For years, the naturally aspirated V6 gas engine was a mainstay of the General Motors lineup, offered as that sweet-spot combo of power, fuel economy, packaging, and smooth power delivery. Now, however, atmospheric V6 engines look to be on their way out the door, especially among General Motors’ product line. Indeed, the naturally aspirated GM V6 engine is slowly disappearing, as revealed by the number of naturally aspirated GM V6 engines offered in recent years.
Cadillac XT5 Sport with 3.6L V6 LGX engine
Breaking it down, we find the most recent batch of atmospheric GM V6 engines offered in two distinct configurations – 4.3L units, and 3.6L units. Among these, the 3.6L configuration is the most popular, with GM’s line of crossovers, sedans, and small pickups offering engines like the LLT, LFX, LGX, and LFY.
Looking over the number of models that offer a naturally aspirated 3.6L GM V6 engine, we see a very clear decline. For the 2016 model year, 17 GM models offered the engine configuration, falling to 14 models for the 2018 model year, and 10 models for the 2021 model year.
| 2016 | 2018 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buick Enclave | LLT | LFY | LFY |
| Buick LaCrosse | LFX | LGX | LGX |
| Buick Regal | - | LGX | - |
| Cadillac ATS | LFX | LGX | - |
| Cadillac CT6 | LGX | LGX | - |
| Cadillac CTS | LGX | LGX | - |
| Cadillac XTS | LFX | LFX | - |
| Cadillac SRX | LFX | - | - |
| Cadillac XT5 | - | LGX | LGX |
| Cadillac XT6 | - | - | LGX |
| Chevrolet Blazer | - | - | LGX |
| Chevrolet Camaro | LGX | LGX | LGX |
| Chevrolet Caprice PPV | LFX | - | - |
| Chevrolet Colorado | LFX | LGZ | LGZ |
| Chevrolet Equinox | LFX | - | - |
| Chevrolet Impala | LFX | LFX | - |
| Chevrolet Impala PPV | LFX | - | - |
| Chevrolet Traverse | LLT | LFY | LFY |
| GMC Acadia | LLT | LGX | LGX |
| GMC Canyon | LFX | LGZ | LGZ |
| GMC Terrain | LFX | - | - |
| Total | 17 | 14 | 10 |
4.3L GM V6 EcoTec3 LV3 engine
That said, we should also include the number of models that offer a naturally aspirated 4.3L GM V6 engine. Commonly found in The General’s line of vans and full-size pickups, examples include the LV3 and the LV1, with two models offering the configuration for the 2016 model year, and four models offering the configuration for the 2021 model year.
| 2016 | 2018 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Express | - | LV1 | LV1 |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | LV3 | LV3 | LV3 |
| GMC Savana | - | LV1 | LV1 |
| GMC Sierra 1500 | LV3 | LV3 | LV3 |
| Total | 2 | 4 | 4 |
While applications for the 4.3L configuration have expanded slightly in the last five years, taking both the number of 4.3L units and the number of 3.6L units into account shows a clear decline for the naturally aspirated GM V6, with a total of 19 models offering the configuration for the 2016 model year, 17 models offering the configuration for the 2018 model year, and 14 models offering the configuration for the 2021 model year.
Chevrolet Traverse RS with 3.6L GM V6 LFY engine
The number of models offering an atmospheric GM V6 engine is expected to decline further going forward, replaced by smaller turbocharged four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines in the name of better fuel economy and lower emissions.
Are you a fan of the naturally aspirated GM V6 engine, or do you welcome its disappearance? Let us know in the poll below, and make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for ongoing General Motors news coverage.
Comments
GM should phase out the 3.6 HFV6 as I have been saying for years. It is not efficient enough. Great engine and I enjoyed driving it a lot when I had that engine in my GM vehicles. But the 3.0T should replace it and do so ASAP. No need to spend extra R&D on a new V6 just de-tune the 3.0TT for all the vehicles (Mostly single Turbo) that require six Cylinders. I know most here do not believe it but by 2030 I truly believe most cars will be EV’s and only older Models will be available with ICE engines. It’ll make literally no business sense for Some Automakers to continue spending R&D money on ICE except for Highly Niche vehicles Programs.
I could be in the minority right now but trust me I will not be in the Future….I would never want to drive say a 3-Cylinder tiny engine when I can drive a much quicker and way more efficient EV.
I am dying to see what GM does with a next Gen Camaro. Not sure how it can continue as is as I do not see a compatible architecture for it. Hope I am wrong as I think Camaro, Vette, Suburban, and HD Trucks will be the Niche ICE vehicles that GM will be selling beyond 2030 in my opinion but with optional Battery powered versions as well.
No plans for Camaro after 2023 model year unless Mary goes electric. Bought son 2017 RS 1LT V6 A8 Garnet Red Tintcoat sunroof 335hp 284 of torque 31 mpg hwy. Hate to see ICE coupes go.
The 2.7 Ecotec is meant to replace both of these engines. The 3.0 twin turbo is reserved for Cadillac only right now, but could definitely replace the 5.3 with the 3.6 twin turbo replacing the 6.2. The question is, will GM spread twin turbo v6 love across the board or keep those good ole N/A pushrod V8s that everyone wants. Also, I wish everyone would quit comparing the 2.0 turbo to the 3.6, because the 2.0 turbo is comparable to the old naturally aspirated 3.0.
If GM does not offer a non-pick up truck vehicle for towing, I will be forced to go to the competition to tow my travel trailer.
What are you planning to buy instead of a truck for towing then?
Any mid sized SUV that can tow 4000 lbs or more, would suit my needs. The last on my list is a pick up truck.
No v6 for 2021 CT5 and no CT6 at all. Time to start buying Acura again.
It has the turbo 3.0 available.
Albert Jiampetti,
The 3.0TT- V6 – 10 speed, is AVAILABLE in the CT5.
There are very few if any, on a Cadillac dealer lot.
Everything is a 2.0T on the. lot.
Please as a lifelongGMowner, and a 5 time Cadillac buyer, hut one down, before you go elsewhere.
I would have to drive 6 hours driving time to find one to test drive form where I live, and that has not happened yet, I have been hoping my local Dealer would get one, yet nope.
I could order one, they say, yet nope I want to test drive it as to feel what I am ordering, any longer with GM.
Good luck, but the 3.0TT – V6 in the CT5 should feel great.
These engines are were great engines, in my opinion.
These engines have had troubles ( timing chain issues in many )
For, me, this is my opinion.
GM has proven to me, my opinion, that they are always years behind the competition.
This is just another case.
I get it that this is a great engine, I get it that , the 1955 283 was a great engine.
I get it that the USA is a great place to live,
I get it that a person of a certain age does not like change.
However turbo engines have been mainstream on most engines in the USA for years now.
Every piece of equipment, diesel engine, tractor, train, everything.
It is simply a more efficient engine, its that simple.
The ONLY reason this has not already happened at GM, is Cost.
GM is worried that if they change to turbo only, the old customer will no longer buy the turbo vehicle.
So GM lets it slip, until GM is the only choice of non turbo engine, everyone else, turbo engine.
Also there is s belief that a turbo engine will not last as long, or the turbo itself will not last.
This again is simply not true. its the cost of the turbo, is you spec a cheap turbo, you get a cheap turbo !
GM will be making EV vehicles where they should have been at 5 years ago, while still making a non turbo engine that should have went away 5 years ago.
WHY does GM ALWAYS have to be BEHIND !
In MY opinion.
Having owned the 2.0T in my 2018 Equinox that I just traded in for a 2021 Blazer RS with the 3.6 V6, so glad to be back with the 3.6 V6, have had in a 3 other GM vehicles, great engine. The 2.0T is very good, but the 3.6 V6 is a much better engine!
I have been saying the very thing you are for 10 years now.
