Yahoo Autos The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado Is For the Person Who's Always Working
Our Take on the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
The 2024 Chevy Silverado 2500HD is built to work. From behind the wheel, it only feels at home if it's loaded up with gear or hauling a gigantic trailer. Big, brawny, and ready to take on the world, it's as much truck as most people will ever need.
The base 6.6-liter gas-powered V-8 should be enough to pull most trailers and boats, as even in the 2500's least capable trim, it can tow 14,500 pounds—enough for two race cars in an enclosed trailer. And you'll be enjoying that haul in comfort thanks to a newly upgraded cabin that brings a revised infotainment system shown through a massive 13.4-inch touchscreen. Those that need even more towing capacity can opt for the 6.6-liter turbodiesel V-8, capable of delivering an amazing 975 lb-ft of torque.
The Silverado HD's driving experience is decidedly utilitarian, with heavy steering and brakes. Without anything loaded in the bed, the rear end is on the bouncier end, as the springs are meant to deliver a solid ride with stuff in the bed, not when it's empty. So if you don't plan to use this truck to haul at all times, we suggest buying something smaller or the more civil Ford Super Duty.
What's New
The Silverado 2500HD has been given a substantial facelift for the 2024 model year. It includes changes to the fascia, the interior, and some powertrain options.
The front bumper has been reworked with a new grille and headlight setup, giving it a more modern look. The biggest change happens on the inside, though, where the dashboard and gauge cluster have been given significant upgrades that include a big screen in place of traditional gauges, alongside a massive touchscreen for controlling things like vehicle settings and entertainment.
The six-speed automatic attached to the base 6.6-liter gas V-8 has been dropped, with all trims now using the 10-speed Allison automatic previously only available with the optional turbodiesel V-8. That diesel engine also gets a slight bump to 470 hp and 975 lb-ft of torque.
Pros
Gigantic towing and payload capacities make pulling and hauling a breeze.
Modern, sleek cabin means you can work and cruise in comfort.
Cameras, a bed step, and a host of other tech features making loading and maneuvering far easier.
Cons
Steering and brakes require a bit more force to operate than they should.
Suspension feels jumpy and oversprung when the truck is empty.
Diesel engine is a ~$10,000 option.
Performance, Engine & Horsepower
The Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD comes standard with a 6.6-liter naturally aspirated gasoline V-8 making 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque. It connects to a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission paired to rear-wheel drive or optional switchable four-wheel drive.
There's an available 6.6-liter turbocharged Duramax diesel V-8 available too, rated at 470 hp and a humongous 975 lb-ft of torque. Like the gas engine, it's paired to a 10-speed Allison-branded automatic. It's also available with either rear- or four-wheel drive.
Features & Specs
The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is available in a wide range of trims and body styles, with no fewer than seven variants to choose from, going from the base, stripped down Work Truck to the luxury-minded High Country model.
No matter which model you choose, you'll get a huge interior and a big dashboard stuffed with controls for things like entertainment, climate, drivetrain settings, and towing. Step up to some of the more expensive trims, and things like heated and ventilated seats, leather trim, and a bigger touchscreen become available.
Towing and Payload
The Silverado 2500HD was built to haul, and its maximum towing and payload capacities prove that's exactly what it can do. Depending on specification the 6.6-liter gas-powered 2500 can pull up to 16,000 pounds with a ball hitch, or up to 18,700 pounds with a 5th wheel or gooseneck-style trailer attachment.
Upgrade to the turbodiesel engine, and those numbers jump to up to 20,000 pounds with a ball hitch or up to 22,430 pounds with a 5th wheel or gooseneck-style trailer. Maximum payload is 3689 pounds for the gas engine and 3615 pounds for the diesel. These numbers should be plenty big for most, but if you're sweating every pound it's worth noting that Ford's F-250 can tow and haul more weight.
MPG/Range
The EPA doesn't actually test vehicles as large as the Silverado HD, but our colleagues over at Car and Driver were able to test a 2023 model-year 2500 with the base gas engine themselves, recording 14 mpg on the highway. We saw about the same performance on the open road, according to the truck's onboard fuel calculator.
That number dipped to about 8 mpg after a bunch of city driving, however. And we suspect any extended towing would knock the average economy even lower. But that's to be expected considering the transparent amount of weight the engine is asked to move around.
