The 2027 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra are set to arrive with updated powertrains, but the 3.0-liter Duramax inline-six turbodiesel may not receive the power increase reportedly planned for GM’s gasoline engines.
Duramax Output Could Remain Unchanged
According to GM Authority, citing sources familiar with the matter, the 3.0-liter Duramax is expected to retain its current output of 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque. That would leave the diesel engine unchanged even as GM reportedly increases power from its gasoline offerings.
Still, GM is continuing to offer a diesel option in its half-ton trucks after Ford and Ram exited the segment with their respective diesel engines.
Ford and Ram Have Left the Half-Ton Diesel Market
Ford previously offered a 3.0-liter Power Stroke diesel V6 in the F-150, but discontinued the engine after the 2021 model year. Ram similarly dropped its 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 after the 2023 model year.
Both automakers continue to offer diesel engines, but only in their larger heavy-duty trucks. Toyota has never offered a diesel-powered Tundra in the U.S., while Nissan discontinued the Titan after the 2024 model year.
Modern diesel engines also face the challenge of emissions-control hardware needed to reduce pollutants. That equipment adds cost and supply-chain complexity, which can be more difficult to justify when relatively few buyers select diesel power.
Diesel engines remain more established in other markets, where passenger cars such as the Volkswagen Golf are still available with diesel engines in certain European markets.
Duramax Still Offers Strong Towing Capability
Even without an output increase, the Duramax would remain a distinctive option in the full-size half-ton pickup segment for the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra.
In the outgoing Silverado, the Duramax provides a maximum towing capacity of 13,300 pounds. That narrowly exceeds the 13,200-pound rating of the 6.2-liter L87 V8.
New Small Block V8 Engines Coming
GM is also preparing major changes to the gasoline powertrains. The current 5.3-liter L84 V8 and 6.2-liter L87 V8 are set to be replaced by two new Small Block V8 engines from GM’s Gen 6 family.
The first member of the Gen 6 family debuted in the 2027 Chevrolet C8 Corvette. GM has said the upcoming trucks will feature the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 in the segment, but the company has not disclosed output figures for either new V8 or the enhanced TurboMax engine.
Specifications and Pricing Timeline
GM Authority previously reported that comprehensive vehicle specifications for the upcoming trucks will be released on September 17, followed by pricing information on September 18.
For now, the latest report indicates that the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel could carry over with 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque as GM introduces new gasoline engines for the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra.
