INTRODUCING THE NEW FUEL-EFFICIENT DURAMAX® TURBO-DIESEL ENGINE FOR THE 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500
When it comes to outstanding fuel efficiency that doesn't compromise on capability, the new Duramax® 3.0L Turbo-Diesel I-6 engine for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 is a seriously smart powertrain.
This latest engine builds off a deep understanding of the diesel powertrain space, earning the legendary Duramax badge by the high level of attention paid to maximizing its durability and efficiency that other diesel engines in the GMC family are known for.
Offering up to an EPA estimated 30 MPG highway, the Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel not only gives you the most efficient Sierra 1500 ever, but is an ideal powertrain for off-road adventurers with a powerful 460 lb-ft of torque and best-in-class 277 diesel horsepower.†
It also marks the first-ever inline-six turbo-diesel for GMC's full-size light-duty truck, an engine design that helps enable a smoother driving experience, and will be available fall of 2019 on the Sierra SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4 and Denali models.
It has been paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, so this engine is not only powerful and efficient, but responsive and smooth while at work or play.
EFFICIENT YET CAPABLE
Diesel engines are often recognized for their capability and grit to tow, as well as their driving range and fuel economy.
And the Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel is no different. With up to 30 MPG highway, this powertrain offers you the most efficient Sierra 1500 ever. That's because it was engineered to include multiple advanced combustion technologies to bring about high levels of efficiency, helping you spend less time and money at filling stations and more time getting to where you want to go.
FUEL EFFICIENCY
| MODEL | CITY | HIGHWAY | COMBINED |
| TWO-WHEEL DRIVE | 23 MPG | 30 MPG | 26 MPG |
| FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE | 22 MPG | 26 MPG | 24 MPG |
The efficiency of this engine even extends to its block, which was made from a lightweight cast aluminum alloy. Capable of withstanding the high combustion pressures of a diesel engine, it resulted in a 25 percent savings in mass over a comparable cast iron engine block.
It has a high 15.0:1 compression ratio, so situations where the engine is really working will still provide the best possible fuel economy for those high-demand conditions. And for times when you're at a standstill ─ such as a traffic light or stop-and-go traffic ─ the Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel has start/stop technology (with disable switch), which will turn the engine off for a short period of time.
The Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel also uses Active Thermal Management to target specific areas of the powertrain system for heating and cooling. This not only seamlessly helps the engine warm up quickly but maintain an ideal temperature for performance and minimize fuel consumption. Ceramic glow plugs are used as well, so cold starts are quicker and warm-up times in colder weather are fast enough for the engine block heater to go unneeded until temperatures drop to -22 degrees F.
To achieve its class-leading 277 diesel horsepower with minimal impact on fuel economy, the Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel has a variable geometry turbocharger to maximize the amount of available boost across the engine's speed range. The result is responsive acceleration needed for situations like merging or passing on a highway, but in a manner that is more efficient.
The Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel even provides plenty of power and strength right off the line, reaching 95 percent of peak torque at a low 1,250 rpm. Possessing a max towing† capability of 9,100 lbs. and a max payload of 1,830 lbs. for four-wheel models, all of that low-end torque allows you to pull heavy loads, maximizing your fuel economy during towing events.
And by pairing the Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel with the 10-speed automatic transmission, drivers will notice smooth gear changes. This not only enhances its efficiency, but adds refinement to the driving experience.
If that wasn't enough, the transmission works in combination with the engine's exhaust braking capability when you are in Tow/Haul mode. By leveraging the diesel engine's compression to help slow the vehicle, the transmission and exhaust brake not only reduce brake pad wear, but give truck owners more confidence and control while trailering on steep grades.
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