2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD First Look Review: Heavyweight Hauler
If there's one segment of the market that appears blithely unaware of anything to do with EVs, hybrids, tax credits, or lithium shortages, it's heavy-duty trucks. These hardworking pickups must be able to tow or carry almost anything, and for that, there's no better alternative than good ol' gasoline or diesel. The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD is no different, and it now makes up to 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque in diesel form. But a new Ford F-250 is coming, so Chevy couldn't stop there.
That's why the updated Silverado 2500 also comes with a much-improved interior and an off-road-focused ZR2 trim, plus a standard 10-speed automatic replaces the aging six-speeder used before. The Silverado is now a more complete truck than ever before.
When Is The Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Coming Out?
The release date for the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is set for the second half of 2023 when production begins in Michigan and Canada. It will be coming out at around the same time as the new Ford F-250 Super Duty.
2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Price And Competition
No price for the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD has been communicated yet, but this information will be shared closer to the truck's arrival in the USA next year. For reference, the 2023 model starts at $40,500 but it will cost double that amount for the most expensive derivative. The new one is likely to be slightly more expensive still.
The Chevy's primary rivals will come as no surprise, those being the Ford F-250 and the Ram 2500. Each truck has its strengths. The Ram has been the most comfortable pickup to drive for some time, while Ford is a master at offering a configuration for virtually every application. The 2022 Ram 2500 starts at $43,920 MSRP and the 2022 Ford F-250 begins at $39,445 - pricing for the updated Ford is unknown at this stage.
New Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Exterior And Colors
Freshly updated outside, the exterior of the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is a reminder that making a pretty full-size pickup is no easy task. It's got presence aplenty, though, and this is more important to the average buyer of a vehicle like this anyway.
Changes in front include a new fascia and redesigned dual-projector headlights on the LTZ, ZR2, and High Country trims. An animated lighting sequence adds a little pizzazz when approaching or leaving the vehicle.
Tow hooks are now standard and the hood scoop comes with CHEVROLET lettering. Six new Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD colors include Sterling Gray, Dark Ash, Radiant Red, and Auburn Metallic. Coming later are Lakeshore Blue Metallic and Meteorite Metallic.
A range of new wheel designs include 20-inch items with a bright chrome finish for the LTZ, while 20-inch off-road tires are available. For the first time, the High Country can be enhanced with a new Midnight Edition that adds black chrome accents to the grille, black power assist steps, black mirror skull caps, a black hood vent, and available 22-inch wheels.
Besides a peek at the ZR2's grille, we don't know much more about this model. However, based on the Silverado 1500 ZR2, we can expect underbody skid plates and chunkier rubber.
Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Dimensions
As before, Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab variants will be available. Only the Regular Cab is restricted to the long bed, while the other two body styles have both standard and long bed options. With all these variations, the dimensions of the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD vary widely.
The length of the body starts at 235.5 inches for the Regular Cab but goes all the way up to 266 inches for the Crew Cab with the long bed, while the wheelbase measures between 141.55 and 172 inches. Width is almost the same for all derivatives at between 81.75 and 81.85 inches, while the height measures between 79.65 and 79.95 inches.
Ground clearance is close from one model to the next, starting at 10.08 inches and maxing out at 10.19 inches. We do expect that the new ZR2 will have a bit more clearance when it arrives, though.
Of all 2500HD models, the Regular Cab with the gas engine is the lightest at 6,203 pounds. Going for the diesel engine will increase the weight of this basic model by a substantial 622 lbs. After the Regular Cab, the weight of the pickup steadily climbs, and the heaviest of all is the Crew Cab with the diesel engine and the long bed; it weighs 7,736 lbs.
Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Engine And Performance
Regardless of which Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD engine you choose, a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission is now standard. Previously, the gas engine used a six-speed automatic, but the upgraded transmission allows this mill to stay closer to peak power for extended periods. The closer gear ratios also enable better engine-braking control than before.