Our 2.0T in our 2014 Cadillac ATS does not compare to the 3.6 V6 in our 2004 Cadillac CTS !
The 2.0T is just to small for the vehicles GM is putting them in.
I can prove it to you.
Go to your nearest Cadillac dealer. Ask them to test drive a CT4. Chose one with the 2.0T – 8 speed, now chose one with the 2.7T – 10 speed. Your jaw will hit the floor. But I am sorry you can no longer compare the 3.6 V6 Cadillac no longer gives you the option.
However in the very vehicle on this post, the Cadillac XT5, it was only the 3.6 – V6, however you can get the 2.0T now. Yet again, just like you said, you are now going from the 3.6-V6 to a 2.0T, and in the XT5 it is a dud, its to small.
Long and short, I agree 100% with you on the 2.0T VS the 3.6 V6 NA.
Lifelong,
In my opinion you are wrong.
You see jofa, this is how a conversation should go.
Its ok that you think I am wrong, its two humans opinion.
I have one, you have one, no harm, no foul.
And I always say, the masses decide, meaning if you do not agree with me, you and I cancel each other out, so others in larger numbers decide.
Unless you live in a dictatorship the masses always end up on top, just takes longer in some places.
Churchill, Americans will always do the right thing, after they have exhausted all options.
We are getting close in the old USA, the options are getting few, there are millions in the food lines, while our Government is arguing over pennies, the world is a changing, and d4m fast.
If GM no longer offers the V6 as an option then the masses are not deciding.
Just might mean your not part of the masses any longer.
He’s right, Typhoid Mary is deciding not the market. GM is a follower not a leader, and the Europeans all have 2.0T’s and have for years. Problem is theirs’s are well balanced, powerful and smooth, GM’s are not, they’re cheap and coarse. GM has the engineering expertise to dominate but they’re cheap and its evident in everything they do, Vette is the exception. (Only this year will the pick up’s get the interiors their price tags can justify). GM takes the V6 out of the XT5 and puts in the crappy weak and coarse 4 cyl, marks the vehicle up $2400 then makes the 6 an extra cost option. What do you as a buyer get…. is that what a luxury buyer aspires to… you spend the extra for a Cadillac and get an Equinox that is only slightly nicer… its actually not as good looking…
GM makes zero that would make an Audi Mercedes or BMW owner switch… Heck, Hyundai’s have better interiors than Caddy’s SUV line up (E is the exclusion) and Genesis offers fantastic value and will be outselling Cadillac within 5 years I predict. And don’t say Luxury buyers don’t shop value, folks that have luxury money have it and want the most and best for their dollars. All that money spent to reestablish Cadillac will be a huge waste of money… and then the EV onslaught…. think again. GM is lost…. and Sr Mgt is pathetic….
Where would all the magical electric power come from…
The 1955 engine was a 265 ci not a 283
To bad , the 3.6 in my old 2012 Camaro is still going strong !! NO 4 cylinder turbo for me !!
The 3.6 sings a a sweet song. No 4 cylinder turbo can match it!
This all makes sense. Years ago when I first started selling, the V8 was still the main engine for the Cadillac’s and GMC. The Buick line was kind of a mix at about 60% v6 and 30% v8 and the rest 4 cyl. Honda was only 4 cyl at first and then went to some V6’s. At that time, there was a huge difference and I recall clients coming in saying how they would never buy a V6 or 4cly. Well things change and people adapt (some more slowly than others). Now let’s fast forward 30 years to today. We have 4 cyl engines putting out nearly the same HP as larger v6 engines or smaller v8 engines did only 10 years ago. Also, the V8 has gotten more efficient while still being more capable of doing more for the driver (work-like stuff). So the question is do we really have a need for a v6 any more? Make the V8’s as efficient as possible. Continue to improve the 4 cyl engines and going with turbo’s. The EV is coming and not going away. Kind of just leaves the V6 out in the cold.
