The Duramax Returns
General Motors is preparing to launch the next-generation 2027 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra with updated powertrains, including two new Small Block V8s and an enhanced TurboMax engine. Until now, little has been known about the diesel alternative, and the latest report could disappoint some buyers.
According to GM Authority, citing sources familiar with the matter, the 3.0-liter Duramax inline-six turbodiesel is expected to retain its current output of 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque. That is despite the gasoline engines reportedly receiving power increases. On the bright side, GM is still betting on diesel-powered half-ton trucks after Ford and Ram left the segment.
GMC
The Competition Checked Out
Ford once offered a 3.0-liter Power Stroke diesel V6 in the F-150 but discontinued it after the 2021 model year. Ram followed a similar approach with its 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6, which was dropped after 2023. Both brands still offer diesel engines, but only in their larger heavy-duty trucks. Meanwhile, the Toyota Tundra has never been sold with a diesel engine in the U.S., while the Nissan Titan was discontinued after the 2024 model year.
One challenge facing modern diesel engines is the emissions-control hardware required to curb pollutants, which adds cost and supply-chain complexity. Those added costs can be harder to justify when relatively few buyers choose the engine. Diesel remains more established elsewhere, where even passenger cars such as the Volkswagen Golf are still available with diesel engines in certain European markets.
So, even if the Duramax in the 2027 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra receives no output increase, it will remain a unique offering in the full-size half-ton pickup segment. In the outgoing Silverado, the Duramax enables a maximum towing capacity of 13,300 pounds, narrowly beating the 6.2-liter L87 V8’s 13,200-pound rating.
Chevrolet
New Hearts for GM’s Trucks
The 5.3-liter L84 V8 and 6.2-liter L87 V8 are set to be replaced by two new Small Block V8s from GM’s Gen 6 family, whose first member debuted in the 2027 Chevrolet C8 Corvette. The Michigan-based manufacturer has said the upcoming trucks will offer the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 in the segment, but it has not disclosed output figures for either new V8 or the enhanced TurboMax engine.
GM Authority previously reported that comprehensive vehicle specifications will be released on September 17, followed by pricing on September 18.
Chevrolet