As standard, the 2024 Silverado 2500HD comes with a 6.6-liter V8 engine producing 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque. It's a solid engine but it can't match the 470 hp and 975 lb-ft of the latest Duramax 6.6-liter V8 turbodiesel. Previously, the diesel made 445 hp and 910 lb-ft, so torque has risen quite substantially. Chevy said that low-end torque production has increased by up to 25%, helping the truck climb up steep heels and making towing more effortless. 0-60 times aren't vitally important in a truck of this size, but both engines can get an unladen 2500HD up to speed quickly enough, and the diesel's passing power is a strength.
Speaking of towing, the maximum conventional towing capacity is 20,000 pounds with the diesel engine or up to 16,000 lbs with the gas V8. With fifth wheel/gooseneck towing, the maximum number rises to 22,500 lbs. If that's still not enough, consider the 3500HD which we review separately; its available dual-rear-wheel configuration increases maximum towing to 36,000 lbs.
To make towing safer and and a less anxious affair, there are many new technologies that can be equipped to the Chevy. The adaptive cruise control can now operate with a trailer, and it compensates for the extra drag and longer braking distances that are inevitable when lugging a trailer. Blind-spot monitoring with a trailer and enhanced Transparent Trailer technology can also be fitted.
For the 2500HD, the payload goes up to 3,850 lbs for the Regular Cab with the diesel and four-wheel drive. On that note, all body styles and both engines are available with either two- or four-wheel drive.
Gas Mileage
It's possible that the newly-standard 10-speed transmission will make the base V8 slightly more economical, but we still wouldn't expect much more than 12 mpg combined. According to real-world-reports - the EPA doesn't supply ratings for heavy-duty pickups - the Duramax returns around 15 mpg.
No matter which way you look at it, you're going to be burning through gas or diesel at a rapid rate. Fortunately, the new Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD pickup truck has an acceptable range as the gas tank is large. Most models have a 36-gallon tank, with the exceptions being the Regular Cab diesel (28 gallons) and the Double Cab diesel with the standard bed (29.4 gallons). Expect a maximum range of around 540 miles with the diesel.
Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Interior And Cargo
The current Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD truck has a functional interior that suffers from a rather dated design. Therefore, it's nice to see that the 2024 model has taken a big step up. From the LT trim and above, there is a much more premium instrument panel with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 13.4-inch infotainment display. It's a world apart from the seven- and eight-inch displays used previously, and with Google built-in compatibility, it's easy to access and use services like Google Assistant and Google Maps.
Tilted gently in the direction of the driver, the new infotainment display and the controls below it are easy to reach from the driver's seat. Chevy has redesigned the area with the wireless phone charger to make it less distracting, and if it's distractions you want to avoid, you can tick the box for the head-up display.
While much attention has been given to the technology, the new truck is also more comfortable and practical inside. A total of 10 cupholders are available, and in the console, more space has been made for the side-by-side cupholders there. Upper trims have leather-wrapped surfaces and real wood accents, and second-row passengers can access their own climate control vents. Hidden storage has also been optimized, with space in the console and a sunglasses holder behind the infotainment screen.
The High Country is the model to have if your budget can stretch to it. Here, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD's front seats are power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated. Authentic open-pore wood and "High Country" embroidering can be found on the head restraints, too.
Other than the towing technologies mentioned previously, there are several driver-assistance features that come as standard, like lane departure warning, front pedestrian braking, and a following distance indicator. Adaptive cruise control is a new option this year.
Cargo space in the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is plentiful, with up to 83.5 cubic feet in the case of models with the long box. Many other useful features can be added in the vicinity of the box, be it the six-position Multi-Flex tailgate, a 120-volt power outlet, or a CornerStep rear bumper. There is also a Durabed cargo box that makes the most of the available space.
Overall, the upgrades to the 2500HD are significant enough to at least consider it alongside its new Ford rival.