I DO agree with every person here who has went from a 2.0T back to the 3.6 NA and have loved it.
My story goes from our 2004 CTS 3.6 NA, and that vehicle to this day is still the best GM product I have owned in 40 years, then to a 2014 ATS 2.0T, that has been almost the worst GM product I have owned in 40 years. ( the worst was a 2002 Buick Rendezvous AWD, head gaskets in the 3.4, transfer case went out leading to transmission failure as they were one unit, hydraulic pump in the rear end for the AWD went bad, and again ALL UNDER 100,000 miles )
When we bought our 2.0T, the specs were better than the 3.6 in our CTS, this has proven not to be true, the 2004 CTS will eat this 2.0T for lunch.
Our 2004 CTS we still own, needs a timing chain BUT has 140,000+ miles so OK with me, its lived its life.
Our ATS is around 68,000 miles and is a horrible POS GM vehicle.
So where I agree with you 3.6 NA lovers is, the GM 2.0T is just to small, for the size of vehicle GM puts it in, its just to small.
The 3.6NA should have been replaced with the 2.7T and HANDS DOWN, in my opinion.
If you people here would drive a 3.6 NA – 10 speed transmission, and compare it to a 2.7T – 10 speed transmission, it is my opinion that few would chose the 3.6 NA.
And for sure when you put fuel in.
And longevity, as far less moving parts in the 2.7T.
Yes 100%
The V8s are needed for the heavy lifting, and longevity.
The inline 4s and even the inline 6s, like the 3.0TD in the Silverado.
That is just where we are at.
GM just needs to get the right power per weight ratio right per customer wants.
If GM knew what the customer wanted, instead of pushing the product GM feel is what the customer needs, I still believe GM could not make enough vehicles to provide.
It would be like when Chrysler was trying to make enough mini vans in the day, opening new plants monthly.
I do love the people here that say, the 3.6 – V6 ” sings a sweet song ” I get a kick out of it because if you talk to an older crowd the V6 sound horrible compared to the GM V8.
Its just interesting, and progression.
My ’18 Acadia 3.6 is strong and powerful, plus tows my 4000 lb trailer beautifully, all while sounding fabulous.
I agree with you Walt, 100%
My Canyon 3.6 is strong and powerful, plus tows our 4000 lb boat beautifully, all while sounding fabulous.
However, my Denali 2500 is stronger, and gets better mileage than my Canyon.
And from my research the guys with the 2.8TD in the same Canyon, are getting closer to my 2500 mpg with the diesel.
So when the new design Canyon, when it gets here, with the 2.7T – 10 speed, I would ” assume ” it would be close to the diesel.
Because when my 3.6 – V6, in my Canyon, is pulling that 4000lb trailer or boat, it is a revving and the fuel is a running .
Also on a positive note, my mother – in – law and father – in – law, love there 3.6-V6 in their Enclave.
(yet it too needed a timing chain at 77,000 miles.
It would also be interesting to me if the GM people here realize the GM 3.6 V6 is an Opel engine GM bought when buying Opel.
Irrelevant. Opel was owned by GM. Why can’t they use their worldwide resources to use any engine or platform they own? Every other manufacturer does it .
I also agree 100% on it does not matter, its GM and GM is GM. So as far as quality, should be good.
Walt, the ONLY reason I say this is I am an American, not sure where you are writing from, and I am an American worker and believe if it is sold in America it should come from America. For the worker, the economy, tax base, etc.
Now I am for free trade anywhere on the planet Earth, if GM wants to make Cadillacs in China, and as an American I can buy a better Cadillac, OK, AS LONG AS TH EQUAL GM truck ( example ) is made here in the USA, for EQUAL wages and BENIFITS for the American worker. And I feel the same for all countries. Cheap slave labor should be a thing of the past, and for sure in todays world as we in the USA seem to be the low end of the line. ( Americans are standing in food lines in 2020 and in China they are driving Cadillacs )
So to tie that back into the post.
