As GM Authority has covered extensively in the past, General Motors is developing a new generation for the Chevy Silverado pickup, with one of the key updates being the highly anticipated return of a hybrid powertrain. Previously, we asked if the new Chevy Silverado hybrid should take the form of either an extended range electric vehicle (EREV) or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Now, with this potential shift still on the horizon, GM Authority is asking readers – should a new Silverado hybrid prioritize power, or efficiency?
The last time GM offered a Silverado Hybrid was in 2013, with GM throwing the 6.0L V8 LZ1 engine under the hood to deliver a respectable 21 mpg combined, making it the most efficient option in the lineup at the time. However, the 2013 Chevy Silverado hybrid lagged when it came to towing capacity, maxing out at just 6,100 pounds.
| City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Horsepower (hp @ rpm) | Torque (pound-feet @ rpm) | Crew Cab Max Towing (pounds) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L V6 LU3 | 15 | 20 | 17 | 195 @ 4,600 | 260 @ 2,800 | 5,400 |
| 4.8L V8 L20 | 14 | 19 | 16 | 302 @ 5,600 | 305 @ 4,600 | 7,200 |
| 5.3L V8 LC9 XFE | 15 | 22 | 18 | 315 @ 5,200 | 335 @ 4,000 | 7,000 |
| 5.3L V8 LC9 | 15 | 20 | 17 | 315 @ 5,200 | 335 @ 4,000 | 10,000 |
| Hybrid 6.0L V8 LZ1 | 20 | 23 | 21 | 332 @ 5,100 | 367 @ 4,100 | 6,100 |
| 6.2L V8 L9H (4WD) | 13 | 18 | 14 | 403 @ 5,700 | 417 @ 4,300 | 10,700 |
By contrast, the current 2025 Silverado lineup boasts a variety of robust powertrains, but no hybrid. The 6.2L V8 L87 delivers 420 horsepower, 460 pound-feet of torque, and tows up to 13,200 pounds, more than double the capacity of the old hybrid. Meanwhile, the 3.0L I6 LZ0 turbodiesel Duramax offers excellent fuel economy at 26 mpg combined, plus an impressive 13,300-pound towing capacity.
| City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Horsepower (hp @ rpm) | Torque (pound-feet @ rpm) | Max Towing (pounds) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turbo 2.7L I4 L3B | 18 | 21 | 19 | 310 @ 5,600 | 430 @ 3,000 | 9,500 |
| 5.3L V8 L84 | 16 | 21 | 18 | 355 @ 5,600 | 383 @ 4,100 | 11,300 |
| 6.2L V8 L87 (4WD) | 15 | 20 | 17 | 420 @ 5,600 | 460 @ 4,100 | 13,200 |
| Turbodiesel 3.0L I6 LZ0 | 23 | 29 | 26 | 305 @ 3,750 | 495 @ 2,750 | 13,300 |
Which brings us back to the core question – should a new Chevy Silverado hybrid focus on bringing as much power, torque, and capability as possible, or aim to outdo the turbodiesel in fuel efficiency? Both approaches have their advantages, but perhaps there’s a third option as well, with the new hybrid bringing a balance of power and efficiency in an attempt to provide the best of both worlds.
Either way, the upcoming 2027 Chevy Silverado 1500 promises some pretty big changes, with the anticipated hybrid powertrain option joined by a new Small Block V8 engine, revamped styling, a new cabin, and an updated platform.
That all said, we still want to know what you would like to see from a new Chevy Silverado hybrid, so cast your vote in the poll below and post in the comments!
Comments
Maximise both while you’re at it
Maximize price. There was no point to the GMT900 hybrid from a performance or wallet standpoint. Only thing you got was treehugger bragging rights which real tree huggers would point out it’s still awful compared to a Prius. Even Ford power boost is selling “Meh” at best. If your going to do a hybrid, find a way to make it worth the effort and offer it with both the 3.0 and V8’s as in some states diesel is cheaper, others gas is cheaper.
