Review of 2014 vs 2017 Sierra

sigmonster · February 14, 2017

I bought a 2014 Sierra 1500 crew cab short box SLT 4x4 Z71 with 5.3 engine, 20" wheels, 6 speed, and 3.42 rear end. It was the best truck I ever owned and was zero trouble after 45,000 miles. I put on an ARE camper top and Michelin LTX MS2 tires. It got 21-22 mpg at 70-75mph, 19-20 mpg at 80mph, 16-17 mpg around town, and 10 mpg towing a 5000 lb boat 70-75 mph. It was quiet, smooth, and drove very well (good feel of the road especially with 20" wheels and Muchelin tires. I planned to drive it another 3-4 years. Then my son totaled his car in a snow storm. He takes his insurance money (plus some savings) and wants to buy my truck. I'm flattered that a 23 y/o would want what I drive and as a parent I know he is getting a great used truck. Besides, that means I have to get a new one!

My local dealer (Everette Chevy GMC) find a suitable replacement 2017 Sierra crew cab short box 4x4 SLT. I do want this truck to be a little different so it has NHT (Max Tow), 6.2 engine, 20" wheels, 8 speed, and 3.42 rear end. These are my thoughts after 400 miles.

NHT and Z71 ride/handle very similarly. Z71 has a little more feel of the road (perhaps due to Michelin vs Goodyear Eagle tires) and NHT is a little more bumpy in the rear end. The NHT springs and axle are heavier duty though they look identical to me. The NHT is sprung 1" higher in the rear (but no camper top on that truck- it is on order). LOVE the tow mirrors.

6.2 8-speed obviously has better acceleration, but 5.3 is no slouch. Both transmissions will "clunk" on occasion.

The biggest (pleasant) surprise has been fuel economy in the new truck. It was initailly filled with 93 octane and when half empty I topped it off with 89 octane. No knocking (and I will eventually try 87 octane). Around town I am getting 18-19 mpg around town and 22-24 mpg on the highway at 70-75mph (with a 50 mile best average of 24.6 mpg).I have not towed yet.

I find it amazing that a truck of this size and power is so economical. I'm glad I bought a second one

Zackb250 · February 14, 2017

Awesome to hear! I will also be picking up my new truck Friday. 2017 allterrain w/ the 6.2. I'm glad to hear about the decent fuel mileage as I'm coming from a 99 sierra 1500 4x4 4.8 getting 14mpg average.

Luster · February 14, 2017

It's great to hear that kind of feedback. I think these are the best trucks on the road.

Every time I see a 14-17 GM truck owner I ask them how they like it.

Without exception they will say "Love it" or "Great truck" or "Best truck I've ever owned!".

Not once has anyone told me they didn't like their truck.

TexasTallBoy · February 14, 2017

Great story! I totaled my 2008 pickup, bought dad's 2012 Silverado with insurance money that he put towards his 2014 Silverado .... similar story! Last week, I traded in my 2012 for a 2017 Sierra....absolutely LOVE it. Already a couple thousand on the odometer... Dad saw it the day I bought it and he may be switching to a '17 as well!

TxTruckMan · February 14, 2017

Congrats on the new truck. I've also been very pleased with my 6.2L mileage. I easily average 17.5 on my daily commute.

One thing though, do not run 87 or even 89 octane. You will never hear the knocking, but it does. Your engine immediately retards timing and limits power when knocking is detected and long term it can damage your engine. Only run premium. Read your owner's manual.