I feel, its my opinion, that if GM wasn’t behind, the 2.7T – 10 speed would already be in the Canyon and Colorado, and it would be leading its class, However now, it is low down in the midsized truck sales.
And it is a great truck, just Toyota alone ( last I checked ) was selling two times the GM model .
Lifelong,
I know you love to hear yourself talk but unless Opel designed this engine pre 1929 I’d say your incorrect.
jofa
Sorry I don’t even know what you mean ?
Please explain so I can learn even more from this site !
If I’m not mistaken, these turbo 4 require premium fuel. It’s 50centsa a gallon in my town. I’ll stick with 3.6 as long as it’s available.
Frank,
My experience is yes and no.
GM rates the power with premium fuel, ( last I knew )
There fore if you want GM rated power, the premium fuel is the way to go.
Yet in my Canyon, GM also, rated the power on premium fuel.
This also added to the ( bad image ) of the turbo engines.
If I burn premium fuel in my Canyon, just the mileage alone, almost , makes up the difference, and is snappier.
In our 2.0T Cadillac ATS, we go back and forth. with premium, is is snappier etc.
Yet the ATS runs good on the regular 10 % ethanol.
So the 2.7T and ethanol, should be X better.
I will buy natural aspired V6 and V8 until last will be produced. Even 99 % people can drive electric, I dont care. If GM stop building that, I will take Chrysler, Ford or Toyota.
Not a fan of the 20t compare to the v6 . v6 gets better mileage and doesn’t strain . v6 although not a v8 does sound good
The unfolding demise of the naturally-aspirated GM V-6 is not unexpected in this day and age, but it is nonetheless dismaying. I currently drive two GM vehicles. The older one is a 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix with the model’s base engine, a 3.8L 3800 naturally aspirated V-6–good for 200 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque. Though this car has begun to show its age, I am loath to get rid of it. Its smooth V-6 engine is a big reason why.
My other car is a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze 2LT with the 1.4T 4-cylinder, putting out 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. I confess I had high hopes for this engine when I bought the car. It’s peppy all right, if a little uneven in its power delivery–a common quirk of turbo engines, due to turbo lag and such. But my biggest issue with this engine is that it doesn’t let you forget it’s a four-cylinder. To be fair, it’s less boisterous than other fours, but it still feels like a four, especially at idle. And that, more than anything else, is what makes the Cruze feel like the economy car it essentially is.
Look, I get that “efficiency” is the name of the game now. It’s why GM seems intent on shoving a turbo four-cylinder into everything it can get away with. But while applications for turbo-fours are increasing, it doesn’t seem to me that improvements to those engines have kept pace, either in terms of overall driveability or in terms of noise, vibration, and harshness. As consolation, I keep telling myself that things could be worse: I might be stuck with a brand-new Chevy Trailblazer featuring (gag!) a turbo three-cylinder under the hood. Prior to the Trailblazer and Buick Encore, the last three-cylinder car sold under a GM brand in North America is the Geo Metro. Frankly, I’d have said that three-cylinder engines should have joined the Metro in the dustbin of history…but, of course, that’s not where the industry is now. Instead, we have subcompact SUVs sporting turbo-threes that have been called out numerous times for noise, vibration, and harshness. And unfortunately, they’re getting away with it.
The only thing I miss more than the naturally aspirated GM V-6 is the naturally aspirated GM V-8, whose numbers have also dwindled. It’s another casualty of what’s called “engine downsizing,” which in turn is imposed by tightening government mandates for fuel and emissions efficiency. If there’s one thing I’ve learned as I followed the auto industry over many years, it’s that bad things happen when you get Big Government involved with it. If you really want to know what’s killing the great GM V-6 and V-8 engines, look no further than that. It’s a sorry state, indeed.
Without reading the article…:I am assuming that these engines are disappearing because they are made of a new bio-degradable materials that cause them to evaporate after a few years.
Glad GM has finally caught up to BMW in that respect!
