Overview
Not everyone needs a heavy-duty pickup truck, but the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD is a good choice for those who regularly tow heavy trailers or haul heavy equipment. Available in a range of trims that start with the blue-collar Work Truck and culminate in the posh High Country model, the Silverado HD can tick a lot of boxes for a lot of different budgets. A 6.6-liter gasoline-fired V-8 is standard, but a 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V-8 is also available and unlocks a massive 36,000-pound maximum towing capacity. Both engines come with a 10-speed automatic transmission, rear- or four-wheel drive, and single or dual rear-axle setups. The Chevy’s spacious cabin has room for a work crew, but even the highest-end models don’t quite match the poshest offerings in the Ford Super Duty and Ram HD lineups. The Silverado HD does offer plenty of convenience and tech features, though, including some driver-assistance ones that are optimized for towing.
What’s New for 2024?
Chevrolet has given the Silverado HD a styling refresh for 2024. The grille, headlamps, and front bumper have been reworked into a more handsome mug. Several new colors revamp the exterior color palette, and the High Country model is now available with a Midnight Edition package that replaces exterior chrome accents with black ones. An interior revamp sees a new 13.4-inch infotainment display and a 12.3-inch digital gauge display added to LT, LTZ, and High Country models. Those trims also receive a redesigned center console with an integrated wireless smartphone charging pad. The Duramax diesel powertrain sees a slight power boost to 470 horsepower and 975 pound-feet of torque, and the gasoline engine now comes with the same 10-speed automatic transmission that’s standard on the diesel truck. Chevrolet has also tweaked the Silverado HD’s available driver-assistance features to be more helpful when towing. For example, the adaptive cruise control feature now accounts for additional drag and increased braking distances when towing, and the blind-spot monitoring system extends the area it watches for other vehicles. An off-road-focused ZR2 model joins lineup, but it’s only offered with a crew cab. The ZR2 features a lifted suspension with advanced Multimatic spool-valve dampers, an electronically locking rear differential, steel skid plates, and 35-inch Goodyear all-terrain tires. Chevy also offers an even more aggressive ZR2 Bison model outfitted with body modifications by aftermarket supplier American Expedition Vehicles (AEV).
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We’d choose the 2500HD with the crew cab and the standard cargo bed. We’d also add all-wheel drive and the Duramax diesel powertrain to the LT trim level. We’d recommend the Z71 Off-Road package (18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, spray-in bed liner, upgraded suspension, and underbody protection) for enhanced styling and improved capability. The Convenience package appears to be a solid value and includes a 10-way power driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, LED cargo-bed lighting, a heated steering wheel, remote start, and more. Finally, the Safety package makes this beast easier to live with thanks to blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD have a standard gas-powered 6.6-liter V-8 that makes 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. The optional Duramax diesel 6.6-liter V-8 carries over from the previous generation. It continues to make 470 horsepower and 975 pound-feet of torque. Both engines hook up to an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or four-wheel drive; each is compatible with the single or dual rear-wheel axle. We drove the diesel through mountains in 2019 while towing several tons and were impressed by its capability. The gasoline engine is no slouch, but the Duramax powertrain is the one to get for those who regularly tow heavy loads. Its mighty power and the transmission’s effortless responses provide an extra level of confidence and security when these trucks are doing what they were made for: moving mountains. However, the heavy-duty Silverado’s lack of steering accuracy and feedback—even when equipped with the electric assist system—was less reassuring. That said, the big Chevy rides surprisingly well considering everything it carries to fulfill its impressive capabilities.
Towing and Payload Capacity
Heavy-duty trucks are judged by their maximum towing and payload ratings, even if those massive loads are never actually tested by most people. The gasoline-powered Silverado HD can tow up to 17,400 pounds, and the diesel version can pull up to 36,000 pounds. The strongest Silverado 3500HD with the regular cab and dual-rear-wheel axle can carry up to 7442 pounds of payload.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Since the EPA doesn’t test vehicles as heavy as the Silverado HD and its colossal competitors, we can only judge their real-world mpg on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route. We haven’t had the chance to test the 2024 Silverado HD, but when we do we’ll update this story with its results.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Pickup trucks have a wide spectrum of interior configurations and available technology. The heavy-duty Silverado runs the gamut from a stripped-down work truck to a dressed-up crew cab. All feature a mountainous dashboard packed with easy-to-use switchgear. The Chevy’s crew-cab, short-box setup has a longer wheelbase than the previous generation and provides increased passenger space. While even the fanciest models can’t match the material quality and sophistication of the Ram HD, the Silverado’s cabin and features still manage to transcend typical truck luxuries. The most desirable content includes heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, and more. The Chevy is packed with copious interior cubby storage that’s highlighted by a giant center console bin. Some models can also be equipped with a storage compartment under the back seat and bins built into the backs of the rear-seat cushions.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every Silverado HD comes with a touchscreen that supports Chevy’s Google-based infotainment interface, which includes standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It features a useful volume and tuning knob as well as some physical buttons and voice commands that supplement the touch-sensitive display. The infotainment system also allows users to store different trailer profiles to monitor maintenance and even control trailer functions via a smartphone app. A larger 13.4-inch touchscreen is standard on LT, LTZ, High Country, and ZR2 models; those trims also offer an integrated wireless smartphone charging pad.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Every Silverado HD is available with a host of driver-assistance technology, and several trailer-specific assists make towing easier. There’s even a useful multiview camera system that includes a transparent mode that makes maneuvering in parking lots and merging onto the highway easier when towing by allowing the driver to virtually see through the trailer. For more information about the Silverado HD’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Available forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Chevy covers the Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD with a competitive warranty that matches competitors from Ford and Ram. Every heavy-duty Silverado also gets one complimentary scheduled maintenance visit.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit
