When researching which 2024 Chevy Silverado for sale fits your needs, you’ll find a range of choices from the light-duty Silverado 1500 through the heavy-duty Silverado HD 2500 and 3500 models. If you’re unsure whether your workload calls for light or heavy-duty hauling or towing, you’ll want to understand everything from how the chassis and suspensions of each model are configured to which engine lies beneath the hood.
Let’s begin with a look at the role each model plays in Chevy’s pickup truck lineup and what kind of work each one is cut out for. The Silverado 1500 fits the US government’s definition of a light-duty truck, or a truck with a gross vehicle weight (including passengers and fuel) of up to 8,500 lbs and a payload of up to 4,000 lbs. Heavy-duty pickup trucks are defined as having gross vehicle weights above 8,500 lbs. With that in mind, let’s look at typical uses for Chevy’s pickups.
The Silverado 1500 is a versatile truck designed for drivers who might need to haul some furniture or a boat on the weekends while still offering a rugged capacity for getting the job done during the week. It provides a balanced blend of performance, fuel efficiency, and payload capacity. If you’re looking for a jack-of-all-trades with a comfortable ride for daily commuting and the occasional heavy lifting, the 1500 might be your best bet.
The Silverado HD 2500 is a step up, designed for those with more intensive needs. Perhaps you have a trailer with a couple of horses, or you’re frequently hauling light construction equipment. This truck offers a beefier suspension, more powerful engine options, and an increased towing capacity. For those who need more than what a light-duty truck can provide but don’t quite need the maxed-out specs, the 2500 sits in that sweet middle ground.
The Silverado HD 3500 is the king of the hill in Chevy’s lineup. The 3500 is for folks with serious hauling needs. These could involve fifth wheel trailers, big boats, and serious commercial applications. With the highest payload and towing capacities in the lineup, this truck is a truly professional option. But unless you need all that muscle, it might be overkill for daily driving.
Under the Hood
Each model offers engine choices that have been engineered to perfectly suit its role, ranging from a high-output gasoline-powered inline four-cylinder to powerhouse Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8s. The Silverado 1500 even has a new electric drivetrain in the wings for 2024. The various Silverado engine choices can serve as a guide to which model best suits your needs. Consider what you’ll be hauling or towing, and also consider whether you prefer the quieter power of a gas engine or the long-term durability of a diesel powerplant.
The Chevy Silverado 1500
A four-cylinder in a full-size pickup? This might surprise some pickup truck enthusiasts, but Chevy’s high-output TurboMax delivers a solid 310 hp and an impressive 430 lb-ft. of torque. It achieves this via its turbocharger with priority oiling and cooling. Fuel efficiency is pretty decent, too. For the 2WD models, you can expect about 19 MPG in the city and 21 on the highway. If you’re going 4×4, it slightly drops to 18/21 MPG. And for the beefier Custom Trail Boss and LT Trail Boss, it stands at 17/18 MPG. The TurboMax is standard on the WT, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, and LT Trail Boss trims.
From here, we step up to V8 power. The 5.3-liter EcoTec3 gasoline-powered V8 delivers performance with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft. of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In 2WD models, you’re looking at 17 MPG in the city and a respectable 21 MPG on the highway. If you opt for 4×4, you’ll get 15 MPG in urban settings and 19 MPG when hitting the open road. This engine is standard on the luxury-leaning LTZ and High Country trims. It’s optional on the WT, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, and LT Trail Boss. So, whether you’re after performance, efficiency, or a blend of both, this engine’s got you covered.
For an even more powerful gasoline V8, you can opt for the 6.2-liter EcoTec3. This potent power plant generates 420 hp and an impressive 460 lb-ft. of torque. It’s mated to a seamless 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine boasts an impressive towing capability, maxing out at 13,300 lbs. In the RST 4×4, LTZ 4×4, or High Country 4×4, you can expect around 16 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. In the LT Trail Boss, it’s a bit thirstier at 14 MPG in town and 18 MPG for highway cruises. The off-road-oriented ZR2 sits at 14/17 MPG. The 6.2-liter is available in 4×4 RST, LTZ, ZR2, and High Country trims and in two-wheel drive LT Trail Boss models. So, if you need performance, towing capacity, or off-road prowess, this engine might be your match.
If you’re searching for a blend of raw strength and efficiency, the Duramax 3.0-liter Turbo-Diesel inline-six might fit your needs. It cranks out 305 hp and a very impressive 495 lb-ft. of torque. Matched with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it also boasts a notable towing capacity of 13,300 lbs. As a bonus, it’s not only powerful but impressively quiet, too, giving you a serene drive. You’ll benefit from its efficiency, with 24 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway with a 2WD. In 4×4 models, you’ll get around 22/27 MPG. And for the rugged Custom Trail Boss and LT Trail Boss, it’s 21/23 MPG. This engine is standard in the ZR2 and optional in the Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country. With this kind of power, you might find that the Silverado 1500 suits your needs better than a heavy-duty model.
Finally, to show that the Silverado has an eye on the future, the 2024 Silverado EV will deliver electric power worthy of the Silverado name. It will offer 450 miles of range and 10,000 lbs of towing capacity. With available home Level 2 charging and compatibility with 134,000 public charging stations, it will be perfect for the long haul. The myChevrolet Mobile App will help you plan your routes and show the availability of charging stations in real-time.
The Chevy Silverado HD 2500/3500
For some tasks, only a heavy-duty pickup will get the job done. Chevy’s Silverado HD range includes the 2500 and 3500, which are distinguished from one another largely by the 3500’s beefier standard suspension components and the fact that the 3500 is available in a dual-rear-wheel configuration, affectionately known among pickup drivers as a Dually. But both models share a choice of two engines, one gas and one diesel.
For both models of the 2024 Silverado HD, Chevy offers a robust 6.6-liter gasoline-powered V8 that pushes out 401 hp and 464 lb-ft. of torque. Featuring a 3.73 rear axle ratio and paired with the dependable Allison 10-speed automatic transmission, it ensures seamless power delivery. Whether you opt for a two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive model, this gasoline beast can handle towing loads up to 19,090 lbs with ease.
But for truly heavy-duty jobs, the 6.6-liter Duramax Turbo-diesel V8 is an absolute powerhouse. Delivering a commanding 470 hp and a jaw-dropping 975 lb-ft. of torque, it embodies the essence of low-end strength. Especially noteworthy is its towing capacity; Silverados outfitted with this Duramax engine can haul up to 36,000 lbs.
Chevy has engineered the Duramax with features to ensure durability and efficiency. From a 3.42 rear axle ratio designed to optimize low-RPM towing to safety features like an exhaust brake and engine after-run for post-towing cooldown, every aspect of this engine was built with heavy-duty use in mind. Add-ons like an engine block heater, winter grille cover, and capped fuel fill further enhance its usability across different conditions, highlighting the Duramax’s commitment to heavy-duty use.
Choice and Versatility
With the range of engines available, the Silverado 1500 and the Silverado HD range offer choices to suit every mission, from running errands around town to hauling fifth wheel trailers and other heavy loads. With the 1500 on one end and the 3500 on the other, and with the 2500 in the sweet spot in between, Chevy ensures that there’s a Silverado tailored to meet every individual’s needs, balancing performance, capacity, and lifestyle seamlessly.
