Is a GMC Sierra 1500 a V6 or V8?
GMC Sierra 1500 Engine Options: From V6 to V8 and Duramax Diesel
Why do so many GMC truck owners and aspiring Buick and GMC owners trust Coulter Camelback Buick GMC? For some, it’s because our can-do sales team always makes it easy to decide between a new or GMC Certified Pre-Owned truck or SUV. For others, it’s because our parts and service department is staffed by seasoned factory-trained mechanics and technicians who are experts at keeping their GMC Sierra trucks and Buick SUVs humming. Yet, for some, it’s because our finance team has a knack for finding the best leasing and financing options.
Ultimately, we’re the most trusted Buick GMC dealership because we make everything easy. It’s why so many customers ask, “What are the Sierra 1500 engine options?” It’s why every GMC Sierra owner comes to us to keep their GMC Sierra engine working its best.
So, if you’ve been wondering about GMC Sierra horsepower and whether the GMC Sierra 1500 has a V8 or a V6, this guide will answer all your questions.
GMC Sierra 1500 Engine Options
GMC’s best-selling vehicle overall, the GMC Sierra 1500 has long been held in high regard by pundits, outdoor enthusiasts, contractors, farmers, hunters, and everyday Coulter Camelback Buick GMC customers. A 2024 award winner of the Luxury Truck of the Year from Cars.com and a winner of a 2024 Total Quality Award from Strategic Vision, these are the GMC Sierra engine options available to any aspiring Sierra 1500 owner.
2.7-Liter Inline-Four TurboMax™ (Base Engine)
First up is the 2.7-liter Inline-Four TurboMax™ engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission, which comes standard on the GMC Sierra 1500 PRO, SLE, and Elevation trims. This incredible combination allows the Sierra 1500 to generate 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. For GMC Sierra 1500 owners, that means being able to tow up to 9,500 pounds while supporting a payload of 2,230 pounds.
- 2.7-liter Inline-Four TurboMax™
- 8-Speed Automatic Transmission
- 310 Horsepower
- 430 Pound-Feet of Torque
- Maximum Towing Capacity of 9,500 Pounds
- Maximum Payload of 2,230 Pounds
- Standard Configuration on the PRO, SLE, and Elevation Trims
2.7-Liter Inline-Four TurboMax™ (Base Engine) Trim Options:
GMC Sierra 1500 Pro
GMC Sierra 1500 SLE
GMC Sierra 1500 elevation
5.3-Liter V8 EcoTec3 (Mid-Range Gas V8)
Next up is the all-powerful and incredibly impressive 5.3-liter V8 EcoTec3, the mid-range gas 8 cylinder that’s combined with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain gives the GMC Sierra 1500 an incredible 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, allowing the GMC Sierra 1500 to tow up to 11,200 pounds while supporting a payload of 2,000 pounds.
The 5.3-liter V8 EcoTec3 is standard or available on the GMC Sierra 1500 PRO, Elevation, SLT, SLE, or Denali and is sure to please any Coulter Camelback Buick GMC owner.
- 5.3-liter V8 EcoTec3
- 10-Speed Automatic Transmission
- 355 Horsepower
- 383 Pound-Feet of Torque
- Maximum Towing Capacity of 11,200 Pounds
- Maximum Payload of 2,000 Pounds
- Standard or Available on the PRO, Elevation, SLT, SLE, or Denali Trims
5.3-Liter V8 EcoTec3 (Mid-Range Gas V8) Trim Options:
GMC Sierra 1500 Pro
GMC Sierra 1500 SLT
GMC Sierra 1500 SLE
GMC Sierra 1500 elevation
GMC Sierra 1500 denali
Duramax® 3-Liter V6 Turbo-Diesel
The Duramax® 3-liter V6 Turbo-Diesel is standard on the off-road dominant AT4 and AT4X, while being an option on the SLE, SLT, Denali, Denali Ultimate, and Elevation trims. This engine is married with a 10-speed automatic transmission and generates 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque. This increases the maximum towing capacity to 13,200 pounds and allows for 1,900 pounds in typical Double Cab, Short Bed, or Crew Cab configurations.
- Duramax® 3-Liter V6 Turbo-Diesel
- 10-Speed Automatic Transmission
- 305 Horsepower
- 495 Pound-Feet of Torque
- Maximum Towing Capacity of 13,200 Pounds
- Maximum Payload of 1,900 Pounds
- Double Cab, Short Bed or Crew Cab Configurations
- Standard or Available on the AT4 and AT4X
- Available as an Option on the SLE, SLT, Denali, Denali Ultimate, and Elevation trims
Duramax® 3-Liter V6 Turbo-Diesel Trim Options:
Standard on:
GMC Sierra 1500 at4
GMC Sierra 1500 at4x
Optional on:
GMC Sierra 1500 sle
GMC Sierra 1500 slt
GMC Sierra 1500 denali
GMC Sierra 1500 denali ultimate
GMC Sierra 1500 elevation
6.2-Liter V8 EcoTec3 (Top Gas V8)
Finally, we have the 6.2-Liter V8 EcoTec3, which is available on the Denali, Denali Ultimate, SLT, AT4, or AT4X. Paired with the iconic and butter-smooth GMC 10-speed automatic transmission, this unbelievable powertrain generates the highest horsepower at 420, alongside a more than capable 460 pound-feet of torque. This allows the GMC Sierra 1500 to tow up to 13,000 pounds alongside a 2,000-pound payload.
- 6.2-Liter V8 EcoTec3
- 10-Speed Automatic Transmission
- 420 Horsepower
- 460 Pound-Feet of Torque
- Maximum Towing Capacity of 13,000 Pounds
- Maximum Payload of 2,000 Pounds
- Available on Denali, Denali Ultimate, SLT, AT4, or AT4X Trims
6.2-Liter V8 EcoTec3 (Top Gas V8) Trim Options:
GMC Sierra 1500 denali
GMC Sierra 1500 denali ultimate
GMC Sierra 1500 slt
GMC Sierra 1500 at4
GMC Sierra 1500 at4x
Test Drive a New or GMC Certified Pre-Owned Sierra 1500 at Coulter Camelback Buick GMC Today
At Coulter Camelback Buick GMC, we’re committed to making your decision to buy a new or GMC Certified Pre-Owned Sierra 1500 an easy, hassle-free, and enjoyable experience. It’s sometimes our entire team takes pride in. Our customer-focused approach is about ensuring every interaction you have with our team is a rewarding one.
If you are interested in any of these GMC Sierra engine options and are looking to take a GMC Sierra 1500 for a test drive, call our sales department or contact us online now.