General Motors released the new 3.0L I6 LZ0 turbodiesel Duramax engine in conjunction with the launch of the 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 and 2023 GMC Sierra 1500, offering more power and torque than the 3.0L I6 LM2 turbodiesel Duramax which preceded it. The new LZ0 has since made its way into the options list of several GM vehicles, effectively replacing the outgoing LM2. The question, then becomes this – does the 3.0L I6 LZ0 tow more than the LM2?
Let’s start by digging into a little bit of the background behind the 3.0L I6 LZ0 turbodiesel Duramax engine. The new LZ0 is rated at 305 horsepower at 3,750 rpm and 495 pound-feet of torque at 2,750 rpm, marking a 10-percent increase in output over the 277 horsepower produced by the preceding LM2, and a 7.6-percent increase in torque over the 460 pound-feet produced by the preceding LM2. These gains are attributed to several new engine upgrades, such as a retuned turbo compressor, new steel pistons with a revised combustion bowl, new fuel injectors, and improved temperature controls.
On paper, one might assume that the 3.0L I6 LZ0 provides greater towing capacity than the preceding LM2. To find out, we dug into the towing capacities for the Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 to see how they compare.
While the max tow ratings differ between the various configurations, the max towing capacity for each model tells the tale. The 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 can tow a maximum of 13,300 pounds when equipped with the 3.0L I6 LM2 and the optional NHT Max Trailering package, while the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 match these figures when equipped with the new LZ0 turbodiesel.
The same is effectively true for the GMC Sierra 1500, with the LM2-powered 2022 model year posting a max trailering capacity of 13,200 pounds, matching the LZ0-powered 2023 model year. The 2024 and 2025 GMC Sierra, which also cradles the new LZ0 engine, are rated at a maximum of 13,300 pounds.
Further comparison reveals that while there are some differences between the various configurations when equipped with the LM2 versus the LZ0, these differences are usually no more than 100 pounds or so. Interestingly, there’s no difference in max towing between diesel-powered variants of GM’s 2024- and 2025-model-year full-size SUVs, which also made the switch from the LM2 to the LZ0.
Put it all together, and we find that the increased power and torque produced by the new LZ0 diesel engine does not actually increase the towing capacity for these models when compared to the LM2.
Comments
Is the oil pump belt have to be replaced at 100,000 miles.
“inspected” at 200,000, not even replaced. The original LM2 was also “inspected” at 150,000. In short, with frequent oil changes, these engine will both likely last to over 200K, even with the original belt. Id only check the belt if your intention is 300+K, as its to be checked for stretching at 200, might mean it doesn’t break till 250-280K. But it’s cheaper than a new engine.
Also, towing capacity here is subjective, largely due to federal weight mandates. “Light Truck” GVWR can’t exceed 9600lbs, as 10% of trailer weight on the hitch makes it so your trailer weight is greater with skimpier trucks, not purely based on engine power. Hence, when you get into the HD category, the Silverado 3500 towing disparity from the gas to the diesel is 18000->35000, as in that instance the truck is ENGINE DEPENDENT. The LZ0 vs LM2 is likely package availability, as you’ll also see when specing a Z71 truck, with off road armor, your towing goes down significantly.
However, I will say, if your inspecting the belt, your replacing it, and probably the torque converter too while the transmission is out, if not fully rebuilding it. If you have a truck that’s starting to rust, or sevearly beaten up when you rollover 200K, just run it into the ground. Who gives a D@##. If your truck is pristine, replace and give that puppy another 200K.
Now if GM will spend some time in correcting the DEF gauge issue! I have owned a 2021 1500 AT4, a 2024 1500 SLT and now a 2025 1500 SLT and they all gave false DEF reporting while towing heavier loads, so irritating and GM has no answer. I have documented with the dealer on all three vehicles and still no answer. Is this a class-action e it.lawsuit issue? Something needs to get them to resolve it.
More details please.
Only a competent moron would tow 13,000 lbs behind a half ton. The transmission and brakes can not handle that
I’ve handled 10000 behind lighter, less powerful half tons. Yes they can handle it, and it definitely helps that the new transmissions are as tough as last decades HD transmissions, as well as heavier crew cab trucks and more power than ever. Also, traction control has improved significantly with newer trucks having counter sway control.
The real question is whether the 3.0 can get to the finish line without throwing a CEL. I owned one. A complete disaster.