Is the 2024 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD High Country Really Worth Nearly $80K?
Chevrolet offers six trim levels for its 2024 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD pickup truck at various price points. These options aim to accommodate the entry-level heavy-duty pickup truck shopper and those consumers with more expensive tastes and higher budgets. While the top-trimmed Silverado 3500 HD High Country is undoubtedly a nice pickup truck, does it justify a starting MSRP of nearly $80,000?
2024 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD configuration, drivetrain, and engine options
When selecting the best 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD for your needs, you’ll have choices for cab size, bed length, engine type, two- or four-wheel drive, and single or dual rear wheel. The regular cab, long bed seats three and offers maximum truck bed cargo space, but the most popular configuration is the six-passenger crew cab with the standard length truck bed. While two- or four-wheel drive is a matter of preference and expected travel conditions, a Chevy Silverado 3500 HD equipped with dual rear wheels and the diesel engine option provides the most stability and power for towing heavy loads.
2024 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD trim level comparison
The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD WT, short for Work Truck, trim represents the entry-level 2024 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD model with a starting MSRP of $43,400. It comes with the 6.6-liter gas V8 backed by the 10-speed Allison automatic, the Trailering Package, and two-wheel drive, but the 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine and four-wheel drive are optional.
Stepping up to the $51,595 Custom trim provides the same engine and drivetrain options but adds nicer wheels, deep tinted glass, and cruise control. The $54,195 LT trim adds an integrated trailer brake controller, a chrome front bumper, and the EZ Lift assist power-locking tailgate.
The upper half of the 2024 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD trim lineup starts with the $61,395 LTZ trim. The LTZ adds to the LT trim with an in-vehicle trailering app, LED projection headlamps, power-folding/extending auto-dimming side trailering mirrors, a 120-volt power outlet, remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10-way power adjustable driver seat with power lumbar and memory, and heated seats for the driver and outboard front passenger. Serious off-roaders should consider the $72,595 ZR2 trim for its off-road focused suspension and features, including hill descent control, skid plates,
The top-trimmed 2024 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD High Country
The four-wheel-drive-only single-rear-wheel 2024 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD High Country trim MSRP starts at $75,195 with the gas-powered 6.6-liter V8 and $84,685 for the Duramax turbo-diesel equipped version. Of course, several options from Chevrolet drive the price even higher if chosen. The question is, does the High Country trim provide enough value to justify its high price?
If you’re looking for an off-road truck and considering the ZR2 or High Country trims, go with the ZR2. However, the best comparison is with the $61,395 LTZ trim, as both offer long bed and dual rear wheel options. The High Country trim has a long list of standard features over the LTZ, though most are available for an extra charge:
- Trailer side blind zone alert
- Safety alert seat
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- HD surround vision
- Front and rear park assist
- Bed view camera
- Wireless device charging
- Ventilated front seats
- Universal home remote
- Carpeted vs. rubber floor mats
- Power sliding rear window
- Perforated leather front seat trim
- Front bucket seats (40/20/40 bench not available on High Country)
However, adding the $4,500 LTZ Premium Package to a four-wheel drive, LTZ trimmed Silverado 3500 HD brought the estimated net price to $69,895 and provided nearly every upgrade as the High Country trim except for the perforated leather seating trim, at a savings of about $5,300.
What do critics think of the Silverado 3500 HD and High Country trim?
Car and Driver recommends the LT trim with four-wheel drive, the Duramax diesel engine, Z71 Off-Road, and Convenience packages as the best value combination. However, TrueCar lists the LTZ trim as the most popular. J.D. Power reviewed a 2024 Chevy Silverado HD LT with four-wheel drive and the diesel engine option and found it pleasant to drive, although a challenge to park.
What about the Silverado 3500 HD’s competition?
According to Car and Driver, Ram sits atop the heavy-duty pickup rankings. While the entry-level 2024 Ram 3500 Tradesman starts at $48,875, the Limited Longhorn trim starts at $91,025. Ford sits in second place with its 2024 Super Duty F-350 XL trim at $46,015 and the Limited trim at $98,270. Finally, GMC offers the Sierra 3500 HD Denali Ultimate with a starting MSRP of $98,295, but at least it comes with four-wheel drive and the turbo-diesel engine.
Ultimately, picking the right heavy-duty truck for your needs and lifestyle comes down to personal preference. However, getting the perfect truck at the best price requires some time and effort to find or build the one that suits you best. Or, if your budget allows, you can “push the easy button” and order the top-trimmed model from your favorite brand and model.
