With minor changes and updates on deck for the sixth model year of the full-size pickup’s fourth generation, the 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 boasts a set of selectable drive modes designed to help it perform in just about any condition. Below, GM Authority takes a closer look at what each drive mode does for the 2024 Silverado.
Before we delve in, note that drive mode ability and affected subsystems are dependent on the 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 trim level, region, and optional features. Each mode can be activated via the switchpod to the left of the steering wheel, which features buttons and a dial to select the desired drive mode. Specifically, there are six selectable modes just a tap of the button away, including Normal Mode, Sport Mode, Snow/Ice Mode, Off-Road Mode, Tow/Haul Mode, and Terrain Mode. Each gets its own indicator on the instrument cluster, aside from Normal Mode.
Now, let’s check out the 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 drive modes.
Normal Mode
As the default 2024 Silverado drive mode, Normal Mode is exactly what it says on the tin. It is recommended for use in normal city and highway driving conditions. It splits the difference between comfort and handling and does not illuminate a special indicator.
Sport Mode
Identifiable by a checkered flag icon on the cluster, Sport Mode prioritizes a more controlled response from the 2024 Silverado. If the pickup is outfitted with Active Exhaust, Sport Mode modifies the exhaust valve opening to run the engine more efficiently at any speed. It also improves vehicle handling and acceleration on dry pavement, and modifies steering efforts, transmission shifting, brake pedal feel, and suspension tuning where applicable.
Snow/Ice Mode
Snow/Ice Mode improves traction and vehicle acceleration on snow- and ice-covered roads. This mode optimizes traction on slippery surfaces, although it can compromise acceleration on dry asphalt. Note that mode is not intended for use when the Silverado is stuck in sand, mud, ice, snow, or gravel. When this mode is active, it is denoted by a snowflake icon.
Off-Road Mode
Off-Road Mode is intended for use during off-road recreational driving and can improve vehicle performance at moderate speeds on grass, gravel, dirt, unpaved roads, or snow-covered roads. Off-Road Mode also activates Active Exhaust for equipped pickups, modifying the exhaust valve opening to run the engine more efficiently at any speed, while the accelerator pedal is tuned for off-road use, as is pedal mapping, ABS, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System (TCS) performance. Its icon is a small pair of mountains overlaid with an S-shaped road.
Tow/Haul Mode
When hauling heavy loads, Tow/Haul Mode improves the Silverado’s performance and vehicle control. It adjusts the transmission shift pattern, steering, and Trailer Sway Control if equipped. If the pickup is turned off with Tow/Haul Mode active and then restarted within two hours, it will remain engaged. Otherwise, Normal Mode will activate when the pickup is turned back on.
For units of the 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 outfitted with the turbodiesel 3.0L LZ0 Duramax I6, exhaust braking is automatically activated when the Tow/Haul Mode is selected. The system commands downshifts and uses the turbocharger to reduce vehicle speed when the brake pedal is applied, and the normal tow/haul shift pattern will be restored on a low grade or when the accelerator pedal is pressed. Auto Start/Stop is disabled in this mode.
Terrain Mode
Terrain Mode is ideal for finer control during low-speed off-road driving. It mimics the characteristics of four-wheel-drive low without the torque capabilities. It is recommended for use when traveling on rough roads at low speed, slowly through grassy fields, pulling a boat out of the water on a trailer, or in public off-road recreational driving. Note that Auto Stop/Start is disengaged while this mode is active.
The table below outlines the 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 Terrain mode settings.
| Terrain Mode Drive Select | Expected Vehicle Behavior | Ideal Terrain |
|---|---|---|
| Drive (L3-Lx) | Minor deceleration when off throttle and mild ability to modulate throttle; mimics performance of 4L without torque multiplication. | Grassy fields, mild two tracks, rutted roads, large rolling hills |
| L2 | Moderate deceleration when off throttle and moderate ability to modulate throttle; brings vehicle to a stop in most cases. | Mild rock crawling, heavy ruts, short, steeper grades |
| L1 | Significant deceleration when off throttle and significant ability to modulate throttle; brings vehicle to a stop in most cases. | Rock crawling downhill |
However, note that if the wheels slip while in Terrain Mode, this may result in excessive heat in the transfer case, causing 4WD and Terrain Mode to automatically turn off, returning the pickup to two-wheel drive. Once the transfer case cools, 4WD will automatically activate once more.
When in Terrain Mode, the Silverado will shift automatically; it may hold a lower gear longer to maximize engine torque. A unique pedal map, transmission shift pattern, and RPM control are also utilized to improve control at lower speeds and over rough terrain. Vehicle Hold is engaged when the Silverado is stopped. TCS is optimized for maximum torque transfer between axles, and Active Braking During Lift Throttle will engage.
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Comments
Can you do a story on why the Silverado applies the park brake sometimes when you put it in park on the shifter and if it can be disabled. Lots of unhappy people out there.
I’m not unhappy about this, it’s just a little frustrating, one extra step before I back out of my driveway. Definitely interested in hearing why.
@Trent . There is no extra step. The E brake will release itself. Just step on the gas like you normally do and the E brake will release by itself. Have you not heard of this feature?
@galen, I was not aware that I could just step on the gas to get it to release. My last three leased vehicles with E brakes you had to press the button to get it to release. Tried it this morning and it worked. So thank you for pointing that out.
if you have the rear trailer hitch cam up on the screen while it is placed in park, the E brake will be set automatically. Just the way it is programmed. The good thing is this, you do not have to release it yourself, just slowly press the accelerator down and the E brake will release itself. It will also release itself if you set the brake yourself before shutting vehicle off when you step on the gas the next time you start it. Try it, it works great.
Yes-
If i park my Silverado in my driveway (ever so slightly pitched) the parking brake gets put on “by the truck”.
Same here. If I park slightly back from where I normally park, the brake doesn’t apply, there is not that much difference in grade. Weird thing is, if I get in my truck when it is slightly back, move to put on my belt or start it, the brake sets. A little frustrating and mind boggling.
I don’t know how we were able to drive without all of these modes, baffling. Now I remember put in drive, apply pressure on the accelerator pedal then back off of the pressure when conditions are bad.
I tried pulling forward with the park brake on and it released now if I can get rid of the hill assist all will be good.
So Terrain Mode can overheat the transfer case if there is wheel slip. Does 4lo in a 2 speed transfer case have this kind of fragility or is it bulletproof?
I don’t use either, so I’m asking.