Chevrolet gave us the small-block V8 engine in 1954, forever changing the automotive industry. With this family of compact yet powerful motors, the automaker proved its ingenuity and solidified its reputation as an American automotive pioneer. Today, Chevy's ingenuity is still easy to see across its lineup, particularly in the Chevy trucks for sale on the lot here at Dave Gill Chevrolet.
The 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 is one of the most capable full-size trucks in the industry, but it's also one of the most comfortable, versatile, innovative, and affordable. This balance is difficult for most automakers to achieve because manufacturing costs are high, inflating the price of their trucks and forcing drivers to settle for less. As a result, finding the truck of your dreams often means choosing between what you once deemed "must-haves" to stay within budget.
With the 2023 Silverado, Chevrolet doesn't ask you to settle for less. Instead, the biggest choice you have to make is what type of power you expect from this legendary road warrior. With four potent engines, there's never a question of settling, and here's why.
The 2.7L Turbo High-Output
With a nine-trim lineup, the 2023 Silverado 1500 starts strong as Chevrolet equips the WT, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, and LT Trail Boss with a standard 2.7L Turbo High-Output engine. First introduced in 2019, this turbocharged inline-four is unique because it was developed specifically for trucks and features a dual-volute turbocharger.
Most twin-scroll turbochargers rely on a single volute to send the exhaust air into the turbine. However, the Silverado's engine integrates two volutes into the exhaust manifold. This increases the pressure on the turbine, improving the engine's responsiveness, efficiency, and low-end torque. The result is exceptional, with the 2.7L Turbo High-Output producing 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. In addition, because the dual-volute turbocharger features priority oiling and cooling, the Silverado 1500 operates efficiently at the ideal temperature, reducing the risk of overworking or overburdening the engine.
In practical terms, the 2.7L Turbo High-Output gives even the base 2023 Silverado 1500 an exceptional capacity to carry heavy loads. For example, a two-wheel-drive Silverado 1500 with this engine can support the truck's highest payload capacity of 2,260 lbs and trailer up to 9,500 lbs. For comparison, the base V6 engine in the 2023 Ford F-150 only delivers 290 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, limiting Ford's full-size truck to a maximum payload of 1,955 lbs and a max tow rating of 8,200 lbs.
The 5.3L EcoTec3 V8
Chevy drivers looking for more power know the EcoTec family doesn't disappoint. EcoTec3 engines are renowned because they are direct-injection engines with continuously variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation to optimize efficiency without compromising capability. You'll experience this firsthand in a 2023 Silverado 1500. The LTZ and High Country trims come standard with a 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 under the hood, and this rugged engine is also available on the WT, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, and LT Trail Boss.
Chevrolet pairs the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 with a 10-speed automatic transmission to maximize its broad power band. As the transmission smoothly shifts gears, the engine offers 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. Moreover, this increased performance doesn't force the Silverado to guzzle fuel. With a fuel economy rating of up to 19 MPG combined, this engine is only slightly less efficient than the base 2.7L Turbo High-Output.
By using direct fuel injection, a precise amount of fuel is added to the cylinders in the engine. As a result, combustion is optimized in all conditions to deliver the maximum amount of energy, ensuring the Silverado can handle every job. However, this energy doesn't compromise the Silverado's efficiency because of its active fuel management technology or cylinder deactivation.
The EcoTec3's cylinder deactivation feature engages the right number of cylinders to optimize performance and minimize fuel consumption. For example, when the Silverado is carrying a lighter load, it typically only needs four cylinders engaged. Alternatively, the system employs all eight cylinders for optimal capability and performance when the truck pushes its limits. This gives it a maximum payload of 2,140 lbs and a towing capacity of 11,300 lbs.
The 6.2L EcoTec3 V8
As an EcoTec3, the Silverado's 6.2L V8 engine shares many similarities with the smaller 5.3L. However, its larger size translates to more horsepower, higher levels of torque, and a greater towing capacity. But how much more power are we talking about?
The 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 is standard on the adventurous 2023 Silverado 1500 ZR2 and available on the Custom Trail Boss, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country. As a larger and heavier engine, it decreases the Silverado 1500's maximum payload capacity to 1,980 lbs but increases its trailering capability to 13,300 lbs. It's a worthwhile upgrade for drivers who need 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque at their disposal.
Because it's also paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, you can expect the engine to respond to your needs without hesitation. This responsiveness is essential and gives you the confidence to tow heavier loads. Of course, Chevrolet adds to this confidence by outfitting the 2023 Silverado 1500 with towing-specific technologies that complement the truck's beefy powertrains to ensure the legendary road warrior is ready for every job.
The 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel
The Silverado 1500's powertrain lineup for 2023 wouldn't be complete without a diesel option. The 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel fits the bill and is available on the Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country. But how does it transform the Silverado into a more capable and efficient workhorse?
The Duramax is renowned for its efficiency, pushing the 2023 Silverado to an estimated fuel economy of 29 MPG on the highway. It's more efficient than the gas-powered alternatives because it relies on compression combustion and a leaner fuel-to-air mixture with a more energy-dense fuel. The leaner mixture and streamlined combustion process also improve torque at low speeds, giving the Duramax-powered Silverado an advantage when towing and hauling heavy loads.
Even with a more efficient combustion process, the 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel doesn't hinder the Silverado's power output or capacity to tow and haul heavy loads. Instead, it maximizes it as the engine produces 495 lb-ft of torque and 305 hp, a broad spectrum of power that's readily available with Chevrolet's proven 10-speed automatic transmission. The result is phenomenal, giving the Silverado a trailing capacity of up to 13,300 lbs. This is the engine for you if you plan on using your truck to tow heavy loads long distances.
Choosing the Best Engine for the Job
The 2023 Silverado 1500's powertrain lineup has something for everyone, from the modest 2.7L Turbo High-Output to the EcoTec3 V8s to the wildly capable yet efficient 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel. Each of these four powertrains offers unique advantages, allowing you to tailor the Silverado to your needs. For example, do you need the higher payload capacity that the Silverado 1500 can handle with the 2.7L under the hood? Or are you drawn to the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 that boosts the truck's towing capacity up to 13,300 lbs? Choosing the best engine for the job requires looking closely at your driving needs and how you plan to use the Silverado 1500. If you have any questions, let the experts at Dave Gill Chevrolet give you the answers you need.