It is quite clear here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse that the market is consistently crazy for crossovers: they are efficient, roomy, and consistently updated for the latest awesome tech features. Pickup sales have been on the uptick as well, as buyers nationwide are enamored with hefty work, tow, and play duties these rigs can nail down with pride. Just in the last five years alone, the HD sales have grown 13 percent, as an excellent heavy-duty number makes sense to “take the entire campsite” along to the lake without breaking a sweat!
The experts on staff at Autoguide spent an entire week getting to know the 2024 Chevy Silverado HD, which has just received a thorough update to ensure that it stays fresh. Outside there’s a waist-high nose that boasts C-shaped daytime running lights, and a new grille with a cleaned-up look. There are standard tow hooks now lodged in the bumper, with this new look available on the High Country and LTZ. Another very cool touch is that the taillights now feature animated indicators that add a unique modern touch.
The crew enjoyed the very massive size of the HD right off the bat, not minding a bit that finding ample parking spots in the city was a bit challenging. Here the power folding and extending trailer mirrors were a huge help, and it was agreed that eco-conscious and smaller models might not quite provide enough well-polished machismo to fully get the job done. Now on LT trims and up, the Silverado HD arrives at the table (or plateau!) with the light-duty truck’s reworked interior and an extra-large 13.4-inch central touchscreen that commands center stage.
This new display now runs on Android automotive, and the reworked dashboard houses a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. As it seems like interiors are becoming more and more modern every year, Chevy has not completely abandoned the useful premise of physical controls, as an assortment of buttons are located just below the screen. Under the hood, the HD now forgoes the 6-speed automatic for the gas engine, and all models now enjoy the smooth shifting courtesy of the Allison-branded 10-speed automatic.
The Duramax turbo diesel in this group's tester cranked out 470 horsepower and a staggering 975 lb-ft of torque. The High Country model is the heavily-acclaimed sweet spot where the luxurious touches become evident, beginning with immaculately stitched two-tone leather seats and custom High Country badges. Here there is also a redesigned center console, which provides an abundance of unique storage and a wireless charger with a dedicated slot. We are constantly amazed by the ways that Chevy technology is improving every day: the inductive charging never loses the connection, and the phone screen is tucked away out of view.
During a week of much-needed lake fun, this Silverado was crammed to the max with a dog crate, a travel bed/harness, and four people. The dedicated trail riding menu allows owners to conveniently say if there are multiple trailer profiles and have lightning-quick access of up to 14 different camera views. Another element that works wonders for driver confidence is the Gross Combined Weight Alert, quickly warning the driver if they've mistakenly exceeded it when in a pinch. With an engine tuned for low-end performance and a heaping amount of true grit, character, and charm, this Silverado is accessible and crammed full of fit-for-current-times bravado!