Anything but a 1980-style compromise that delivers neither.
More importantly make it optional with all engines and on all trim levels.
6.2L is getting it. Similar to Corvette.
When you said “hybrid” you answered your own question. No poll needed.
Exactly. It’d be nice for it to be a PHEV, plus, be able to power up your house for a few hours if need be.
I think they should consider offering each in two different packages. You have your city Silverado which would emphasize efficiency and then the country Silverado with Power emphasis
WHY is the 4.3 still in production?
For the Vans. It’s a known reliable brick, to power a known reliable brick.
… but hobbled with a complete piece of # transmission.
Any GM truck bigger than a 1500 should have an Allison in it (and a real Allison not a branded one).
Idk….. The 8 speed has had all its bugs worked out, is small, light and doesn’t take away from the payload of the van unlike the Allison would. There’s a ton of them for cheap as their paired with all the 4 cylinder turbos. They haven’t had an issue for a while, and can take a ton of torque.
Course same goes for the LS truck engines. Everyone is complaining about AFM, but LS are the #1 engine for swaps, and that cause there’s a ton of AFM engines in rusted out old trucks available. If these engines were blowing left and right they would all be snatched up to fix the breaking ones, but the AFM LS is by far over the Ford’s from the same year the #1 engine for a performance swap. Are those engines crap as well? The market seems to disagree with this 100%
Efficient? Nah. Why try to make something big, heavy and drags a lot of air very efficient? It’s not going to be good enough.
Powerful? You have powerful options already in the ICE engine offerings.
Balanced? This seems achievable. A unique sweet spot when talking hybrids. Hit the 80% of the aims. You can have some marked efficiency and some additional power. Also don’t pull a Toyota and only offer the hybrid in the insanely priced top trims.
So WHY one or the other? Everything is computerized so add a ‘switch’ for either! Then I can switch it as needed!….
Cause the Corvette hybrid does very little for fuel economy, and the power boost Ford and Toyota truck hybrids do nothing for performance as they weight so much more and the hybrid features is scaled back while towing. All the Ford and Toyota power boost does is increase fuel economy in the city just enough that you break even after nearly 10 years of driving and give you a large useless on paper torque rating. That’s why they don’t sell very many. That’s also why GM hasn’t updated their engines yet, cause everyone else is playing games with their numbers and in reality the 5.3/6.2 are still very competitive in the trims everyone is buying in terms of power and efficiency.
The Corvette hybrid has tiny batteries. It wasn’t meant to drive anywhere on electricity. The sole purpose is to power the front wheels when needed to boost performance.
No hybrid just engine and truck.
Hybrids cost more to buy, more to maintain and more to go wrong. The fuel savings never makes up for it. Just give us all engine and not try to get cute with this.
Once people really understand a Hybrid they will not be impressed.
You already have that. The hybrids are for the thousands of people asking for them. PHEVs are vastly more efficient because they do most of their miles on electricity.
Let the driver decide and let them choose via a vehicle setting.
No hybrids for me, why would I want to pay more for an additional propulsion system to maintain that offers minimal increased economic benefits? Will the increased fuel savings pay the additional initial cost and future maintenance costs?
My brother hates his Ford hybrid. Maybe just concentrate on not having your (gm) V8 blow up.
Do Not go for maximum epa efficiency or plug-in miles, unless they’re willing to build standalone alternative trucks and can the EV.
Power boost hybrid V8 on 87 octane. Size the engine for mpg at 85mph real-world highway, so pick the 6.2L. Use the hybrid to claw back stop & go mpg.
Make the base a V6 that’s 5.3L, a battery-starter/generator is okay.
Straight 6 turbo diesel plug in hybrid. Give us they towing capacity and mpg of the 3.0 diesel plus 50-70 miles of electric only range for around town fuel free driving and a combined mpg that is second to none! Simple formula but none of the truck manufacturers have figured this out.