GMC Sierra Engine Guide
There is a lot to like about the GMC Sierra, things like the comfortable interior, or the cutting-edge technology. But the main reason for the popularity of the Sierra is its versatility, the huge range of available configurations makes it so easy to dial in exactly what you need from your pickup truck. This includes a massive trim level lineup, as well as a full range of cab and bed combinations. But one of the most important choices you’re given is the engine, and there’s no shortage of options. We put together this guide to help with that decision.
GMC Sierra 1500 Engines – Power
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque |
| TurboMax | 310 | 430 lb-ft |
| 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 | 355 | 383 lb-ft |
| 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 | 420 | 460 lb-ft |
| 3.0L Duramax® Turbo Diesel | 305 | 495 lb-ft |
The engine options for the Sierra are noteworthy for several reasons. The first is that there are two available V8s, a rarity among light-duty pickups. Another point in favor of the Sierra is the option of a diesel engine. The only other truck in this segment to offer one is the Sierra’s platform-mate, the Chevy Silverado 1500, and that’s the same engine as this one. The standard engine in the Sierra 1500 is the 2.7-liter TurboMax™, which produces more torque than the standard engines in either the Ford F-150 or the Ram 1500.
GMC Sierra 1500 Engines – Capability
| Engine | Max Towing Capacity |
| TurboMax | 9,500 pounds |
| 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 | 11,200 pounds |
| 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 | 13,000 pounds |
| 3.0L Duramax® Turbo Diesel | 13,200 pounds |
Not every truck is a towing vehicle, but the vast majority of towing vehicles certainly are trucks. So while it’s good to know the maximum towing capacity of a truck, it’s equally important to know how different engines impact that capacity. Unsurprisingly, the engine with the highest torque output also has the highest towing capacity, and it’s equally unsurprising that this is the diesel engine. Diesels also tend to be a popular choice for towing because they get better economy, even with the extra weight of a trailer, but if you are dead set against a diesel engine, the 6.2-liter gasoline V8 will give you a towing capacity that’s nearly identical to the diesel.
GMC Sierra 1500 Engines – Efficiency
| Engine | Combined MPG |
| TurboMax | 19 mpg |
| 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 | 18 mpg |
| 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 | 16 mpg |
| 3.0L Duramax® Turbo Diesel | 26 mpg |
We already mentioned the fuel economy advantage of a diesel engine, but here you can see just how much of an advantage it is. And as you would expect, the smaller the displacement of the gasoline engine, the better the fuel economy. That said, the difference between the gasoline engines isn’t huge, and for anyone buying a gasoline-powered Sierra, fuel economy is unlikely to be a major factor in the decision of which engine to get.
