The automotive media has had the chance to sample the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado diesel before it launches later this year.
As you likely already know, the Duramax LM2 3.0-liter inline-six turbodiesel engine for the Silverado was not launched for the 2019 model year, with the 2020 truck being the first to feature the optional mill. It will carry the same price premium as the 6.2-liter V8 when the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado order books open in the near future, but is it worth plunking down the extra cash?
If Car and Driver is to be believed, it just may be worth splurging for. The publication had the chance to drive a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado diesel in Oregon and came away saying the engine was “refined and quiet.” They were also impressed with the observed fuel economy, which stretched to 40.6 MPG on the highway – although to get this figure the writer had to shut the A/C off, fold in the side mirrors and use the manual shifter to change gears early.
Motor Trend drove the truck in a more regular fashion and observed an average of 28 MPG after both highway driving and some stop-and-go city driving. Motor Trend also said it was impressed with the 270 horsepower engine’s grunt, saying it provides “a healthy surge of torque every time you touch the throttle, making the truck feel quick and agile around town and on the highway.”
It should be noted that it’s not clear if Motor Trend or Car and Driver’s trucks were 4x4s nor if they had tonneau covers on them. Autoblog hypermiled a rear-wheel drive Silverado RST with a tonneau cover in a similar fashion to Car and Driver and saw a fuel economy average of 40.6 MPG as well. Chevy engineers have allegedly eked as much as 47 MPG out of the truck in testing, too.
Reviewers had some trouble seeing the benefit of the 3.0-liter Duramax engine over the V8s, however. The 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8 versions of the truck can tow more (the Duramax truck is rated 9,700 lbs max) and it may take a while to offset the price premium of the engine with fuel savings if you do not live in an area where diesel is inexpensive. That said, the Duramax-equipped truck will be very efficient whilst towing, so it may be worth it for those who find themselves towing long distances often.
Let us know what you think of expert’s responses to the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado Diesel in the comments below.
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Comments
I’d like to see this engine in a ZR2, would buy it in a heartbeat!
That I-6 would be pretty long. Would it fit? The 2.7T should definitely be in the Colorado/Canyon. Get rid of that V6. Much better torque curve.
Not entirely sure if it would be physically possible, just wishful thinking.
I don’t know how Ford can always offer say they tow more when they start towing 9000lbs the truck starts bogging up. I am more happy to have real world numbers and exceed them than have a set number that you can’t ever really reach.
I think that the diesel version of the Silverado will be very attractive just based upon resale value. Diesel equipped trucks, at least here in Los Angeles, sell for significantly more than their gas counter parts. I personally would not buy a Silverado without the 6.2 gasoline engine option. Getting the diesel for the same price would be very attractive proposition to me.
I’m sold on it. class leading numbers are a necessity for me to purchase vehicle. So far this engine sounds like a stout performer regardless and as much as i love my 2500HD Duramax i would swap it out for this.
edit my first response to *aren’t.
Sounds like a pretty solid engine. I get that it isn’t rated to tow as much as the 6.2.. but how often are people towing that amount and don’t already have a 3/4 ton? And on top of that, do those reviewers even know what’s needed to legally tow certain weight classes? Not only higher class drivers license and registrations, some places require annual inspections on the truck and trailer. People buy the 6.2 because it’s faster and the top engine, not to tow 12,000lbs.
Let’s look at the typical 1/2 ton driver. It’s a commuter vehicle than might tow an 8ft utility trailer with a tow like a quad. Or maybe a 21ft boat. You’re looking at 4,000lbs tops.
If this oil burner can get a 60mph real world 34mpg and has all that torque down low, like 95% peak torque at idle is nuts, then 100% peak from 1500-3000, then the peak power comes on for that top end. That’s going to be a solid driving engine.
I’m fortunate that diesel is very rarely more than 87 E10 here, and it’s usually about 5% cheaper. This might be my next power plant.
If the truck had better forward visibility, and more availability of the traditional keyed start option, I would’ve pre-ordered one after the first few reviews!!
A guy on TFL truck said he got 44 MPG’s!