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2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Full Review
Date Published: 5/06/08
2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Review
Chevrolet redesigns its half-ton pickup trucks for 2007, giving them a new look, more power, and additional features. Silverado shares its design with the GMC Sierra.

The redesigned Silverados are unchanged in wheelbase, but are 3 inches longer overall and 1.5 inches wider. Regular, extended, and crew cab body styles return. Extendeds have rear-hinged back doors that don't open independently of the fronts, but now open wider than before. Extendeds and crews include a three-person rear bench seat and offer front bucket seats or a bench; regular cabs come only with a front bench. Regulars are available with a 6.5- or 8.1-ft cargo bed. Crews have a 5.8-ft bed. Extendeds are offered in all three bed lengths. Two interior designs are offered: Chevy calls them "Pure Pickup" and "Luxury Inspired." Available engines, depending on cab/bed configuration, are a 195-hp V6, or V8s of 295, 315, and 367 hp. All V8s gain power for 2007. Some are E85-capable and feature GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. Automatic transmission is standard; manual transmission is no longer offered. Rear-wheel drive is standard. Two 4WD systems are available: a basic setup that should not be left engaged on dry pavement, and GM's Autotrac that can. Both include low-range gearing.

Standard on all models are ABS and, for '07, OnStar assistance. Newly offered on select models are curtain side airbags and traction/antiskid control with rollover sensors. Also newly available are a power-sliding rear window, remote engine start, navigation system, power-adjustable pedals, rear obstacle detection, and power rear side windows for extended cabs. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Pickup Trucks are traditionally the vehicles of choice for heavy-duty hauling and towing. They offer an array of cab styles and bed lengths and usually feature powerful V8 or diesel engines. For personal use, consider light-duty half-ton models. For heavy-duty or commercial use, consider three-quarter- or one-ton models.

We have no Best Buys in this class. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Avalanche, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Classic, Ford F-150, and GMC Sierra 1500 Classic.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Avalanche, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Toyota Tundra.
News
This redesign uses the "GMT900" large-truck architecture introduced with the '07 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban SUVs and their relatives. A hybrid power option is planned for the 2008 pickups. The result of a GM-DaimlerChrysler-BMW collaboration, this so-called "two-mode" system is said to use twin electric motors and a 300-volt battery pack to assist a 5.3 V8 with GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder-shutoff feature. It allows low-speed driving on either power source, and promises better overall fuel economy than conventional powertrains.
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2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Road Test
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

2WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z71 susp., 5.3 V8 4WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z60 susp., 5.3 V8 4WD crew cab w/ Luxury int., nav. sys., Z85 susp., 5.3 V8 Class Average
6 6 6 5

Only extended and crew cabs with 5.3-liter V8 made available for testing. Acceleration more than adequate at all speeds, aided by smooth-shifting transmission that kicks down quickly for more power. Tow/Haul mode adjusts shift points for best performance with heavy loads.
Fuel Economy

2WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z71 susp., 5.3 V8 4WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z60 susp., 5.3 V8 4WD crew cab w/ Luxury int., nav. sys., Z85 susp., 5.3 V8 Class Average
4 3 3 2.5

Test rear-drive extended-cab Silverado with the 5.3-liter V8 averaged 15.6 mpg. Chevrolet recommends regular-grade fuel for all engines.

Some versions of the 5.3 V8 can run on ethanol-blended fuel, called E85.
Ride Quality

2WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z71 susp., 5.3 V8 4WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z60 susp., 5.3 V8 4WD crew cab w/ Luxury int., nav. sys., Z85 susp., 5.3 V8 Class Average
4 5 6 4.4

Compliant and fairly comfortable with standard Z85 suspension, with less reverberation over bumps than in most pickups. Ride somewhat stiffer with optional Z60 suspension, which includes 20-inch tires vs. standard 17s. Available Z71 suspension is suited to off-road duty only, exhibits much choppiness on road over pavement cracks and washboard surfaces.
Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z71 susp., 5.3 V8 4WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z60 susp., 5.3 V8 4WD crew cab w/ Luxury int., nav. sys., Z85 susp., 5.3 V8 Class Average
4 4 3 3.5

