Meet the New 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I-6

The bar has been set higher than ever with the new 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I-6 engine. For the history of the diesel engine, there has been a stark contrast between the pro's and con's they fill, but this engine blurs that line and smooths the edges between an engine that is both built to work, and a pure pleasure to drive.

Already named to the 2020 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems list, this engine not only has the horsepower that diesel engines are known for (with a little extra for good measure) but brings in high efficiency and an ultra-smooth driving experience.

It truly is a dream cross between sheer mechanical power and the innovation of technology.

With an engine block made of lightweight cast aluminum freeing up weight and a high-tech cooling system and sensor array, the system works with itself to utilize temperature control and efficiency to fully optimize combustion.

Yeah, it sounds like a lot but the bottom line is that the 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel was designed to give you power where you need it and economy to match.

Just try out the best-in-class 277 Horsepower with 460 lb-ft of Torque the next time you need to haul a trailer. Or enjoy the EPA-estimated 30 MPG on the highway when you're getting from one job site to the next.

How about trying out the 10-speed automatic transmission to smoothly pull every pound of your (up to) 9,100-pound load?

All the tech specs are listed further down on this page but the bottom line is that when you consider the idea of a half-ton pickup that needs to be versatile from towing to commuting, this pickup just won't let you down.

Some consumer reviews point out that rival brands may have slightly larger tow capacity or other various points, but when looking at the full package, they all agree that this pickup has far more to offer from the start and for many… many… miles down the road.

Just to address a couple of common questions about this engine…

Is the 3.0 Duramax a good engine?

Well, we like to think so, but there are awards given to help answer questions like this and while this engine is relatively new it has already started racking up the awards. Starting with the 2020 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems list.

Given GM's history with the Duramax engine, this iteration is sure to prove reliable and strong for a good long time.

What kind of mileage does the Duramax diesel get?

Well, we briefly covered that already, but let's break it down.

As the most efficient diesel engine for the Sierra ever, you are looking at an EPA estimated MPG of 30 on the highway and 23 in the city for the 2WD models which means up to a 720-mile range.

For the 4WD version, you are looking at 26 MPG on the highway and 22 MPG in the city.

If you know anything about diesel engines, you recognize these numbers only sweeten the pot.