2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD

The face of heavy duty receives a refresh in the upcoming Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD dropping early next year. Among the many upgrades are a reworked front fascia, higher tech interior and a massaged powertrain we’ll explore below.

“We’ve designed the Silverado HD to be our customers’ favored choice for true truck capability,” says Chevrolet vice president Scott Bella news release issued during Monday’s announcement. “The enhancements to the 2024 model build on its core strengths to provide an even stronger balance of the design, strength and confidence that makes tackling the hard jobs, including trailering, easier and more convenient than ever.”

Both the trusty standard 6.6-litre V8 engine and Duramax turbodiesel variant is returning, though the latter has been tuned by engineers and now produces 470 horsepower and 975 pound-feet of torque, which is an improvement of 25 and 65, respectively. The automaker also claims a 25 per cent increase of low end torque to aid incline driving and towing.

What’s interesting is the returning Allison 10-speed automatic transmission replaces the six-speed auto formerly paired to the gas mill. The closer gear ratios permit better peak power performance and engine-braking control. In addition, this combination raises the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) from 24,000 to 26,000 pounds.

All the extra utility is packaged in a fresh exterior featuring C-shaped LED headlights (dual projector on LTZ, ZR2 and High Country grades), similar to the units found on the smaller 1500, and illuminate in an animated fashion as drivers approach or depart the vehicle. All HDs get tow hooks, CHEVROLET lettering on the hood scoop and the choice of six new paint colours: Sterling Gray, Dark Ash, Radiant Red, Auburn Metallic, Lakeshore Blue Metallic and Meteorite Metallic.

We can’t forget about the rollers, and 2500HD LTZ customers may go for 20-inch bright chrome wheels, while those going for the 3500HD have an 18-inch polished dually alloys shod in all-terrain tires option.

LT models and up benefit from a totally redesigned digitized dashboard. A 12.3-inch driver information centre replaces a conventional instrument cluster, and is adjacent to a 13.4-inch infotainment display slightly angled towards the left side as a nod to the layout in the vintage 1970s and 80s C/K Series Chevy pickups. Fortunately, there is a healthy balance of touch and physical inputs. Even the centre console is more versatile boasting extra real estate and cupholder space and an available integrated wireless smartphone charger.

Trailering is a popular activity among HD owners and it’s easier than ever thanks to a number of new technologies. The adaptive cruise control accounts for additional drag and increased braking distances when hauling; an enhanced Transparent Trailer function, showing a camera-generated see-through image of what’s behind the truck, is now compatible with fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailers as well; Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert casts a wider net of detection; and GCW Alert sounds a warning if the vehicle and trailer weight exceeds the GCWR.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD makes a public debut on Sept. 29 at the State Fair of Texas. Pricing details are expected closer to the production date beginning in the first half of 2023.