2024 CHEVROLET SILVERADO

CHEVY SILVERADO REGAINS NO. 2 SPOT AMONG PICKUP SALES AHEAD OF RAM

It you have ever taken a moment to look around you when idling at a busy intersection, it should come as no surprise to you that pickup trucks rate among the most popular vehicles on the road today

In fact, putting together numbers supplied by Car & Driver magazine, the top three vehicles in sales last year were pickup trucks with the Ford F-Series leading the way and the Chevrolet Silverado reclaiming the No. 2 spot from Ram, which checked in at No. 3.

That trend also sees to be continuing this year with those three in the same order. Throw in the GMC Sierra at No 8 and it’s no wonder you are likely to find yourself staring up at a truck bed as you wait for the light to change. And that’s just dealing with the full-size models.

Analysts say that brand loyalty is a big factor when it comes to buyers’ decisions on which pickup to buy, much more for trucks than the companies’ other products. A study by S&P Global Mobility, which compiles data from the auto industry, revealed that more than half of Chevy buyers (56.3 percent) were repeat customers, but that figure dipped to 47.9 percent when the Silverado was taken out of the equation.

The company showed similar results when the F-Series was not included in the data for Ford.

That may not be the best news for Chevy and the Silverado to gain ground in its race with Ford’s F-Series, but No. 2 in this context is not bad.

The 2024 Chevy Silverado is a very versatile pickup offering four different engine options, including a diesel, and a collection of cabin configurations that make it equally at home as a workhorse or family vehicle.

It comes in nine different trims with two or four doors and various bed sizes ranging from 5 feet, 8 inches to 8-feet depending on the cab configuration. The options are Regular Cab, Double Cab, or Crew Cab.

In addition to the 3.0-liter inline turbo 6-cylinder diesel, two V-8s (5.3L and 6.2L) and a 2.7L inline-4 now dubbed TurboMax are offered.

Don’t be put off by 4-cylinder engine. The Turbomax puts out more torque (430 pound-feet) than the 5.3L V8 (383 lb.-ft.) and is competitive with the 6.2L V8 (460 lb.-ft.). Horsepower is a competitive 310 hp in the TurboMax.

Fuel economy for all-wheel versions with the Turbomax is 17 miles-per-gallon city, 19 highway and 18 combined which is more efficient than either of the V8 AWD models. 

The TurboMax is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The V8s and diesel are paired with a 10-speed automatic.

My test vehicle for the week was the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado LT Trail Boss with the TurboMax engine and features from the LT trim.

Standard features include a slew of tech features from Chevrolet’s Infotainment 3 system all operated on a 13.4-inch touchscreen. Yes, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, and the radio is satellite capable via subscription.

Keyless entry, push-button start, remote start, dual zone climate control, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, and 120-volt power outlet in the cargo area are standard. 

Features catering to off-roading adventures on the LT Trail Boss included the 271 off-road package with 2-inch lift, skid plates, monotube shocks, hill descent control, and a heavy duty air filter.

Starting MSRP for the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado LT Trail Boss is $58,000. The radiant red tintcoat was the only option that added to that for a final total of $60,340 including the $1,895 destination and delivery charge.

What I liked about the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado LT Trail Boss: The cabin is quiet, comfortable, and roomy. The size is a pain in urban driving but a plus on the highway. Infotainment functions are easily accessible via the touchscreen. The ride may seem firm on longer hauls.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado LT Trail Boss: It needs a running board. I understand if you are doing a lot or trail riding (which is why you bought the Trail Boss, right?) you want as much ground clearance as you can get. But getting in and out of the cabin without a running board is a chore. (They are standard on the top-of-the-line High Country trim.) The ride can seem a bit rough of times, but then it is a truck.

Would I buy the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado LT Trail Boss? I’m not in need of a full-size pickup and but if you are it’s likely to come down to the Silverado (or its GMC sibling Sierra), a Ford F-150, or a Ram 1500. Choosing among them may come down to what you have had in the past.