How many gears does a 2017 Silverado have?
In the 2017 Silverado lineup, transmission gear counts vary by engine and model. Most light-duty trucks use a 6-speed automatic, while the top-tier 6.2-liter V8 is paired with an 8-speed automatic.
Gears in the Silverado 1500 (gasoline engines)
The light-duty Silverado 1500 offered several gasoline engines, with two gear counts depending on the engine choice. The following summarizes the gear counts by engine option for the 2017 model year.
- 4.3-liter V6: 6-speed automatic
- 5.3-liter V8: 6-speed automatic
- 6.2-liter V8: 8-speed automatic
Bottom line: if you’re choosing the 4.3L V6 or the 5.3L V8, expect a 6-speed automatic; the 6.2L V8 uses an 8-speed automatic for smoother shifts and better highway efficiency.
Gears in the Silverado HD lineup (2500/3500)
The heavy-duty Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD use automatic transmissions designed to handle higher workload. Transmission options differ slightly by engine, but all were six-speed automatics or equivalent in 2017, with diesel and gasoline variants sharing the same general count.
- Gasoline engines (e.g., 6.0L V8): 6-speed automatic
- Diesel engine (6.6L Duramax): 6-speed automatic
In the heavy-duty segment for 2017, both the gasoline and diesel variants commonly used a six-speed automatic transmission to balance durability with performance under load.
Notes for buyers and enthusiasts
When evaluating a 2017 Silverado, always verify the exact transmission on the specific truck you’re considering. The gear count affects towing performance, acceleration, and fuel economy, and is closely tied to the engine option and trim level.
Summary
The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado offers a 6-speed automatic transmission for the 4.3L V6 and 5.3L V8 engines, and an 8-speed automatic for the 6.2L V8 in the light-duty 1500 model. The heavy-duty 2500HD/3500HD line mostly uses a 6-speed automatic across gasoline and diesel variants. In short, gear counts range from 6 to 8 depending on the model and engine choice.
