Chevrolet officially revealed the 2024 Silverado HD pickup trucks. In addition to horsepower and interior upgrades, Chevy also announced that, for the first time ever, a ZR2 trim will be joining the Silverado HD lineup later in the model year.
A few years ago, if you would have asked me what role full-size heavy-duty trucks played in the overland space, I would have simply scoffed at you. But, just a few weeks ago, I found myself building and pricing a Ford F-250 as a potential overlanding rig. And I see an increasing number of full-size pickups at each Overland Expo event each year. That should tell you just how much overlanders’ appetites for full-size trucks have changed in just the last 24 months — they’ve gone from scoff to shopping-cart.
Now there is one more latest and greatest American full-size HD truck for you to add to your shopping list: 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD.
What’s new?
For the first time, Chevrolet is putting its proven Allison 10-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment for both the standard 6.6L V-8 gas engine and the available Duramax turbo-diesel. Replacing the 6.6’s outgoing six-speed with a 10-speed enables the engine to remain in its maximum power band more often, which improves power delivery.
In turn, the 2024 Silverado HD’s Gross Combined Weight Rating with the 6.6L gas engine increases to 26,000 pounds, up from 24,000 pounds previously.
Silverado engineers have pushed the renowned Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel V8 engine. Overall horsepower and torque numbers increase to 470 hp and 975 lb-ft of torque. Engineers enhanced low-end torque production by up to 25% for improved performance at low speeds or climbing grades, and particularly when trailering. As a result, 2WD dually HDs boast a maximum towing capacity of a whopping 36,000 pounds.
READ MORE: Chevrolet’s First-Ever Silverado ZR2 Shakes Up the Overlanding Market in a Big Way
Speaking of trailering, HD is now available with Adaptive Cruise Control with Trailer. This means the truck can safely cruise along freeways keeping with the flow of traffic, as it speeds up and slows down, even with a trailer hooked up.
While engineers improved power, the design team upped the interior game of the HD, too.
LT, LTZ, and High Country models introduce an all-new instrument panel with an expansive infotainment screen: a 13.4-inch-diagonal infotainment display. A 12.3-inch-diagonal configurable driver information center complements the new infotainment display. The infotainment screen and other controls are also canted toward the driver, giving the driver more of a “command center” perspective. This ethos pulls directly from the simple and iconic looks the C/K Series trucks set in the 1970s and 1980s.
ZR2
While any 2024 Silverado HD trim would be an adept full-size overlanding rig, it’s the forthcoming, and first-ever, ZR2 trim we’re particularly excited about. R&D isn’t done yet on that trim, which is obvious based upon its planned mid-model-year debut.
We can safely assume that it’ll offer a higher-clearance front fascia, skid plates, increased suspension articulation and front and rear electronically locking differentials. Will it be as adept at towing as its stablemates? Not likely. However, it could make for a great base vehicle for those looking to add a big, heavy off-road camper to their next truck. And that’s great news because we loved the first-ever Silverado ZR2, which we drove earlier this year.
We will be eagerly awaiting the Silverado HD ZR2 debut. So check here for more information soon.
