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When shopping for a luxury pickup truck, the debate often comes down to two heavy hitters from General Motors: the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country and the GMC Sierra 1500 Denali. They share the same chassis, the same engines, and mostly the same technology.

But today, we’re looking at a 2024 Silverado 1500 High Country to answer one burning question: Is this truck a better buy than the Denali?

If you look at the numbers, the answer might surprise you.

The Price Tag: Where the High Country Wins

Let’s talk money first. A 2024 Silverado 1500 High Country equipped with the Duramax diesel, the technology package, and the longer 6'8" bed is currently pricing around $57,000 to $58,000.

If you were to shop for an identically equipped GMC Sierra Denali, you are looking at a truck in the low $60s—likely $61,000 to $62,000.

Right off the bat, the High Country offers $4,000 to $5,000 in savings. For essentially the same equipment, the High Country is undeniably the smarter financial move. The real question is: can you live with the differences in looks and features?

Under the Hood: The Duramax Advantage

This specific High Country is powered by the 3.0L Duramax Turbo Diesel.

  • Horsepower: 305 hp

  • Torque: 495 lb-ft

This is a torquey, responsive engine that is arguably the best daily driver engine in the half-ton segment. Owners are reporting incredible fuel efficiency, seeing 30 MPG on the highway and low 20s around town. For a full-size luxury truck, those numbers are "stupid awesome."

Exterior: High Country Styling vs. Denali

The styling is where the biggest divide exists. This High Country features a unique chrome-tint two-tone grille and black bow ties. It looks premium, but there are some distinct differences compared to its GMC cousin:

  • No Fog Lights: Surprisingly, the High Country does not come with fog lights, whereas the Denali features LED fog lights standard.

  • The Wheels: This unit rides on the High Country 22-inch wheels. While premium, the styling is subjective (some might call them a bit lackluster). However, wheels are easily swapped for about $1,500 if they aren't to your taste.

  • The Tailgate Advantage: Here is a hidden win for the Chevy. This truck features the power up and down tailgate. Many Denalis come with the MultiPro tailgate, which often only powers down but must be lifted manually. The convenience of closing the tailgate from inside the cab is a feature you shouldn't overlook.

Interior: A Refined "Western" Feel

In previous years, the High Country interior was criticized for being a bit too "loud" with solid brown leather. For 2024, Chevy has refined this with a tasteful two-tone black and brown interior.

It features wood grain trim, perforated leather heated and cooled seats, and a center console layout that feels slightly more open than the GMC counterpart.

Standard Luxury Tech includes:

  • Super Cruise (available option)

  • 13.4-inch Infotainment Screen

  • Heated Steering Wheel & Rear Seats

  • Bose Premium Sound System

  • Magnetic Ride Control (for a smoother ride)

The Verdict

So, is the High Country a better buy? Yes.

If you want the best value in a top-trim GM truck, the Silverado High Country is the winner. You get the magnetic ride, the advanced tech, the premium leather, and the Duramax efficiency—all for thousands less than the badge-engineered Denali. Unless you absolutely need the specific look of the GMC, the smart money is on the Chevy.

 


 

Watch the full review and walkaround here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEPNxqScqc0