross vehicle weight rating and 14,500 maximum trailer weight capabilities. It also has a maximum payload rating of 3,534 pounds.The gas engine has a 4.10 rear axle ratio, while the diesel engine has 3.73 rear axle ratio. With these numbers, the WT is a beast that’s ready to take on anything.

Because the Silverado is used in the toughest of conditions, it also comes with great warranties. It includes a bumper-to-bumper limited warranty of 3 years or 36,000 miles, as well as a corrosion warranty for the same duration. The corrosion warranty includes a warranty against rust-through for six years or 100,000 miles. The Silverado 2500HD also comes with a powertrain limited warranty for five years or 60,000 miles, and roadside assistance with courtesy transportation for five years or 60,000 miles.

With the power and capabilities of this vehicle, you can forgive Chevy for not loading it down with extra features, This is definately a base model. That said, it does include a four-speaker audio system with a 4.2-daigonal color screen, AM/FM radio, USB ports, and an auxiliary jack. However, the WT doesn’t have Bluetooth capabilities. If you use GPS through your phone, you may want to upgrade to the LT.

The WT also doesn’t include many safety features, but it does include StabiliTrak, which is a stability control system with Proactive Roll Avoidance and traction control. While it doesn’t have rear park assist or a rear vision camera, it does include a Teen Driver mode and tire pressure monitor system.

LT

The LT starts at $39,470 for the regular cab with a long box. Since it has the same engine and build as the WT, it has all the same capabilities. That said, it does include more features than the trim below it. On the exterior, it’s equipped with deep tinted glass and EZ Lift with Lower Locking Tailgate. The tailgate is easy to lock, using the same keyfob as the rest of the vehicle.

The interior of the LT improves to include a six-speaker entertainment system and Bluetooth capabilities. If you use GPS on your phone regularly while moving between job sites, this may be essential. The LT also includes a rear vision camera, which can make backing up much safer for you and anyone around you.

LTZ

The LTZ starts at $47,240. For that price, you get a double cab with a standard box. There’s no regular cab option here. That price jump may seem like quite a bit, but it has several features that make your Silverado safer and more enjoyable to drive. The cab space comes at a price, though. Even though the GVWR goes up, you lose just the smallest amount of towing capacity.

The interior comes with a 110-volt AC power outlet, heated driver and passenger seating, and inside rearview auto-dimming mirror. The safety features also improve quite a bit to protect your passengers and your investment. Some of the best inclusions are fog lights, a theft-deterrent system, and a rear-window defogger.

High Country

The High Country is the top-tier trim for the Silverado 2500. It starts at $56,160, which gets you a crew cab and standard box. Chevy’s given the High Country plenty of added convenience and comfort.

The High Country comes with its own feature package, which adds several features like a Bose sound system, power adjustable seats, a heated steering wheel, an integrated trailer brake controller, and movable upper cargo tie-downs. There are also several cosmetic changes to the exterior of the Silverado which makes it look even more rugged than before.

The High Country is also the only trim that comes standard with the Driver Assist Package. This package includes high-tech safety features like forward collision alerts, lane departure warnings, and front and rear park assist.

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