I gasped when I found out GM was making the 2.0T standard in the Cadillac XT5. I had the same motor in my wife’s 2016 ATS and although peppy, it just ran like crap. I just purchased a 2020 XT5 AWD and got the 3.6 and glad I did. If GM eliminates the V-6, I will find another manufacturer to patronize
Robert M Champagne,
Agreed, 100 % !!!!
My wife’s ATS is a 2.0T, and it will be our last 2.0T EVER, EVER, in a Cadillac for sure.
and like you said, CRAP !
Here is where I am different than you though, I love the turbo engines, they are super efficient.
GM is just UNDER SIZING them !
If you could test drive that XT5 with the 2.7T, in my opinion, you would have chosen that over the 3.6. And for sure when you tested the mileage.
That 2.7T in the XT5 size vehicle, would be great.
Take a CT4 for a test drive. Drive the 2.0T, then drive the 2.7T, and get back to me ! Not even close !
The only trouble, you can not test drive the CT4 with the 2.7T, the dealers do not have any !
So I am with you, our 2004 Cadillac CTS is the 3.6-V6, then replaced with the 2.0T, now will NEVER buy another 2.0T again !
Sad to see the High Feature engine go away. I have a 2014 ATS and a 2014 Impala, both with the 3.6 LFX, both with over 100k miles, and both with zero engine problems. Just bought a 2020 Acadia with the 3.6 LGX and love it’s smooth power and economy. And yes I like the sound too!
Day after day on here I read massive complaining about the 2.0L Turbo. For everyone here constantly moaning about it, have you taken a look around? Here is a quick list of just the other luxury brand also using a 2.0L turbo:
Volvo
BMW
MB
Alpha
Audi
VW
Acura
Infiniti
Land Rover
Lexus……………………………
I could certainly go on and the list is very long (too long to put on here). So once again I ask, why keep ranting about the 2.0L turbo when it’s so universal? And if you are actually buying one and don’t like that engine, buy one with the V6 or buy another brand.
Your assessment is spot on. Also, if someone thinks that the Cadillac 2.0 is so crappy, why did they buy the car even after test driving it?One does not usually buy something that you don’t like.
Walt, I don’t get it myself. I work at a Volvo and Mazda store and you can’t even get anything bigger than the 2.0L turbo in Volvo! Yet, nobody complains about them. Now, would I recommend towing with anything from Mazda (also nothing but 4 cyl) or Volvo? Heck no. But if people come in asking about our products and tell me they plan to tow, I give them honest recommendations as to what I would suggest they look at. But that’s for towing. For regular daily driving, the 2.0L turbo’s are a great choice.
I’m pissed beyond words about losing NA engines to these vacuum cleaner engines. Something is obviously wrong with an engine if it needs a turbo to nearly match V6 power. Reliability is far more important to me than helping some company game the EPA testing cycle. I spent a year driving a ’13 ATS 3.6 and have nothing but high praise for it. Even if it was a partsbin engine, it felt like Caddy put extra effort to make it feel special. The exhaust snort was more like a Nissan VQ than a mere GM V6, especially in the mid to upper rev range. And the added bonus of requiring only 87 octane(an advantage Cadillac used to have over the Germans) made it my favorite sedan ever. The CT4 is truly lacking in the engine department since it only offers turbocharged engines(they need 93 octane, more frequent oil changes, mediocre NVH, expensive to replace). I like to think more people will want fewer turbos once they experience the cost of replacement for themselves
I would be sad to see the 3.6 LGX go. It is a buttery smooth engine with good power, impressive NVH and very problem free with the improved timing chain system and crankcase ventilation. Like every brand of modern engine with low tension piston rings, you have to keep your peepers on the oil level between oil changes. It is an impressive, durable engine that produces north of 90 hp/liter on regular fuel and sounds great while doing it. Mated to the 10 speed, it compliments the engine even more. It is my ICE/trans combo of choice. I just wish it was offered in more GM products.
GM need a twin turbo LV3 in the lineup