Choosing the right engine for your truck is no easy task, especially with the wide range offered in the GMC Sierra 1500 2024 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2024 models. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the engines available to guide you through different scenarios and help you find the best engine for your needs. But first, let’s take a look at the different engines available to you.

Engine Comparison Table

Here’s an overview of the different engines available on the GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500, with the maximum towing capacity depending on the version.

Engine	Power	Couple	2WD towing capacity	4WD towing capacity
TurboMax 2.7L	310 hp	430 lb-ft	9,500 pounds	9,300 pounds
5.3-litre V8 ECOTEC3	355 hp	383 lb-ft	11,300 pounds	11,000 pounds
6.2-litre V8 ECOTEC3	420 hp	460 lb-ft	N/A	13,300 pounds
Duramax 3.0L Turbodiesel	305 hp	495 lb-ft	13,300 pounds	13,000 pounds

Now that you have an overview of the engines, let’s see which one is best suited to your needs.

If you want to pay as little as possible

The 2.7L TurboMax engine is your best option. This entry-level engine offers an impressive 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. It’s one of the most powerful engines you can get at this price point. You’ll pay around $48,000 for a TurboMax in the Silverado 1500 and $49,000 in the Sierra 1500. In the Elevation version of the Sierra, the starting price is set at just under $64,000 which is pretty impressive for an engine that can tow over 9,000 pounds with confidence.

If you want to save as much fuel as possible

The choice is between the TurboMax 2.7L and the Duramax 3.0L Turbodiesel. The TurboMax already offers good fuel economy, but if you’re really focused on consumption, the Duramax is worth considering thanks to its impressive efficiency. The TurboMax is the most economical engine in its class.

If you want a V8 without paying the big bucks

The 5.3-litre ECOTEC3 V8 is for you. Offering 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, this V8 offers plenty of power without hurting your wallet. A Silverado 1500 with a 5.3-litre V8 starts at around $52,000, while a Sierra 1500 with a V8 starts at $52,675. Not bad for a V8-powered truck that tows more than 11,000 pounds.

If you want as many couples as possible

You can choose between the 6.2-litre ECOTEC3 V8 and the Duramax 3.0L Turbodiesel. The Duramax offers a maximum torque of 495 lb-ft, which is slightly more than the 6.2-litre V8 with its 460 lb-ft. In both cases, power will never be an issue.

If you want the most powerful V8 on the market

The 6.2-litre ECOTEC3 V8 stands out with 420 horsepower. It’s a power monster that dwarfs most other engines in this category.

If you want to tow as much as possible

Once again, the 6.2-litre ECOTEC3 V8 is your choice for a maximum towing capacity of 13,300 pounds in 4WD version in the Silverado. The Duramax is just as capable with the same towing capacity. In both the Chevrolet range and the Sierra 1500, the 6.2-litre V8 and the Duramax are the engines that pull the most.

Whether it’s price, fuel economy or raw power, the GMC Sierra 1500 2024 and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2024 have an engine for every need and every scenario. The comparison chart and scenarios above should help you make the right choice for your future truck.