Noticeable body lean in fast turns and quick changes of direction with Z85 suspension, but on par with other large pickups. Z60 and Z71 suspensions improve handling slightly. Steering nicely weighted if a bit numb. Responsive brakes have fine pedal feel.
Quietness

2WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z71 susp., 5.3 V8 4WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z60 susp., 5.3 V8 4WD crew cab w/ Luxury int., nav. sys., Z85 susp., 5.3 V8 Class Average
6 6 6 4.9

A strength. Road, engine noise well muted. Wind noise intrudes only above 60 mph.
Controls

2WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z71 susp., 5.3 V8 4WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z60 susp., 5.3 V8 4WD crew cab w/ Luxury int., nav. sys., Z85 susp., 5.3 V8 Class Average
7 7 7 6.3

Gauges clear and easily read. Pure Pickup interior places radio and climate controls high on dashboard, just out of easy reach. Despite work-truck intentions, materials don't look bargain-basement. Luxury interior mimics that of Tahoe/Suburban, with controls mounted lower but in easy reach, and materials that look about as classy as hard plastic can look. Optional navigation system absorbs some audio controls, but higher trim levels offer redundant controls on steering wheel.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z71 susp., 5.3 V8 4WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z60 susp., 5.3 V8 4WD crew cab w/ Luxury int., nav. sys., Z85 susp., 5.3 V8 Class Average
9 9 9 8.3

Ample adult room. Bucket and bench seats both comfortable if somewhat lacking in side support. Visibility generally good, though extended cab has wide rear pillars that block view to back corners. Newly available power-adjustable pedals a boon for shorter drivers.
Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z71 susp., 5.3 V8 4WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z60 susp., 5.3 V8 4WD crew cab w/ Luxury int., nav. sys., Z85 susp., 5.3 V8 Class Average
4 4 8 5

With front bucket seats, center console restricts toe room for center rear-seat passenger. Generous head room. Ditto for leg room in crew cab. Extended cab's seatback set at a comfortable angle, but leg room is tight even if seats aren't set far back. Extended's wide-opening rear doors a convenience in tight spaces and offer power windows, but if fully open, doors can't be closed by a seated passenger.
Cargo Room

2WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z71 susp., 5.3 V8 4WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z60 susp., 5.3 V8 4WD crew cab w/ Luxury int., nav. sys., Z85 susp., 5.3 V8 Class Average
5 5 6 5.2

In extendeds and crew cabs, rear seat cushion flips back against seatback leaving a large cargo area with nearly flat floor. Pure Pickup interior features upper and lower gloveboxes; Luxury version has only the lower one. Bucket seats come with a roomy console bin. Bench seat is available with flip-down center armrest that doubles as a large storage bin. Few other cubbies.
Value within Class

2WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z71 susp., 5.3 V8 4WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z60 susp., 5.3 V8 4WD crew cab w/ Luxury int., nav. sys., Z85 susp., 5.3 V8 Class Average
6 8 7 6.4

GM's already-good pickups get better with their '07 redesign, most notably in quietness and interior refinement. A lengthy list of available features, including 4WD that can be used on dry pavement, make this Recommended pick a must-see for anyone shopping large pickups.
Total Score

2WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z71 susp., 5.3 V8 4WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z60 susp., 5.3 V8 4WD crew cab w/ Luxury int., nav. sys., Z85 susp., 5.3 V8 Class Average
55 57 61 51.5
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score
7
Average Score
51
High Score
64
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2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 02/01/2007
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD V6 Work regular cab, 6.5-ft bed $17,860 $16,878 $900
2WD V6 Work regular cab, 8.1-ft bed $18,155 $17,156 $900
4WD V6 Work regular cab, 6.5-ft bed $20,960 $19,807 $900
4WD V6 Work regular cab, 8.1-ft bed $21,255 $20,086 $900
2WD V6 Work extended cab, 5.8-ft bed $22,705 $20,775 $900
2WD V6 Work extended cab, 6.5-ft bed $23,000 $21,045 $900
2WD 5.3 V8 Work extended cab, 8.1-ft bed $24,345 $22,276 $900
4WD 4.8 V8 Work extended cab, 5.8-ft bed $25,805 $23,612 $900
4WD 4.8 V8 Work extended cab, 6.5-ft bed $26,100 $23,882 $900
4WD 5.3 V8 Work extended cab, 8.1-ft bed $27,445 $25,112 $900
2WD 4.8 V8 Work Crew Cab, 5.8-ft bed $26,100 $23,882 $900
4WD 4.8 V8 Work Crew Cab, 5.8-ft bed $29,200 $26,718 $900
2WD 4.8 V8 1LT regular cab, 6.5-ft bed $23,510 $21,512 $900
2WD 4.8 V8 1LT regular cab, 8.1-ft bed $23,805 $21,782 $900
4WD 4.8 V8 1LT regular cab, 6.5-ft bed $26,610 $24,348 $900
4WD 4.8 V8 1LT regular cab, 8.1-ft bed $26,905 $24,618 $900
2WD 4.8 V8 1LT extended cab, 5.8-ft bed $25,665 $23,483 $900
2WD 4.8 V8 1LT extended cab, 6.5-ft bed $25,960 $23,753 $900
2WD 5.3 V8 1LT extended cab, 8.1-ft bed $27,305 $24,984 $900
4WD 4.8 V8 1LT extended cab, 5.8-ft bed $28,765 $26,320 $900
4WD 4.8 V8 1LT extended cab, 6.5-ft bed $29,060 $26,590 $900
4WD 5.3 V8 1LT extended cab, 8.1-ft bed $30,405 $27,821 $900
2WD 4.8 V8 1LT Crew Cab, 5.8-ft bed $28,515 $26,091 $900
4WD 4.8 V8 1LT Crew Cab, 5.8-ft bed $31,615 $28,928 $900
2WD 5.3 V8 2LT extended cab, 5.8-ft bed $28,295 $25,890 $900
2WD 5.3 V8 2LT extended cab, 6.5-ft bed $28,590 $26,160 $900
2WD 5.3 V8 2LT extended cab, 8.1-ft bed $28,885 $26,430 $900
4WD 5.3 V8 2LT extended cab, 5.8-ft bed $31,395 $28,726 $900
4WD 5.3 V8 2LT extended cab, 6.5-ft bed $31,690 $28,996 $900
4WD 5.3 V8 2LT extended cab, 8.1-ft bed $31,985 $29,267 $900
2WD 5.3 V8 2LT Crew Cab, 5.8-ft bed $31,840 $29,134 $900
4WD 5.3 V8 2LT Crew Cab, 5.8-ft bed $34,940 $31,970 $900
2WD 5.3 V8 LTZ extended cab, 5.8-ft bed $31,205 $28,553 $900
2WD 5.3 V8 LTZ extended cab, 6.5-ft bed $31,500 $28,823 $900
2WD 5.3 V8 LTZ extended cab, 8.1-ft bed $31,795 $29,092 $900
4WD 5.3 V8 LTZ extended cab, 5.8-ft bed $34,305 $31,389 $900
4WD 5.3 V8 LTZ extended cab, 6.5-ft bed $34,600 $31,659 $900
4WD 5.3 V8 LTZ extended cab, 8.1-ft bed $34,895 $31,929 $900
2WD 5.3 V8 LTZ Crew Cab, 5.8-ft bed $34,990 $32,016 $900
4WD 5.3 V8 LTZ Crew Cab, 5.8-ft bed $38,090 $34,852 $900
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
Model Rebate & Incentives Type Expires
Silverado 1500 $2000-$3000 cash back or 0%-4.9% financing. Customer 06/02/08
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Work
Powertrain
4.3-liter V6 engine (regular cab, extended cab 5.8-/6.5-ft bed), 4.8-liter V8 engine (Crew Cab), flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation (extended cab 8.1-ft bed), 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control (Crew Cab).
