In the escalating battle for dominance of the heavy-duty market, Chevrolet is the last to fire a shot.
The bowtie brand plans to launch an updated version of the Silverado HD next year and offered a sneak peek barely a day before arch-rival Ford is set to unveil its own updated Super Duty lineup. While the 2024 Chevy update isn’t as extensive a makeover, it does offer plenty of new features, a beefed-up diesel option and an all-new high-performance version of the off-road-focused ZR2.
For those who think bigger is better, Chevy has a truck for you. And there are some significant mid-cycle updates coming to the Silverado HD for 2024. Slated for launch sometime in the first half of 2023, the pickup gets some modest exterior upgrades, a more dramatic interior makeover, and a slew of high-tech new features.
The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD also gets a significant boost in performance thanks to its 6.6-liter turbo diesel. And there are two new variants, the High Country Midnight Edition, aimed at those who want a mix of luxury and brawn, and the ZR2, aimed at buyers who want the maximum available power when off-roading.
“We designed the Silverado HD to be our customers’ preferred choice for true truck capabilities,” said Scott Bell, Chevrolet vice president. “The improvements to the 2024 model build on its core strengths to create an even stronger balance of design, strength and confidence that makes tackling the tough jobs, including trailering, easier and more comfortable than ever.”
2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD
Chevy stripped the covers of the new truck during a media background briefing Monday morning, revealing what might at first have been dismissed as a modest warm-over. From the outside, there aren’t many changes other than a revised grille, modified C-shaped LED running lights, and front fascia updates intended to give the truck a bolder presence.
Step inside, however, and it’s a different matter altogether. With the exception of the base Work Truck and Custom models, all other versions of the Silverado HD feature an all-new cabin layout with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 13.4-inch infotainment display—both standard. There’s also a new wireless smartphone charger, leather-wrapped finishes, and other improvements.
Upgrading the powertrain options
But what really counts in a heavy-duty pickup is its brawn. And the big news for 2024 will be the introduction of an upgraded Duramax 6.6-liter turbodiesel that now makes a whopping 470 horsepower and 975 pound-feet of torque. This package can carry up to 36,000 pounds of trailers.
Chevy claims its “engineers have improved low-end torque production by as much as 25% for better performance at low speeds or on grades, and especially when towing.”
The standard powertrain features a 6.6-liter gasoline engine with 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. Combined gross weight jumps from 24,000 to 26,000 pounds.
Both engines are mated to a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available as an option.
New high-tech features
As has become the norm for full-size pickups, the new Silverado HD adds a variety of high-tech upgrades in general. This goes well beyond the larger infotainment screen and includes 14 different camera views. There are also four new features aimed at making towing easier to manage:
- Enhanced Transparent Trailer allows a driver to effectively see behind a trailer and works with fifth wheels and gooseneck trailers in this updated version
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Trailer adjusts active cruise control to compensate for the extra drag and braking distances while driving pull a trailer
- Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert adds a trailer to the blind spot system
- GCW Alert warns a driver when the vehicle exceeds its weight limit
Chevy officials boasted during the web event that this year the HD model has surpassed its top rival, Ford’s Super Duty, to become the best-selling heavy-duty pickup truck in the retail segment. However, accounting for commercial and fleet models, Ford still retains the overall sales crown for the heavy-duty segment.
One reason is that Chevy only offers versions in the 2500 and 3500 classes. Ford ranges up to Class 7 or 7500.
2 new fairings: ZR2 included
Chevy offers a range of configurations including regular, twin and twin cabs. And it has a wide range of trims.
Among other news for 2024, Chevy is adding two new trims, starting with the High Country Midnight Edition. It is a monochrome version of the already most lavishly equipped version of the Silverado HD.
The new package “darkens the exterior with black chrome accents on the grille and grille bar, swapping out for black badges,” Chevy explained in a press release. “Black steps complete the look. The Silverado HD High Country Midnight Edition also includes 20-inch wheels painted in high-gloss black as standard, with 22-inch wheels available in the same finish.”
Then there are the ZR2. Already a popular option with Silverado 1500 customers, this off-road package is now making its debut in the HD family. The ZR2 will be a late arrival for the 2024 model year and Chevy hasn’t revealed any specific details. But in the Silverado 1500, it covers many critical bases with suspension system upgrades, added underbody protection, and other upgrades crucial for serious off-road adventures.
2024 Silverado HD: Timing, Mileage and Pricing
The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD will make its public debut at the Texas State Fair on September 29th. But it won’t roll into showrooms until sometime in the first half of 2023, officials said during Monday’s background briefing. The continued shortage of semiconductor chips could affect the exact timing, they acknowledged.
Meanwhile, pricing and fuel economy figures aren’t expected to be released until just before the sale date. Stay tuned.
