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How GM’s New 4.3L V6 In 2014 Silverado, Sierra Stacks Up Against The Competition

Following GM’s announcement of official fuel economy and capability ratings for its new 4.3L V6 (LV3) engine that powers the 2014 Silverado and 2014 Sierra, we’ve compiled the following comparison of how the new standard engine compares to those from the competition.

METRIC GM 4.3L V6 LV3 FORD 3.7L V6 RAM 3.6L V6
TRANSMISSION 6-SPEED AUTO 6-SPEED AUTO 8-SPEED AUTO
POWER HP / kW 285 / 212 302 / 225 305 / 227
TORQUE LB-FT / Nm 305 / 413 278 / 376 269 / 364
2WD FUEL ECONOMY CITY / HWY 18 / 24 17 / 23 17 / 25
4WD FUEL ECONOMY CITY / HWY 17 / 22 16 / 21 16 / 23
MAXIMUM PAYLOAD LBS / KG 2108 / 956 1900 / 861 1550 / 703
MAXIMUM TOWING LBS / KG 7200 / 3265 6700 / 3039 N/A*

The LV3 makes more torque than Ford’s 3.7L V6 and RAM’s 3.6L V6, allowing the Silverado and Sierra to claim the highest-available towing rating of 7,200 pounds, along with the highest-available payload rating of 2,108 pounds.

The 4.3L V6 LV3 doesn’t disappoint when it comes to fuel economy either, achieving best-in-class city fuel economy (by 1 MPG) compared to both Ford and RAM in both 2WD and 4WD applications. On the highway, however, the new six-banger achieves 1 MPG more than Ford’s V6, but falls short by 1 MPG to RAM’s V6 (also in both 2WD and 4WD applications). An 8-speed transmission, which has been rumored to make an appearance in the 2015 Silverado and 2015 Sierra, should help GM raise the highway fuel economy numbers of its new trucks.

About the numbers

  • Statistics provided by manufacturers
  • 2014 Silverado/Sierra 1500 Regular Cab 8’ box used for payload rating of 2,108 lbs
  • 2014 Silverado/Sierra 1500 Regular Cab 6’ 6″ box 4WD used for tow rating of 7,200 lbs
  • 2013 Ford F-150 with 145-inch wheel base 4×2 for towing
  • 2014 Ford F-150 Regular Cab with 145-inch wheel base for payload of 1900 lbs
  • 2013 RAM 1500 SLT Regular Cab 4X4 6’4″ Box used for Maximum RAM payload capacity
  • RAM doesn’t provide a maximum tow rating for its 3.6L V6

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Comments

  1. I wonder since these numbers are by far the highest for a base pickup engine, will they be doing a Z71 package with the 4.3L?

    Reply
    1. Yes, you can get a 4.3L V6 Z71 truck. The new 4.3L V6 will be the standard engine now in all base, 1LT and 2LT trim 2014 Silverados. Reg. cab, double cab, or crew cab, doesn’t matter all will have this engine as standard. The 5.3L will be standard with LTZ trim(not available on Reg. cab), and optional on the lower trim levels. The Z71 package is available on 2LT and LTZ(2LZ) trim levels with 2WD or 4WD. Remember there is no longer a “base” V8. The 4.8L is gone, replaced by the new 4.3L V6. Basically there are 2 engines, 4.3L and 5.3L. The 6.2L will come later, but the order guides only show it being available as an option on LTZ crew cabs or double cabs? Probably $50K or close to it to get one of those.

      Reply
  2. Great comparison article. So many people just look at horsepower but torque is the real player in the truck wars, along with payload and tow capacity. One thing GM did right with the new trucks is putting TRUCK engines in them. Ford and Ram put car engines in trucks. That doesn’t cut it for serious truck buyers who want to actually use their trucks for their intended purpose. GM did good with the 4.3 here.

    Reply
    1. Speaking of truck engines, dodge is offering the 3 liter diesel for a paltry 3k and that’s with an eight speed tranny.

      Reply
  3. Homerun, No comparison between truck engine and car engine in a truck… GM Wins…

    Reply
  4. I really want to know how does this 4.3 drive

    Reply
  5. These are pretty respectable numbers here-good job.

    Reply
  6. I agree. GM did a good job to get the hp, lb-ft and mpg numbers at such competive totals with the 4.3

    Reply
  7. being the new style LS 4.3, pushrod engine, is going to be stellar motor,simple, long lasting, easily modified , and a little torque monster good for trucks and for future hot rods, no dohc or sohc here, great move GM

    Reply
  8. The 2014 Ram V6 tows 7500lbs. Interesting how that gets left out. The 8-speed will make up for the torque with its lower first gear. I just bought a 2013 Ram V6 4×4. I average 22.5 mpg and it has good power. I test drove the 2014 v6 Silverado and it was a nice truck but the price was way to high.

    Reply
  9. I traded my 2012 1500 with a 4.8L V8 on a 2014 1500 with a 4.3L V6 and LOVE IT! This is twice the truck as the 4.8L ever was empty, towing, payload, and mileage wise. I’m very pleased.

    I have gotten 8.8L/100 km, that’s 26.72 US mpg. Not too shabby, way better than the old 4.8L ever did

    Reply
  10. Is there a video to show how to use the 1/. Automatic transmission with Tow / Haul mode in actual use ? P R N D M—1. Also Manual Mode. ( Range Selection Mode ) in use going up or down a hill . 2/. Is there a video to show the proper use of the Electronic Transfer Case Control. While in motion or pulling a trailer . All modes. From 2 wheel. Auto. 4 wheel high & 4 wheel low in snow / or mud / or sand ? When and how to change modes and at what speeds .

    Reply

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