As kids, we’re told that meeting one’s childhood hero can be a let down. The reality doesn’t quite live up to the myth, the legend, or fantasy. But what about when it comes to your favourite childhood truck, like the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, for example.
As a child, this writer was always obsessed with big American pickups, but the question has to be asked about whether this behemoth still has the same star power it possessed all those years ago. For the record, it does, and so much more.
Let’s talk aesthetics, because “oh my” this truck is a sight to behold. It’s a big machine, at just over 6m long, 2.2m wide and just over 2m high, and it knows it. In fact it flaunts it. The imposing front grille alone could intimidate a grizzly bear.
Tested here in Slate Grey (one of four colours that also includes Summit White, Black and Red Hot) with Gloss Black accents, it screams look at me and I’m here to take over the world, all at the same time.
Its enormous mirrors, designed for towing your entire life with ease, extend further at the touch of a button for added convenience. The electronic tailgate and optional electric roller shutter enhance usability.
It’s not without its faults though, as the protruding shark fin steps on either side of the bed, and the side steps that run the length of cab appearing as if they were scavenged from a construction site, lacking seamless integration.
The wheels fall short, and while not the worst, they oddly resemble hubcaps. Ultimately, these are minor grievances. In terms of cargo space, you have whopping 1,968-litres of room to play with, in a spray-in bed that measures just over 2m long and 1.8m wide.
There’s a generous 1.3m between the wheel arches, and a solid 533mm depth. The payload is 733kg (with the option to upgrade the GVM to take it to 1,386kg – but you’ll need a truck licence for that).
The load bed is equipped with nifty LED lighting and an assortment of hooks to keep your cargo secure, but there’s no 12V power outlet. Braked towing capacity in its standard car licence friendly form (NB1) is 3,500kg, or in its upgraded configuration (NB2) is 4,500kg.
There’s an absolute bevy of trailer safety options, as well as more cameras than Fort Knox – including one for the tow ball and another to check on the load in your tray. This truck isn’t just good looks and power either, and has a running ground clearance of 251mm.
Approach angle sits at a solid 28.5-degrees, while the breakover angle is a capable 19-degrees, ensuring you can tackle tricky terrain. The departure angle rounds it all off at 23.6-degrees, so steep descents won’t be a problem either.
Stepping inside, it’s hard to believe this is a remanufactured vehicle, such is its outstanding build quality. The layout is both practical and luxurious – think physical knobs and buttons – alongside plush leather seats and a wood grain finish.
There’s a bewildering amount of space too, alongside a large 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system. That’s equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster provides essential information at a glance.
The Silverado comes with a 7-speaker Bose sound system that offers clear sound and excellent quality. Above all else, it’s truly comfortable, with an overall seating experience that’s reminiscent of sinking into a Lazy Boy, complete with heating and cooling features.
Everything is large, including the front and rear leg and head room, with the latter’s flat floor enhancing space. Three passengers can be seated comfortably, with heating for both outboard pews.
There’s a convenient rear window, and if you lift the seats, you’ll find additional storage back there. Top tether and ISOFIX anchor points are available too. Up front there’s a colossal centre cubby.
It’s big enough for a laptop and camera gear, with USB-A and USB-C ports and a phone charging pad too. The cupholders are like the VIP lounge for your drinks. There’s more USB ports alongside the climate controls as well.
A range of handy compartments flank the driver and passenger, and if you need more room, there’s massive door bins and a split glovebox too. On the safety front, a 360-degree camera offers up to 14 views. A head-up display keeps information in your line of sight.
Towing is made easy with adaptive cruise control, trailer side blind zone alert, and rear cross traffic alert. You’ll also benefit from lane change alert, lane departure warning, and StabiliTrak, to keep you steady on the road.
Forward collision alert and low speed AEB help avoid mishaps, while the front and rear parking sensors make it easier to park and manoeuvre this beast. Plus, the safety alert seat and teen driver alert provide extra reassurance.
Trailer brake control and exhaust brake control also feature. Under the hood, you’ll find a thunderous 6.6-litre V8 turbo diesel unleashing 350kW of power and a staggering 1322Nm of torque, through a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission.
That’s coupled with a rear locking differential, 4H, 4L and a 2WD option, all of which can easily be adjusted with the swivel drive selector located near the left of the steering wheel. Fuel consumption isn’t super pretty either.
We averaged 18.0-litres/100km in the city and traffic, and as low as 14.0-litres/100km on the open road. With a truck of this size you wouldn’t expect anything less, and thankfully there’s a 136-litre fuel tank to support its drinking habit.
On the road, the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD LTZ Premium is surprisingly agile. It almost feels like your average ute, except when you’re attempting a daring 20-point turn or navigating that notoriously tight parking spot with its undeniable 3762kg heft.
Other than those moments you fail your spatial awareness, it’s actually fantastic. There’s something undeniably exciting about driving this truck. Its column shift gear selector is a nod to the rugged, hands-on experience we all crave behind the wheel.
The up and down shift switches are on the lever though, which is a little cumbersome. If that’s not enough to shake your head at, the paddles behind the steering wheel are actually the volume controls and to skip songs.
Picturing the Silverado 2500 HD LTZ Premium in suburban driveways is a bit like imagining a horse in your front yard, it’s utterly perplexing. That said, if you’re a farmer or consistently towing your whole world behind you, this thing makes perfect sense.
For anyone who dreams of tackling life with an American-sized dose of automotive majesty, it’s worth a look. Priced at just over $170,000 plus on-roads, the big Chevrolet isn’t just a childhood dream realised; it’s a titan that roars with purpose.
You can find out more on the GM ANZ website, or by talking to your local retail centre. To get a low rate finance quote on your next vehicle purchase, talk to Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker; Credit One.
To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was provided by General Motors Australia & New Zealand for independent review purposes.
