Chevrolet made waves with the introduction of its revamped 2019 Silverado, earning widespread acclaim for its sleek exterior, introduction of exciting new trims like Trail Boss, and a range of updated engines. However, amidst the praise, one glaring issue emerged: the truck’s interior fell short of expectations.
Responding to customer feedback, Chevrolet took action, unveiling a refreshed Silverado in 2022 with a modernized interior. Initial reviews were positive, but they lacked in-depth assessments due to limited exposure. Now, after spending over three months and covering 7,800 miles with the 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 ZR2 in our long-term testing, we’ve developed more nuanced insights into the revamped interior and its features.
A Single Interior Option for ZR2
While the Silverado lineup boasts a wide array of interior material and color choices, the ZR2 trim offers just one configuration. Featuring front bucket seats with a center console, the Silverado ZR2 showcases Jet Black and Graystone perforated leather upholstery adorned with yellow contrast stitching. True to GM’s style, the seats lean towards the firmer side but have proven to be comfortable and supportive, even during extended drives. However, shorter drivers may find forward visibility challenging due to the lower seating position and the ZR2’s elevated hood cowl. Notably, the heating and ventilation functions persist indefinitely and generally retain their settings, adjusting automatically in response to significant changes in exterior temperature. The absence of a massaging function, available in models like the Silverado High Country or Sierra AT4X, stands out as a notable drawback for the ZR2.
As for optional features, the truck’s power sunroof, priced at $995, has seen limited use, primarily serving as a viewing portal during car washes. While it evokes a sense of nostalgia with its small size and manually operated shutter, it’s disappointing that Chevrolet doesn’t offer a panoramic sunroof for the Silverado in 2024.
Chevrolet’s decision to retain physical buttons for essential vehicle controls sets the Silverado apart from its counterparts like the Colorado, where many functions have migrated to the touchscreen. Headlight controls, drive modes, and the four-wheel-drive selector remain conveniently positioned to the left of the steering wheel, while the integrated trailer brake actuator has been relocated to a more accessible spot on the right side of the column. Beneath the infotainment screen, a row of buttons facilitates quick access to features like lane keep assist, auto stop/start, and various driving aids. The inclusion of physical knobs for radio volume and power, as well as dedicated HVAC controls, offers a refreshing departure from the digital trend prevalent in modern vehicles.
Chevrolet’s innovative approach extends to the screens, with both the driver information display and infotainment screen featuring dynamic animations upon startup, depicting off-road adventures complete with the ZR2 and Chevy logos. Exiting the vehicle treats occupants to a rugged dirt background adorned with the ZR2 logo. However, initiating the truck’s ignition prematurely interrupts the animation sequence, a minor quibble in an otherwise well-executed feature set.
Bro, Where’s the Lighter?
We hadn’t given it much thought, considering it’s been a staple feature in cars for as long as we can remember. But after an exhaustive search, we were taken aback to discover that Chevy has phased out the standard “cigarette lighter” 12-volt barrel plug. Admittedly, there aren’t many accessories left that rely on this type of socket. Nevertheless, we found ourselves in need of a convenient power source to keep our 12-volt fridge/freezer operational during a recent road trip. Historically, these barrel plugs provided a constant power supply and were ideal for such devices. Without them, our options are limited to using one of the 120-volt outlets or resorting to an accessory battery.
Speaking of the 120-volt outlet, Chevy relocated it inside the center console with the new interior design. On the surface, this seems like a practical move—until you try to use it. Positioned in the top right corner of the console’s storage compartment, the outlet offers scant space, barely accommodating even a modest iPhone or iPad charger. Plugging in anything larger, such as a laptop charger, renders it impossible to close the console lid. Moreover, if the cord is thick, there’s no convenient way to route it out of the console. The only other 120-volt outlet is located in the truck bed.
Fortunately, the truck does offer a decent assortment of USB ports, including both USB-A and USB-C ports positioned on the dashboard, inside the center console, and at the rear of the console for rear-seat passengers. However, this setup could pose an inconvenience if everyone needing to charge carries a USB-C cable, as it’s becoming the standard for most smartphones and tablets today. We’re eagerly awaiting the inclusion of a high-power USB-C Power Delivery port, which would facilitate rapid device charging. Additionally, we’d appreciate it if both the dashboard and rear console featured a pair of USB-C ports, with a lone USB-A port inside the console for those still reliant on older technology. Placing it next to the barrel plug would be a welcomed touch. Hint. Hint.
Plenty of Nooks and Crannies
Pickup trucks often become repositories for an array of odds and ends, from off-road recovery gear to charging cables and children’s toys. Fortunately, the Silverado boasts numerous storage solutions, although their utility varies.
The center console offers ample space and depth, featuring a removable tray for organizing smaller items. While it comfortably accommodates a 13-inch MacBook Pro, larger items may prove too bulky. Unfortunately, the glove box is the sole lockable storage option. Additionally, the rear cupholders boast a slot designed to hold a tablet for rear-seat passengers, though it’s a snug fit that precludes the use of a case.
Upon the introduction of the new interior in 2022, Chevrolet retained the dual glove boxes, yet their practicality remains questionable. Though seamlessly integrated into the dash, the upper compartment is small and offers limited utility. In contrast, the underseat storage in the rear lacks the expansive dimensions of competitors like the F-150 Raptor, falling short in both width and height. Furthermore, it houses the truck’s jack and tire-changing tools, leaving minimal room for additional items.
While the door pockets feature two bottle holders each, other storage areas, such as the small compartment on the passenger side of the center console and the trays atop the console, offer limited functionality. The odd space behind the infotainment screen, along with the hidden compartments within the rear seat back, present intriguing storage options, though their unconventional shapes may limit their usefulness.
Upcoming Updates on the Horizon?
Chevy recently introduced a refreshed interior for the Silverado lineup, but if the impending release of the 2024 Silverado EV and the 2025 Tahoe are any indication, further updates may be in the pipeline for the flagship half-ton truck. The Silverado EV is set to feature a sizable 17.0-inch center touchscreen paired with an 11.0-inch driver information screen, while the Tahoe will boast an even larger 17.7-inch center touchscreen alongside the same 11.0-inch information screen. Both models prioritize expansive digital displays over physical buttons. Could we expect these enhancements to trickle down to the standard Silverado in the near future? Only time will unveil the answer.
