Unveiled in 1998 as a 1999 model, the Chevrolet Silverado has reached its mid-20s in fine standing as among the country’s top-selling vehicles. Several changes throughout the lineups keep the competition keen among top-selling Ford, Ram and Chevy pickup trucks, and for 2024, the versatile Silverado continues its fourth generation.

Negotiating off-road terrain, hauling cargo and towing trailers and recreational vehicles are what pickup trucks do best. The Chevy Silverado High Country features a 6.6-liter V8 turbo-diesel engine with 975 foot-pounds of torque. It’s matched with a 10-speed automatic transmission and can tow as much as 22,500 pounds, depending on bed size and engine configurations. Is there any potential work-associated need the Silverado lineup can’t handle?

With its focus on hauling, the Heavy Duty trim offers lots of assistance that should make everything involved easier. The camera has 14 views, including a New View and HD Surround Vision. The trim also features a vehicle-specific Trailering Information Label that lists metrics, including trailering ratings and maximum payload.

The truck also offers standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking and lane-departure warning, as well as lane-keeping assistance.

The trims also are offered in as many configurations as possible. Besides the entry-level and top trims, the 2024 Chevy Silverado Heavy Duty is available in Custom, LT and LTZ trims. The debuting ZR2 will join the HD trim lineup later in the model year.

Technology is now consistent across all the truck’s trim levels. The entry-level base Work Truck gets OnStar and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as does the reviewed top-line High Country. Lakeshore Blue and Slate Gray, both metallic, are new exterior color options. The Midnight Edition (all-black interior and black wheels) is now also available in the High Country trim; a nearly all-black option, interior to wheels to black chrome accents in the grille and grille bar.

A grille that includes a giant Chevrolet “bowtie” logo and another Chevrolet badging element on the hood air scoop are new exterior elements. The headlights are no longer divided by the grille. Occupants ride in more modern surroundings and with easy-to-view and easy-to-use technology, including a 12.3-inch instrument panel and 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system tilted toward the driver. The High Country trims also feature leather-wrapped surfaces, open-pore wood elements and contrasting stitching.

It’s a work truck with style and spaciousness. Storage compartments are huge, cupholders vast and secure and shelf space plentiful. It’s a truck disguised as a residence, with entrances and exits assisted by retractable side steps. Giant square logos are projected at night via “puddle lights” outside the driver and front passenger doors.

With its emphasis on heavy-duty tasks, the Silverado, like other large pickup trucks, isn’t particularly practical as a daily driver. It’s confident on the highway and announces its presence with a throaty engine note. Tight cornering on smaller city streets isn’t fun, however, nor is making a U-turn unless it’s on an empty airstrip. Trips to the store require situating the truck on the outer limits of parking lots; the Chevy has retractable side mirrors but the massive hauler doesn’t fit well in a standard parking space.

Pickup trucks’ power, usefulness and off-road leanings also mean fuel efficiency isn’t a priority. The High Country’s combined gas mileage is about 14 miles per gallon, according to various buyers’ reports. Good thing there’s a 36-gallon fuel tank, pushing the range to more than 500 miles.

With its various option packages and stand-alone added features, the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD High Country is priced at just over $87,000. Buy it, and tackle any task with confidence … while sticking to the back roads.

Facts & figures

Acceleration: 0-60 mph, 6.4 seconds

Fuel economy: 12 mpg city, 16 mpg hwy

Horsepower: 470

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $72,000

Price as tested: $87,285

Manufacturer’s website: chevrolet.com

Warranty: Bumper to Bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 5 years/60,000 miles; Corrosion, 3 years/36,000 miles; Roadside Assistance, 5 years/60,000 miles