The U.S. truck market recently experienced a brief but notable era of diesel-powered half-ton pickups. Ford introduced a 3.0-liter Power Stroke in the F-150, Ram featured its 3.0-liter EcoDiesel in the Ram 1500, Jeep used its own version of this engine for the Gladiator, and GM offered its 3.0-liter Duramax in both the GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado. This period was marked by impressive low-end torque and excellent highway fuel economy. In response to this competitive landscape, GM decided to upgrade its compression-ignition inline-six, just as other manufacturers began to phase out small diesel engines.
For the 2023 model year, the baby Duramax received new fuel injectors and pistons, a retuned turbocharger compressor, and a redesigned combustion bowl. These upgrades increased the engine’s output from 277 hp to 305 hp, and its torque improved from 460 lb-ft to 495 lb-ft, making it the torque leader among the Silverado 1500’s internal combustion engines.
This power is delivered with remarkable quietness. At both idle and wide-open throttle, the diesel Silverado is significantly quieter than its 6.2-liter gas counterpart, registering 41 decibels at idle and 71 decibels at wide-open throttle. During testing, both the Trail Boss and ZR2 trims demonstrated that their aggressive all-terrain tires produced more noise than the engine itself.
Performance and Efficiency
The updated Duramax engine contributes to a noticeably quicker Silverado. When testing the first-generation engine in a 2020 Silverado LTZ, the truck reached 60 mph in 7.1 seconds and completed the quarter-mile in 15.5 seconds at 88 mph. In contrast, the 2024 ZR2, despite weighing an additional 145 pounds and being equipped with Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires, achieved 60 mph in 6.8 seconds and covered the quarter-mile in 15.3 seconds at 89 mph. The revised engine’s responsiveness is further highlighted by the improved 30-to-50-mph top-gear passing time, which decreased from 4.2 seconds to 3.6 seconds.
The Duramax diesel engine also boasts excellent fuel economy for a truck, especially on highways where the engine can maintain a constant RPM, minimizing turbo usage. Although specific highway fuel economy data for the ZR2 was not retested, the LTZ trim previously achieved 26 mpg at 75 mph, with potential to reach over 30 mpg on less demanding roads. The EPA ratings for the diesel Silverado vary, ranging from 29 mpg highway for two-wheel-drive models to 22 mpg highway for the ZR2. Even with these variations, the ZR2’s 21-mpg EPA combined rating surpasses the 6.2-liter gas engine by 6 mpg.
Pricing and Options
For the ZR2 trim, choosing the Duramax diesel does not incur additional costs compared to the 6.2-liter V-8. In fact, the diesel option is priced $1500 less than the V-8, making it the base model for this flagship off-road trim. This pricing strategy offers upfront savings and potential long-term cost benefits due to the diesel’s fuel efficiency and the V-8’s requirement for premium fuel, which generally costs more than diesel.
In other trims, the Duramax is positioned as a premium option. For instance, in the Trail Boss trim, the diesel engine costs $2590 more than the 2.7-liter four-cylinder gas engine and $795 more than the 5.3-liter V-8. Considering the benefits, this extra expenditure is often justified.
The full-size pickup market is crowded, making it challenging for any single model to stand out. However, the Silverado diesel remains unique as the only light-duty diesel pickup currently available, following the departure of similar models from other manufacturers.
Specifications and Performance Data
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | Front engine, rear/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door pickup |
| Price | Base/As Tested: $71,895/$75,700 |
| Options | Technology package (adaptive cruise control, head-up display, power tilt/telescope steering, rear camera mirror): $1970; power sunroof: $995; Multi-Flex tailgate: $445; Glacier Blue Metallic paint: $395 |
| Engine | Turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve diesel inline-6, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection |
| Displacement | 183 in³, 2992 cm³ |
| Power | 305 hp @ 3750 rpm |
| Torque | 495 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
| Suspension | F/R: control arms/live axle |
| Brakes | F/R: 13.0-in vented disc/13.6-in vented disc |
| Tires | Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT LT275/70R-18 115/112O M+S TPC Spec 2806 |
| Dimensions | Wheelbase: 147.5 in; Length: 231.9 in; Width: 81.2 in; Height: 78.3 in; Passenger Volume, F/R: 73/67 ft³; Curb Weight: 5798 lb |
Performance Results
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| 0-60 mph | 6.8 sec |
| 1/4 Mile | 15.3 sec @ 89 mph |
| Rolling Start, 5-60 mph | 7.9 sec |
| Top Gear, 30-50 mph | 3.6 sec |
| Top Gear, 50-70 mph | 5.3 sec |
| Top Speed (gov ltd) | 99 mph |
| Braking, 70-0 mph | 203 ft |
| Observed Fuel Economy | 21 mpg |
| EPA Fuel Economy | Combined/City/Highway: 21/20/22 mpg |
The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Duramax stands out as a robust and efficient option in a highly competitive market. Its unique position as the last remaining light-duty diesel pickup, combined with its impressive performance and fuel economy, makes it an attractive choice for those seeking a powerful yet economical truck.