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock brakes, antiskid system w/rollover sensor (Crew Cab), tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning (extended cab, Crew Cab), OnStar assistance system w/one year service, power steering, tilt steering wheel, vinyl upholstery, front split bench seat, cupholders, folding rear seat (extended cab), split folding rear seat (Crew Cab), rear-hinged doors (extended cab), front-hinged rear doors (Crew Cab), power door locks (Crew Cab), AM/FM radio, digital clock, tachometer, intermittent wipers, map lights, passenger-side visor mirror, cargo-box light, automatic headlights, vinyl floor covering.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, painted front bumper, chrome rear step bumper.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, P245/70R17 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 4.8-liter V8 engine (extended cab 5.8-/6.5-ft bed), tow hooks, P265/70R17 tires.
1LT adds to Work:
Powertrain
4.8-liter V8 engine (regular cab, extended cab 5.8-/6.5-ft bed, Crew Cab), flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation (extended cab 8.1-ft bed).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, split folding rear seat (extended cab, Crew Cab), heated power mirrors, power front windows, power rear windows (extended cab, Crew Cab), power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, carpeting, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, chrome front bumper.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Tow hooks, Handling/Trailering Suspension, chrome steel wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, AutoTrac 2-speed transfer case, P265/70R17 tires.
2LT adds to 1LT:
Powertrain
Flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, 6-way front bucket seats, center console, steering wheel radio controls.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, AutoTrac 2-speed transfer case, P265/70R17 tires.
LTZ adds to 2LT:
Powertrain
Locking rear differential.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated 12-way power front seats, driver-seat memory, mirror-mounted turn signals, driver-side automatic day/night and passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid mirrors, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, rear radio controls (Crew Cab), remote engine start, universal garage door opener, rain-sensing wipers (Crew Cab), heated washers.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Color-keyed front bumper.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Trailer-hitch platform, 7-wire harness, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, AutoTrac 2-speed transfer case, P265/70R17 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Convenience Pkg.
2LT
$595
$494
Driver-side automatic day/night and passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid mirrors, mirror-mounted turn signals, remote engine start, universal garage door opener, heated washers.
LS Pkg.
Work
$495
$411
Chrome grille and front bumper, chrome steel wheels.
Audio Pkg.
1LT
$495
$411
2LT Crew Cab
$1,155
$959
2LT extended cab
$990
$822
Bose sound system (2LT), AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, rear radio controls (Crew Cab). NA regular cab.
Safety Pkg.
1LT, 2LT, LTZ
$715
$593
Curtain side airbags, rear-obstacle-detection system, power-adjustable pedals. NA regular cab.
Z71 Off-Road Suspension Pkg.
1LT, 2LT
$625
$519
1LT/2LT w/Heavy-Duty Trailering Equipment
$600
$498
1LT/2LT w/Towing Pkg., LTZ
$275
$229
Locking rear differential, heavy-duty air cleaner, skid plates, off-road suspension. 1LT requires Convenience Pkg. or 18-inch alloy wheels.
Snow Plow Prep Pkg.
4WD regular cab
$405
$336
4WD regular cab w/Heavy-Duty Trailering Equipment
$285
$237
Heavy-duty air cleaner/alternator/transmission-oil cooler, roof light provision, forward wiring harness, skid plates. Work requires Handling/Trailering Suspension. NA w/4.3-liter V6 engine.
Max Trailering Pkg.
1LT extended cab 6.5-ft bed
$3,255
$2,702
1LT extended cab 6.5-ft bed w/Convenience Pkg.
$2,865
$2,378
2LT extended cab 6.5-ft bed
$2,265
$1,880
LTZ extended cab 6.5-ft bed
$1,685
$1,399
1LT Crew Cab
$2,830
$2,349
1LT Crew Cab w/Convenience Pkg.
$2,440
$2,025
2LT Crew Cab
$1,840
$1,527
LTZ Crew Cab
$1,260
$1,046
