Sometimes a new model year has a few minor changes and everyone tries to pretend they’re really exciting, but it’s not that impressive. Although the 2024 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD might not be the start of a new generation, Chevy has given this impressive truck a serious update for the new model year. This truck has received some serious upgrades that make it better than ever before. You’d be forgiven if you looked at all of these changes and improvements and thought this was a new generation for the Silverado 3500 HD, they’re so substantial. While there’s more than I can get into here, let’s take a look at some of the biggest changes that stand out the most.
Big Diesel Boost
Few things are as important to the identity of a heavy-duty truck like the Silverado 3500 HD as its engines. The 3500 HD has had two engines available for quite some time now, including a gas-powered 6.6L V8 and a 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8. This gives drivers two remarkable engines to choose from, and they’re both highly regarded amongst truck fans as a couple of the best engines on the market. And yet, Chevy has decided to make the best even better. For the 2024 model year, the Silverado 3500 HD’s diesel engine is getting an upgrade. It’s not an all-new engine, but improved tuning for better performance.
On last year’s model, the turbo-diesel delivered 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque. For the 2024 model year, the turbo-diesel engine now puts out 470 hp and 975 lb-ft of torque, a significant increase. When I first heard about better engine performance I expected a modest increase, but instead we see a real boost that can actually make a difference when you’re on the road. Furthermore, Chevy’s engineers have also enhanced its low-end torque by up to 25% to provide improved performance when you’re at low speeds or climbing uphill. This also helps beautifully when you’re towing, so it’s a double-win.
Ten-Speed Transmission Is Standard
I can already hear what some folks might say in response to that. “But I don’t want a diesel engine. Phooey to Chevy and their incredible trucks!” Well, you’re in luck because performance has also been improved for the standard gas engine, perhaps not as dramatically but still in a noteworthy way. Last year, the transmission for the standard engine was a pretty basic six-speed automatic. It works fine, but it’s not about to win many awards. For the 2024 model year, the standard gas engine now gets the same Allison ten-speed automatic transmission that the diesel has come with for years.
This transmission provides a superior driving experience simply by virtue of its design, giving you smaller steps between gears for a smoother ride that keeps the engine running at peak performance for longer periods of time. More than simply feeling great to drive, however, this transmission lets the Silverado 3500 HD take better advantage of the torque from the gas engine, and has improved the Gross Combined Weight Rating of this truck with the gas engine by 2,000 lbs compared to the 2023 model. Across the board, this is a win and it means that the 2024 Silverado 3500 HD is better than ever before, no matter which engine you prefer.
Major Interior Updates for Most Models
I’ve buried the lede a little bit by placing this third, but the engine changes are so important that I really couldn’t wait to get into either of them. That being said, the most dramatic changes that many people will notice for the 2024 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD are found inside, with a completely updated interior. The major caveat here, and the main reason I didn’t start with this point, is that it’s only found on the LT and higher trims. In fairness, that only leaves out the absolute starting WT trim that most people will skip anyways, but it still needs to be said.
At the center of this redesign (pun slightly intended) is a massive 13.4-inch infotainment display that is perfect for keeping track of navigation, looking at performance apps, and more. This is joined by a configurable 12.3-inch Driver Information Center. Between these two screens, you have all of the information you need, provided in large, customizable formats. One detail I particularly like is how the infotainment screen and other central controls are canted slightly toward the driver, reminding you that this is a truck built for you. There’s also a redesigned wireless phone charger that’s easier to use, along with an available head-up display to provide you with even more information without taking your eyes off the road.
Big Exterior Changes
While I, personally, am most impressed by the interior updates, what people are likely to notice first is the improved exterior. The entire front-end has been refreshed with a new fascia, new headlights, and a new grille. These all look fantastic together, and give the Silverado HD 3500 a bold and powerful presence even at a glance. Those headlights I mentioned are new C-shaped LED lamps that frame the front end in a way that’s immediately striking. Higher trims feature dual-projector technology with dual functions that include an animated lighting sequence when the driver approaches or departs the vehicle. Is it a bit extra? Probably, but if you’re spending this much money on a truck, then it’s okay to be a bit extra.
Standard tow hooks can now be found on all Silverado 3500 HD models, with new logo lettering on the hood. There are also six new exterior color options for this model including Sterling Gray, Dark Ash, and Radiant Red. All of these new additions don’t come at the expense of any of the features drivers already loved. You can still get a massive long box for plenty of cargo space and the available Multi-Flex tailgate that helps improve functionality.
Impressive New Technology
I mentioned those big, bold displays inside the 2024 Silverado 3500 HD, but that’s not the only place you’ll find impressive technology with this truck. For the 2024 model year, you can now get Adaptive Cruise Control with Trailer functionality. This enables the Adaptive Cruise Control system to account for the added weight and drag that comes with towing a trailer, allowing it to safely adjust for increased braking distances. There’s an Enhanced Transparent Trailer system that adds support for fifth-wheel and gooseneck towing to provide you with an unobstructed view through your trailer. A Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert extends the blind spot warning area for the Silverado 3500 HD’s safety system to account for extra length while towing, providing you with greater safety tech while you’re getting your job done. Altogether, these features make this truck more enjoyable and safer to drive.
This Is Only the Beginning
I could honestly keep going when talking about the ways that Chevy has improved the 2024 Silverado 3500 HD, but I think you get the idea. Just keep in mind that I didn’t get into things like the new Midnight Edition available for the High Country trim, which looks stunning and ensures you get the best driving experience possible. Chevy is also bringing their legendary ZR2 trim level to the Silverado HD Series, though we haven’t received all of the details on what, precisely, that will entail yet. Once we do, there will be another long list of reasons to be blown away by this heavy-duty truck and everything it brings to the road, and off-road. The Silverado 3500 HD is definitely more truck than a lot of drivers need, but for those looking for unbeatable power and performance, they’ll be happy to know that Chevy is making their hardest-working pickup even more impressive.
