While GM still offers its full-size pickup models with no less than two V8 engine options, the broader automotive industry is headed towards smaller displacement and fewer cylinders. GM is also following that trend and offering the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine, while Stellantis takes a different path with the Ram 1500 and the mild hybrid Pentastar 3.6L V6. The question is – which one is better?
In terms of raw output, The General’s 2.7L I4 L3B has the Pentastar 3.6L V6 beat, with the former doling out 310 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 430 pound-feet of torque at 3,000 rpm, and the latter rated at 305 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 271 pound-feet of torque at 4,900 rpm. Units of the 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 equipped with the L3B engine can tow up to 9,500 pounds, besting units of the 2025 Ram 1500 equipped with Pentastar 3.6L V6, which have a max towing capacity of 8,170 pounds. Max payload, however, goes to the Ram, rated at 2,360 pounds versus 2,260 pounds for the Chevy.
Fuel economy is another area where the Ram V6 bests the General Motors four-cylinder, with the four-cylinder Silverado returning 18 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined when equipped with 2WD; and 17 mpg city, 20 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined when equipped with 4WD. Compare that to figures for the Ram 1500, which returns 20 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined with 2WD; and 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined with 4WD.
Both engines run on Regular fuel.
| GM Turbo 2.7L I4 L3B | Ram Pentastar 3.6L V6 with eTorque | |
|---|---|---|
| Power (horsepower @ rpm) | 310 @ 5,600 | 305 @ 6,500 |
| Torque (pound-feet @ rpm) | 430 @ 3,000 | 271 @ 4,900 |
| Max Tow Capacity (pounds) | 9,500 | 8,170 |
| Max Payload Capacity (pounds) | 2,260 | 2,360 |
| 2WD City/Highway/Combined (mpg) | 18 / 21 / 19 | 20 / 25 / 22 |
| 4WD City/Highway/Combined (mpg) | 17 / 20 / 18 | 19 / 24 / 21 |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular | Regular |
Of course, there are other things to consider as well, such as reliability, engine sound, and resale value, all of which are not evaluated in the table above.
To note, the GM 2.7L I4 L3B can also be found in the GMC Canyon, GMC Sierra 1500, and Cadillac CT4-V, as well as the Chinese-market Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon.
So, we have to ask – which of these two engines is better? Do you prefer the turbocharged GM four-cylinder L3B, or is the mild hybrid Ram V6 more your speed? Vote in the poll below and let us know!
Comments
5.7L is better tho.
Very nice comparison chart, however it needs the vehicle prices by trim level as well.
Show it to us on the dyno. I don’t believe the numbers and dont think it can endure that load over prolonged periods
With over 10 million made the Pentastar is proven superior workhorse…Stick with a known winner.
The four banger in the GM won’t last or stand up to hauling that bloated carcass around . GM is notorious for building abysmal four cylinder engines that have multiple failure points , particularly their turbos ,total junk. The 3.6 in the Ram is a better powerplant but the Rams have very poor build quality and are rattle buckets at the 4 to 5 year mark.
I’m surprised at the Penstar 3.6 fans. I think they are OK until mileage hits six figures, but that motor has been known for unresolved valvetrain issues for sometime now. Yes, those issues are fixable without being a total disaster, but I would rather roll the dice with the new and unproven GM 2.7L. I do like the Ram’s rear suspension design for half tons though as they ride fantastic.
Also, why do so many have this misconception turbos and their motors don’t last? So many great examples of turbo motors with great longevity, not just diesels either.
I have over 60,000 miles on my chevy with the 2.7. I absolutly love it. My fuel economy is way better than what they advertise. And unbelievable power
Coming soon…1/2ton ultra-light duty trucks—carry capacity under 1ton, tow less than 6k, GVWR reduced to 4500pounds..the Pentastar could return 28/35/31 and the 2.7 25/30/28
/s if you did not guess
The pentastar has zero low end torque, it requires an infuriating amount of rpm just to move it’s own weight. I want a truck engine to be able to lug at least a little. I’m too used to pushrod engines, or at least engines with cam profiles designed for torque instead of horsepower.
Holy smokes why are they rating the 2.7 T so low for fuel economy. These numbers are worse than some V8 competitors and turbo V6’s. This engine should be making 19/24 at the very least
I had a new Silverado with a V6 in it once. It didn’t last but about 60k miles. I vowed I’d never buy less than a V8 in a full size truck again. Then I bought a F150 with a 3.5L turbo. Garbage again. Live and learn. V8s are best for full size trucks.
I now have a 2021 Silverado with a 5.3. Yea it’s a dog but I feel safer that it will endure pulling a light bass boat vs the smaller powered trucks.
i have a 2.7 ecoboost and a 5.3 Yukon. Turbos mean.. more coolant issues.. along with the turbo not making it out of warranty. i think at this point, get a V8 while you can, They can last.. and at some point they will be gone.