2024 Chevrolet Silverado: maintains its (off-road) presence among top pickup trucks

Unveiled in 1998 as a 1999 model, the Chevrolet Silverado has reached its mid-20s in fine standing as among the country’s top-selling vehicles. For 2024, the versatile pickup truck continues its fourth generation. Several changes throughout the lineup keep the competition keen among top-selling Ford, Chevy and Ram.

Technology is now consistent across all trim levels. The entry-level base Work Truck gets OnStar and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as does the reviewed top-line High Country. Lakeshore Blue and Slate Gray, both metallic are new exterior color options. The Midnight Edition (all-black interior and black wheels) is now also available in the High Country trim. It’s nearly an all-black option, interior to wheels to black chrome accents in the grille and grille bar.

Negotiating off-road terrain, hauling cargo and towing trailers and recreational vehicles is what pickup trucks do best. The Chevy Silverado High Country features a 6.6-liter V8 turbo-diesel engine that produces 470 horsepower and 975 pound-feet of torque. It’s matched with a 10-speed automatic transmission and can tow as much as 22,500 pounds, depending upon bed size and engine configurations.

Versatility reigns. Besides the entry-level and top trims, the 2024 Chevy Silverado HD is available in Custom, LT and LTZ trims. The debuting ZR2 will join the HD trim lineup later in the model year. The trims are also offered in as many configurations as possible. Is there any potential work-associated need the Silverado lineup can’t handle?

With its focus on hauling, the HD (Heavy Duty), lots of assistance should make everything involved easier. The camera has 14 views, including a New View and HD Surround Vision. The trim also features a vehicle-specific Trailering Information Label. It lists metrics including trailering ratings and maximum payload.

The truck also offers standard: blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking and lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistant

New to the exterior presentation area a grille includes a giant Chevrolet “bowtie” logo and another Chevrolet badging element of the hood air scoop. The headlights are no longer divided by the grille.

Occupants ride in more modern surroundings and with easy-to-view and easy-to-use technology, including a 12.3-inch instrument panel and tilted-toward-the-driver, 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The High Country trims also feature leather-wrapped surfaces, open-pore wood trim and contrasting stitching. It’s a work truck with style and spaciousness. Storage compartments are huge, cupholders vast and secure, and shelf space plentiful. It’s a truck disguised as a residence, with entrance an exists assisted by retractable side steps. Giant square logos are projected at night “puddle lights outside the driver and front passenger doors.

With its emphasis on heat duty takes, the Silverado, like other large pickup trucks, isn’t practical as a daily driver. It’s confident on the highway and announces its presence with a throaty note. Trips to the store require situating the truck on the outer limits of parking lots. The Chevy has retractable side mirrors but the massive hauler doesn’t fit well in a standard parking space. Tight cornering on smaller city streets isn’t fun and nor is making a U-turn unless it’s on an empty airstrip.

Pickup trucks’ power, usefulness and off-road leanings mean fuel efficiency isn’t a priority. The High Country’s combined gas mileage is about 14 miles per gallon, according to various buyers’ reports. Good thing that a 36-gallon fuel tank pushes the range to more than 500 miles.

With its various option packages and stand-alone added features, the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD High Country is priced at just over $87,000. Buy it and tackle any task with confidence while sticking to the backroads.