Not too long ago, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 received a host of updates that aimed to make the truck more modern while also addressing a laundry list of consumer complaints when the current generation model first appeared. These updates have now made their way to the 2024 Silverado HD, and while the HD’s suite of updates does go in a bit of a different direction in some ways, it’s still trying to achieve the same core point while also adding goodies like an all-new ZR2 model.
Silverado Styling Is Still Controversial, But Change Is Good
The exterior styling of the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD is still a subject of debate, and its effectiveness on viewers will depend on who you ask. However, Chevrolet reps quickly pointed out that the truck gets a newly redesigned front grille, new-look headlights with C-shaped LED running lights, new wheel designs, and large Chevrolet lettering on the hood scoop. With the bulk of the changes being primarily centered on the front of the truck, the side profile and the rear of the Silverado HD carry over mostly unchanged.
Six new colors also make their way to the color lineup, and the lineup is now joined by an all-new ZR2 model. While Chevrolet chose to tease the model this time, we get a glimpse of the blacked-out front grille, which gets a spiffy ZR2 badge and a red-trimmed bowtie badge. The appearance of the ZR2 is a response to recent entries like the Tremor Super Duty and the Ram HD Power Wagon, with the fore-mentioned duo targeting off-roaders that need something beefier than their 1500 cousins for trail duty. Look for the ZR2 to largely follow the same script as these models with the truck getting an upgraded suspension and other performance hardware to cope with the rigors of off-roading.
Silverado HD Interior Ups The Ante On Luxury And Technology
While the exterior is trying to hone its image, the interior of the 2024 Silverado HD is trying to correct some of the previous generation model’s mistakes. Some of the awkward angles and ergonomics have been pitched, and if you go into the LT, LTZ, or High Country models, the technology has been improved, with these models receiving a massive 13.4-inch infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. That allows the HD to be on par with rivals in the segments that the aforementioned trio competes in, but the Work Truck and the base Custom models will arrive with a more basic-looking interior that trades frills for durability and enhanced functionality.
Buyers will also have ten cupholders to use, while Google Assistant and a bed-mounted 120-volt outlet are also available as options. The appearance of Google Assistant is a nod towards GM embracing more mobility-focused technology in their models and is also a swipe at Ford, which has been leading the way when it comes to offering this type of technology in their pickup models. Chevrolet also offers plenty of room to stretch out and relax, especially in the rear seat, which has benefitted from enhanced amounts of room.
Diesel Engine Hits The Gym, Gains More Power
The 2024 Silverado HD will continue to offer two 6.6 liter V8s (one gas and one diesel), but engineers have worked their magic on the diesel side of the equation for 2024 and have increased power and torque slightly for the new model year with the engine now producing 470 hp and 975 lb-ft of torque, These figures are up slightly from the old model which mustered 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, the gasoline engine now gets the same ten-speed automatic as the diesel. Chevrolet claims that the extra gears are meant to help the truck hold onto the power band longer while also improving fuel economy.
Rear-wheel drive is standard across the board, but buyers can choose to upgrade to an optional all-wheel drive system for four-season commuting. With all of this performance on hand, it can be easy to forget that the Silverado HD’s greatest talents are towing large trailers and hauling large amounts of cargo with 3500HD models capable of towing up to 36,000 lbs when equipped as a dually with a traditional bed mounted hitch. This focus on strong numbers also extends to the hauling side of the coin, with the truck boasting a 7,290 lb hauling capacity.
When Can I Buy One?
The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD is slated to make its debut later this month at the Texas State Fair with formal production kicking off during the first half of 2023 at GM’s Flint, Michigan plant as well as at the Oshawa assembly plant in Canada. Buyers will have three cab styles to choose from with Regular, Double, and Crew Cab models to choose from. Multiple packages will also be available including a Midnight Appearance package for High Country models as well as a separate sport package for Z71 models along with a snow plow package.
Chevrolet is also making sure that buyers will have plenty of technology on hand too with the model getting Adaptive Cruise with Trailer which allows the cruise control to calculate and gauge the trailer’s drag and adjust the braking accordingly. Trailer Blind Zone alert and Enhanced Transparent Trailer help further ease towing while Front Pedestrian Braking, Forward Collision Alert, and Lane Departure Warning join the standard equipment list.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.