Skip to main content

Things haven’t been going well for diesel engines as they keep getting discontinued. However, the Chevrolet Silverado isn’t ready to let go. Not only does the 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 offer stout diesel muscle, but on one trim, it’s actually the more affordable option. 

Save money with the 2024 Chevy Silverado ZR2 diesel 

The 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 ZR2 fording water
2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 ZR2 | Chevrolet

In 2023, the Chevy Colorado ZR2 model was only available with the 6.2-liter V8 engine that cranks out 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. 

But now the 2024 Chevy Silverado ZR2 trim comes with the standard diesel engine. The turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six Duramax diesel provides 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. 

Both options are juicy compared to the standard turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 310 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. 

Sticking with the Durmax diesel saves you $1,500. But you can also look at it like upgrading to the 6.2-liter V8 engine only costs $1,500. 

Either way, the starting price for the 2024 Silverado ZR2 is $73,395 with the $1,995 destination fee included. That’s $1,500 cheaper than the 2023 starting price. Upgrading to the Durmax diesel engine on other trims costs $3,010 or more. 

The entry-level Work Truck model starts at $38,795, which is a $600 increase over the outgoing model. Every trim but the ZR2 model is between $100 to $700 more. Also, the destination fee increased by $100. 

Don’t forget that the Durmax diesel engine is efficient. it helps the Silverado get an EPA-estimated 24 mpg on the highway and up to 33 mpg on the highway. 

With the standard gas-powered engine, the Silverado gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and up to 22 mpg on the highway. 

However, you can tow up to 13,300 lbs with the 6.8-liter engine, and the Durmax maxes out at 9,500 lbs. That’s a 3,800 lb difference! 

Also, the ZR2 off-road trim features: 

  • 33-inch all-terrain tires 
  • Off-road specific dampers 
  • Upgraded skid plates 
  • A full-size spare tire 
  • A spray-in bed liner 
  • Electronically locking front/rear differentials 
  • A power-adjustable front passenger seat 
  • Ventilated seats 
  • A wireless phone charging pad 
  • A seven-speaker premium Bose audio system 
  • Heated rear seats 
  • Blind-spot warning 
  • Rear cross-traffic alert 
  • A 360-degree camera
Best in Trucks
Avatar photo
Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.