Towing Pkg. plus 6.0-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation, traction control, special axle ratio, 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, unique alloy wheels. Requires P265/70R17 on/off-road tires. NA w/Z71 Off-Road Suspension Pkg.
Heavy-Duty Trailering Equipment
1LT, 2LT, Work
$350
$291
Heavy-duty air cleaner and transmission-oil cooling, trailer-hitch platform, 7-wire harness. Work requires Handling/Trailering Suspension. NA w/4.3-liter V6 engine. Std. LTZ.
Towing Pkg.
Work
$770
$639
1LT, 2LT
$675
$560
Heavy-Duty Trailering Equipment Pkg. plus locking rear differential, Handling/Trailering Suspension (Work). NA w/4.3-liter V6 engine.
Powertrain
4.8-liter V8 engine
Work regular cab, 2WD Work extended cab 5.8-/6.5-ft bed
$0
$0
Flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation
regular cab, Work/1LT extended cab w/5.8-/6.5-ft bed, Work/1LT Crew Cab
$600
$498
6.0-liter V8 w/cylinder deactivation
1LT 5.8-/6.5-ft bed
$1,695
$1,407
2LT 5.8-/6.5-ft bed
$1,095
$909
LTZ 5.8-/6.5-ft bed
$1,000
$830
Crew Cab includes 4-wheel disc brakes. Extended cab includes 4-wheel disc brakes when ordered w/antiskid system. Requires Z71 Off-Road Suspension Pkg. or 20-inch alloy wheels. NA regular cab.
Locking rear differential
Work, 1LT, 2LT
$325
$270
Special axle ratio
1LT, 2LT, LTZ, Work
$100
$83
Safety
Curtain side airbags
1LT, 2LT, LTZ
$395
$328
Antiskid system
1LT/2LT/LTZ extended cab
$425
$353
Includes traction control. NA w/8.1-ft bed. Std. Crew Cab.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
LTZ
$2,250
$1,868
2LT Crew Cab
$
$
Replaces in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer w/single-disc CD/MP3 player. 2LT requires DVD entertainment system.
Air conditioning
Work regular cab
$870
$722
Power sunroof
1LT, 2LT
$795
$660
2LT w/Convenience Pkg., LTZ
$685
$569
Includes universal garage door opener. 1LT requires Convenience Pkg. NA regular cab.
Leather upholstery
1LT, 2LT
$800
$664
NA regular cab.
6-way power driver seat
1LT extended cab/Crew Cab
$240
$199
Requires Convenience Pkg.
DVD entertainment system
2LT Crew Cab
$1,955
$1,623
LTZ Crew Cab
$1,295
$1,075
2LT includes Bose sound system.
AM/FM/CD player
Work
$270
$224
Satellite radio
1LT, 2LT, LTZ
$199
$165
Universal garage door opener
1LT, 2LT
$110
$91
Power sliding rear window
1LT, 2LT, LTZ
$200
$166
Deletes rear defogger. NA regular cab.
Rear defogger
Work
$175
$145
Cruise control
Work
$240
$199
Camper mirrors
Work
$70
$58
Heated power camper mirrors
1LT, 2LT
$238
$198
2LT w/Convenience Pkg., LTZ
$55
$46
Includes power-extending arms, turn signals.
Carpeting
Work
$100
$83
Includes floormats.
Carpeting delete
1LT (credit)
$-100
$-83
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine-block heater
1LT, 2LT, LTZ, Work
$50
$42
EZ-Lift tailgate
1LT, 2LT, LTZ
$95
$79
Cargo management system
1LT, 2LT, LTZ, Work
$175
$145
Roof rails
1LT/2LT/LTZ Crew Cab
$195
$162
Rear privacy glass
Work regular cab
$50
$42
Work extended cab
$107
$89
Work Crew Cab
$180
$149
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Heavy-duty air cleaner
1LT, 2LT, LTZ, Work
$25
$21
Transmission-oil cooler
1LT, 2LT, Work
$95
$79
Std. LTZ.
Trailer wiring provisions
regular cab
$35
$29
Additional 8-wire harness. Requires Heavy-Duty Trailering Equipment. NA w/4.3-liter V6 engine.
Front tow hooks
2WD Work
$50
$42
Skid plates
4WD
$95
$79
Handling/Trailering Suspension
Work
$95
$79
Spare tire lock
Work
$15
$12
Std. 1LT, 2LT, LTZ.
18-inch alloy wheels
1LT
$400
$332
1LT w/Convenience Pkg.
$250
$208
Requires Z71 Off-Road Suspension Pkg., P265/65R18 on/off-road tires.
20-inch alloy wheels
2LT, LTZ
$1,295
$1,075
Includes sport suspension, P275/55R20 tires. NA w/8.1-ft bed.
LT245/7516E all-terrain tires
4WD
$200
$166
NA w/8.1-ft bed.
P245/70R17 white-letter tires
2WD
$125
$104
P265/70R17 white-letter tires
4WD
$125
$104