Which Chevrolet Truck Engine is the Best?

Since 1918, Chevrolet has made a name for itself by producing tough and powerful trucks that are affordable enough for most people. While Chevy's trucks have continuously evolved, one aspect has remained the same — Chevrolet trucks get the job done.

Today, the company carries on this legacy with a versatile lineup that combines utility with technology. Our team at Apple Chevrolet of Red Lion has put together this guide so you can find out all there is to know about truck engines, what makes a good one, how to choose the right engine, and the different available Chevy truck engines available today.

What Makes a Good Truck Engine

Engineering and manufacturing a quality truck engine involves many factors. First, the engine needs to be reliable. Like any other vehicle, you want your truck to last long and be dependable, especially if you're going to use it for work. Second, you want your engine to be powerful. You'll want high horsepower, but more importantly, you'll want torque, which assists your truck's towing and payload capacity.

Torque, the measurement of the forceful twisting an engine can take, is the force your truck uses to get moving. Diesel engines can produce more torque at lower rpm than gasoline engines, and this ability allows diesel-powered engines to perform better while hauling, towing, and/or climbing.

It's also important to understand an engine's towing and hauling capacity. To get this insight, you'll need to know key terms, including gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), gross combined vehicle weight rating (GCVWR), payload capacity, and towing capacity.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

The GVWR is the maximum weight your truck can hold and still operate safely without damaging any part of it. Your tow vehicle and any trailer you use will have a different GVWR, so you'll need to be careful not to load too much onto them.

Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating

The GCVWR is the maximum your vehicle can weigh, including any attached trailer. This number comprises all passengers or cargo in the truck's bed or trailer.

Payload Capacity

Towing capacity is how much weight your vehicle can safely pull. This figure depends on the truck's configuration, your total weight, and how you distribute what you're towing.  

Towing Capacity

Towing capacity is how much weight your vehicle can safely pull. This figure depends on the truck's configuration, your total weight, and how you distribute what you're towing.

Selecting the Right Engine for Your Needs

Choosing the best truck engine depends entirely on what you want and need out of your vehicle. Any prospective truck owners need to consider their optimal balance of power to fuel efficiency. Today, with manufacturers, such as Chevrolet, producing more types of truck engines, there are more options to consider. Each offers a different power-to-fuel-efficiency ratio, so it's essential to understand them all. Below is a breakdown of every available engine in Chevy's 2023 truck lineup.

Chevrolet Colorado Engines

The Chevrolet Colorado comes with one of two engines depending on the trim you select. The first is a 2.7-liter turbo engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine produces 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque and gives you an EPA-estimated 21 combined mpg.

The second engine choice for the Colorado is also a 2.7-liter turbo engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This version of the engine generates 310 hp and up to 430 lb-ft of torque, depending on your Colorado's trim. According to EPA estimates, this engine achieves 18-19 combined mpg.

Chevrolet Silverado Engines

Chevy uses the same base trim for the Silverado as the upper Colorado trims and replicates its 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque output. But there are three other engine options if you purchase a Silverado. The first of these options is a 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8 that produces 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque.

Those who want additional power can opt for the 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V-8 that produces 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque and utilizes Dynamic Fuel Management technology to optimize power delivery and efficiency. Finally, those who prefer diesel can choose the Duramax 3.0-liter Turbo-Diesel engine that offers 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque.

Chevrolet Silverado HD Engines

Whether you opt for a Silverado 2500 or 3500 HD, each has the same engine options. The first option is a 6.6-liter V-8 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, which produces a whopping 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque. You can also opt for a 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel V-8 that generates an astounding 470 hp and 975 lb-ft of torque.

Chevrolet Silverado Electric Engines

Although not yet launched, Chevy fans will soon have another truck engine to choose from, with the first-ever all-electric Silverado. Two electric motors power Chevy's groundbreaking Silverado electric vehicle (EV). Like their gas-powered models, these engines will vary slightly depending on your chosen trim. The top-spec RST generates a combined 664 hp, whereas the base WT trim produces 510 hp and 615 lb-ft of torque.

RST Silverado EVs will have a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 lbs, and the WT trim can reportedly pull up to 8,000 lbs. According to Chevrolet, the company will eventually add a model to the lineup that can tow up to 20,000 lbs. The Silverado EV will utilize a unique Ultium battery to give divers a range of up to 450 miles on a complete charge.

Get Your Next Truck at Apple Chevrolet of York of Red Lion

If you want a Chevy truck with an excellent engine, visit our experts at Apple Chevrolet of Red Lion to see or test-drive a new or certified pre-owned model for yourself. We have regular new Chevy truck specials, and our highly knowledgeable team will make sure you get the best truck for your needs so you can tackle anything with confidence. Contact us online, call 717-417-4027, or visit us at 3220 Cape Horn Road in Red Lion, Pennsylvania.

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