Overview
A legacy of toughness, the Chevy Silverado 1500 is a pickup built to work hard. It offers a variety of engines, including a fuel-efficient turbo-four and a powerful Duramax diesel, allowing you to choose the muscle you need for the job. With its impressive towing capacity, the Silverado hauls more than its competitors. If venturing off-road is your thing, there's the Silverado ZR2, but it might not be the most extreme option. The Silverado trades a smooth ride for its work ethic, and its interior isn't the most luxurious. So, if comfort or pushing the limits off-road is a priority, you might want to look elsewhere. But for those who value power, towing, and a no-nonsense work truck, the Silverado 1500 is a dependable choice.
What has Changed for 2024?
The 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 gets a minor refresh with some new features. You can now choose from two new paint colors, Lakeshore Blue and Slate Gray. If you like a throatier engine sound, the 6.2L V8 now has an active exhaust system for a sportier feel. There are also some appearance package updates, with the Midnight Edition available on the High Country trim and the Blackout package offered on more models. Tech gets a bump up too, with OnStar, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto now standard on all Silverados, including the base Work Truck. Finally, the 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder gets a new name - the TurboMax.
2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Engine and Performance
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 isn't shy when it comes to engine options, offering a selection that can handle any job you throw at it, or fuel your next off-road adventure. Looking for efficiency? The turbocharged four-cylinder delivers surprising torque, making it a great choice for everyday driving. Need more power without breaking the bank? The 5.3L V8 strikes a nice balance between capability and affordability, offering a healthy 355 horsepower. But if you truly crave muscle, the 6.2L V8 unleashes the most horsepower and torque, boasting 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, launching the Silverado from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 5.4 seconds.
However, if a smooth, quiet ride is your priority, the Duramax turbo-diesel might be your champion. While it may not be the fastest off the line with 305 horsepower, it boasts impressive torque (now at 495 lb-ft) for hauling heavy loads. Don't let the size of the Silverado fool you – every version we've tested handles surprisingly well, feeling more agile than its dimensions suggest. The brakes are confidence-inspiring too, with a firm and reassuring pedal feel.
For those who plan on venturing off the beaten path, the Trail Boss model is a worthy upgrade. It features a 2-inch suspension lift for increased ground clearance, along with beefier tires and other enhancements that make tackling off-road obstacles easier and more enjoyable. But if you're a serious off-road enthusiast seeking the ultimate champion, then the range-topping Silverado ZR2 deserves a separate conversation altogether (we'll save the details on that beast for another time).
2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Pricing
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers a wide range of trims and options, so the price can vary depending on what you choose. The starting price for a base model Silverado 1500 is $37,445, but if you want a higher-end trim with all the bells and whistles, the price can climb up to $64,695.
2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Interior and Comfort
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers a wide range of trims to suit your needs, from the basic Work Truck all the way up to the luxurious High Country.
Work Truck is the most no-frills option, with vinyl seats and manual everything. It prioritizes function over comfort.
Starting with the LT trim, the Silverado gets a significant upgrade in interior quality. The dashboard gets a stylish makeover with a large digital gauge cluster and a prominent center touchscreen.
The top-of-the-line High Country boasts a truly luxurious interior with leather upholstery and beautiful open-pore wood trim. While the rear seats in the crew cab offer impressive headroom, they might not be the most comfortable for long journeys. However, the Silverado makes up for it with plenty of clever storage compartments throughout the cabin.
Although it doesn't have the fancy carbon-fiber bed like its cousin the GMC Sierra, the Silverado offers a similar and very useful Multi-Flex tailgate. Plus, with a variety of bed lengths available, traditional truck owners are sure to find the perfect configuration.
2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Capacity for Towing and Payload
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 proves its muscle when it comes to hauling. With a maximum towing capacity of 13,300 pounds, it surpasses the Ram 1500 by a decent margin but falls slightly behind the Ford F-150. The engine you choose determines your towing potential. The mighty 6.2L V8 reigns supreme, allowing you to tow up to 13,300 pounds. The 5.3L V8 is no slouch either, offering a respectable 11,500-pound towing capacity. Even the fuel-efficient turbocharged four-cylinder can handle a substantial 9,500 pounds. Payload capacity, on the other hand, is less dependent on the engine and ranges from 1,870 to 2,280 pounds depending on the specific configuration of your Silverado.
2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Infotainment system
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 comes standard with a touchscreen infotainment system that caters to both tech lovers and those who prefer physical controls. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a mobile hotspot are included on all trims, making it easy to stay connected and entertained on the go. The system is designed for user-friendliness, with physical knobs and buttons alongside the touchscreen for easy navigation. Upgrading to the LT trim or higher unlocks an impressive 13.4-inch horizontal touchscreen. This enhanced system boasts a Google-powered voice assistant for hands-free control, plus wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can even integrate Amazon Alexa for additional voice control functionality (availability depends on trim level).
Which one to Purchase?
If affordability, a comfortable interior, and some off-road capability are high on your priority list, then the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT with a crew cab, standard-length bed, and the 5.3L V8 engine might be your perfect match. While the base trims offer a lower price tag, the LT steps up the interior comfort significantly without burning a hole in your wallet. The crew cab ensures you can bring the whole crew along in spacious comfort, while the standard-length bed offers a good compromise between cargo capacity and maneuverability. The 5.3L V8 strikes a nice balance between affordability and power. It provides quicker acceleration compared to the diesel option, and crucially, it allows you to add the Z71 Off-Road package. This package equips the Silverado with the necessary hardware to make tackling dirt roads and mud more fun and adventurous. Overall, this configuration delivers a well-rounded package that prioritizes practicality, comfort, and a touch of off-road capability, all at a reasonable price point.