Getting the job done with the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

Chevrolet’s popular Silverado 1500 is a nice big truck, and with a maximum towing capacity of about 13,000 pounds, it can tow a lot. But if you need more towing and hauling capability than a Silverado 1500 but don’t need the all-out max capacity from the monstrous Silverado 3500HD, the Silverado 2500HD is a great way to go – blending both performance and value in one package.

The Silverado 2500HD is huge. Every element of the Silverado HD’s exterior seems larger than life. From the prominent hood with the large air intake, to the distinctive Chevrolet grille, every detail represents the tremendous potential and power this truck is capable of.

Under that huge hood, the 6.6-liter gasoline engine remains the standard motor. It’s mated to the GM six-speed automatic transmission. Maximum output is rated at 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. Optional is the 6.6L V8 turbo-diesel Duramax engine mated to the commercial duty Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. Output is rated at 470 horsepower and an amazing 975 pound-feet of torque. Four-wheel drive is available as an option.

For 2024, the Silverado 2500HD gets a few enhancements. First, it’s towing capabilities have been increased to 20,000 pounds (22,000 pounds with the gooseneck package) which is about 1,500 pounds more than last year’s HD. Second, an off-road-ready ZR2 model joins the lineup. Finally, the interior receives an update and gets more tech features.

The large exterior presence of the HD equates to a roomy interior. As a crewcab, there is an abundance of headroom and legroom for passengers in all seats. As big as the interior is, everything is easy to get to and use – with all the controls located in sensible places, making for a little to no learning curve.

The tester was an LTZ, which is considered a mid-level trim. It equips the HD with a leather interior along with 18-inch wheels, automatic windshield wipers, LED headlights, heated steering wheel and a dual zone climate control system. It also had the Duramax diesel engine and was four-wheel drive. It had a price tag of $83,545.

Other trim levels include the base WT (work truck) which stays true to its name by having a vinyl interior and floor, power windows and door locks and not much else. The Custom gets larger wheels and adds cruise control and cloth upholstery and carpeted floors. With the LT, the HD gets nice upgrades like aluminum wheels, digital instrumentation, a large 13.4-inch touchscreen and a built in nav system. Next is the LTZ which is mentioned above. The new ZR2 gets mud terrain tires, a 1.5-inch suspension lift, performance off-road shocks, skid plates, electronic locking rear differential, and other four-wheel drive goodies. Finally, opt for the Hill Country and you’ll get the nicest 2500 HD around with 20-inch aluminum wheels, chrome side steps and LED cargo bed lighting.

On the road – the size and heft of the Silverado HD is apparent. First you have to climb in which is no easy feat even with the truck’s wide door openings and fold-out side steps. Once in, the seating position is high and visibility isn’t the best thanks to the tall stance (seeing small vehicles is tricky). But the massive side mirrors and the many cameras quickly become your best friends, and before you know it, you’re navigating this big beast down the road with ease.

With 975 lb-ft of torque on tap from the diesel engine, you don’t need to tip the throttle too far to get it moving quickly. The Silverado HD has excellent acceleration thanks to all that low-end torque. And while the inside of the HD is quiet and plush, the ride is anything but smooth. Drive over breaks in the pavement and you’ll know it as the rear end bucks a little and tries to break loose. This is, after all, a heavy-duty truck, and it is made to work, not delivery a smooth ride. You want a smooth ride, get a Cadillac. You want to pull up to 20,000 plus pounds and be able to carry a payload of up to 3,500 pounds – then the Silverado 2500HD is your thing.

The Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD really is the best of both worlds. Need a truck to handle those extreme jobs? Want a vehicle that’s big enough to take the family on a road trip in and still be nice enough to take on a night on the town? The Silverado 2500HD covers it all.
– Christopher A. Randazzo

By The Numbers:

2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 4WD LTZ Crew Cab

Base Price: $61,200.00
Price as Tested: $83,545.00
Layout: front-engine / four-wheel drive
Engine: 6.6 liter Duramax Diesel V8
Transmission: 10-speed Allison automatic
Horsepower: 470 hp
Torque: 975 ft-lbs

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