A Rundown of the 2020 Chevy Silverado Inline-Six Diesel
For the first time in a long time, a Chevy Silverado will get its power from an inline-six engine. This time around, though, it’s powered by diesel.
The fact that Chevy brought back an inline-six for the Silverado is newsworthy in itself. Bringing diesel into the mix makes it even more intriguing. But what really kicks the commotion into hyper-drive, however, is the fact that the inline-six diesel is good. Not just good on mileage or torque ratings, but actually really good. The 2020 Chevy Silverado will be ready to do all the things a normal, full-sized pickup is expected to do. It’ll just make #trucklife a lot greener.
To bring us all up to speed—so to speak–Chevrolet offers an all-new 3.0 liter Duramax inline-six turbo diesel engine in some Silverado models and other GMC trucks. It is available on LT, RST, LTZ and High Country models. And this DOHC engine offers a lot of benefits. It leads the pack among its light duty competitors with torque, horsepower, and focus on fuel economy and capability.
But how does that translate to performance on the road? Automotive Editor for Fox News, Gary Gastelu decided to give the 2020 Silverado a test drive. He reports that the 3.0 liter I6 diesel is a warmly welcomed newcomer. As far as power is concerned, the new engine churns up 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Something worth noting about the torque rating, though, is that the 6.2 liter V8 makes a lot more hp, but the same amount of torque. The wisest members of the full-sized truck community are well aware that torque is what makes the best trucks capable. And with those numbers in the diesel, you’d be getting the same impressive figures, for a fraction of the cost at the pump. In fact, Gastelu calculates the savings from using diesel would come to $1,000 every 15,000 miles. Something the V8 will definitely not be known for.
Mileage numbers were excellent for a full-sized 4×4 pick up. Gastelu reported around 30 mpg at 60 mph, and 33 mpg with 2WD – the best of literally any diesel truck. Though, it’s towing where the greener Silverado would fall short. With a rating on 9,300 lbs, it’s not terrible. In fact, it’s respectable. However, the EcoDiesel Ram scoffs at the Chevy with a towing figure of 12,560 lbs.–which even Chevy acknowledges isn’t that great. But they’re confident that number would suit the needs of their buyers. For the base price of $42,500 for the base model, the price is reasonable.
You can check out his 2020 Silverado test drive here, which is erroneously referred to a 2019 model year.
In short, there’s a reason Gastelu coined the new Duramax a “smooth operator.” In a world of hefty, clunky, and thirst diesel engines, Chevy made an easy flyer. It’s not too thirsty, power is right where it needs to be, and so is the price. The three-liter I6 diesel is coming right when the world needs it most.
Photos: Chevy
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