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A blue 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 ZR2 is shown parked near a mountain.

If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It: The 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500

There are quite a few truck manufacturers competing in the market today, but none of them quite compare to the history and reputation of Chevrolet. Chevy has been in the automotive business since the early 1900s, rising to be one of the most well-known vehicle manufacturers in the automotive industry today. Chevy seems to dominate whatever they do, from trucks to luxury sports cars, which is blatantly evident by the latest 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500.

It has been more than one hundred years since the first Chevy vehicle graced the streets, and for more than eighty years, the Silverado has been a part of that legacy. Although the first Silverado went by a different name, the essence of the truck has remained and become the truck we enjoy today. The Chevy Silverado has amassed fans over the years, and it isn’t that difficult to see why. Rugged styling, impressive capabilities, and “everyman” affordability have allowed the Chevy Silverado to reign over the full-size pickup segment for years.

The Silverado 1500 enters the new year with only a few changes from the previous model year, but as the old adage goes, why fix what is not broken? Thanks to a relatively robust trim line-up, the Silverado can satisfy different tastes, offering nine different “flavors” and a whole assortment of optional toppings. From the base Work Truck and all the way to the top-of-the-line Hi-Country, the most challenging part will be choosing just one.

Engine Options and Capability

Historically, the Chevy Silverado has done well to live up to its work-horse reputation, which has not changed. Available with four different powertrains, the Silverado 1500 can be equipped to meet whatever your needs may be. The first engine option has been renamed for this year, highlighting its impressive abilities. Now known as the TurboMax, this 2.7L engine produces 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. With more than enough power to handle whatever job you throw at it, the TurboMax is an excellent option.

The Silverado can be equipped with either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, and when running the TurboMax, it has a max trailering of 9,500 lbs and a payload max of 2,260 lbs. The TurboMax is the only engine option mated with an eight-speed, while the other three engines are coupled with a ten-speed. The ten-speed allows for a broader use of the power band, letting you get the most out of the engine options available.

For a pretty hefty bump in trailering abilities, consider the 5.3L V8. Two-wheel drive-equipped trucks offer 11,300 lbs of trailering goodness, but it does take a dip in terms of hauling. This particular configuration drops to 2,180 lbs worth of hauling, but that seems more than enough for most people’s needs. The 5.3L V8 pumps out 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, a nice increase from the

TurboMax.

The power does not cap out there, with another V8 engine in the running. The more powerful 6.2L V8 offers 420 hp and an impressive 460 lb-ft of torque. Mated with the ten-speed and equipped with FWD, this bad boy can give you up to 13,300 lbs of towing grit. Of course, as with most things, there is a trade-off. The larger V8 takes a dip in hauling again, dropping its max to 1,980 lbs.
Last but not least, the Turbo-Diesel engine option offers less horsepower than the TurboMax but more torque than any of the engine options available on the Silverado. The Duramax engine taps out at 13,300 lbs for trailering and offers the lowest hauling capabilities of them all. That is not to say that it does not make up for it in other areas, like the available 495 lb-ft of torque. That kind of power has a lot of get-up-and-go, which will surely come in handy.

The open truck bed of a red 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 is shown.

The Truck Bed

In some cases, a truck is only as good as the truck bed it offers, and in the case of the 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500, it is pretty darn good. When configured correctly, the Silverado’s truck bed provides a best-in-class cargo space of 89.1 cu.-ft. The space is used with an assortment of functional features, like the twelve tie-downs that come standard on all trim levels. With so many tie-downs, securing goods is convenient and safer.

The bed has optional features that can be added for even greater convenience. An available 120-volt outlet allows you to use your truck for so much more. Use the available power to run tools, charge devices, or run lights. Of course, the latter may not be necessary with the available lighting options. Available perimeter lighting helps light up the night, providing ample visibility, while the LED lighting option offers better visibility of your cargo. Another great feature to consider adding on is the available power up/down tailgate feature that takes the hassle out of loading and unloading.

To truly step up your truck game, Chevy offers their inventive Multi-Flex Tailgate. You are welcome if you have yet to hear of this revolutionary tailgate by now. The Multi-Flex Tailgate has six distinct functions that are handy for work and play. The first basic function performs as a typical gate to secure items in the truck bed. Within the primary gate is the second function, which is a primary gate stop that helps contain extra long items during transit.

An inner gate provides several other functions, folding up to act as an internal gate load stop and folding down to create a step. The inner gate step can hold up to 375 lbs and provides easy access to the truck bed. Another way to easily access goods is by folding down the inner gate, allowing you to reach deeper into the truck bed without the hassle of the tailgate. The last function also involves the inner gate, which can be transformed into a mobile worktop for onsite duties.

The Genius Is in the Details

So many incredible details added to the Chevy Silverado make it a truly impressive truck. Each trim offers something a little different, catering to unique lifestyles and needs. Take, for instance, the ZR2, one of the Silverado’s boldest and most exciting trim options. The ZR2 is designed to tackle the rough roads ahead while providing you with the most thrilling experience.

The ZR2 features mud-terrain tires, aluminum skid plates, and special suspension that handles the unpredictability of off-roading. To take it even further, the special edition ZR2 Bison adds particular components like extra skid plates and rocker protection to keep inside and outside as safe as possible. If the Bison is not the beast for you, then consider the Midnight Edition Silverado. The Midnight Edition offers a 2-inch lift for extra ground clearance for off-roading and can even be equipped with power-retractable assist-steps.

Whichever Silverado you choose, you will be spoiled with cutting-edge tech, comfortable and convenient interior options, and safety systems galore. With so much to offer, even the family looking for something beyond an SUV will be happy. The 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 truly offers something for everyone.

A gray 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 HD ZR2 is shown parked off-road.

The Chevy Silverado Does It Again

Not a whole lot has changed on the Chevy Silverado since last year’s model, but that is what should be appreciated the most. The Silverado is already excellent, providing the latest and greatest with a Chevy twist. Choose a basic model for a dependable truck you can count on, or go all the way and enjoy the finer things Chevy has to offer. Whichever route you choose, you will be happy that you decided to do it in the 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500.