EARNS SPOT ON WARDSAUTO’S 2020 LIST OF 10 BEST ENGINES & PROPULSION SYSTEMS
Efficient, responsive and powerful — get familiar with GMC’s available Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine capabilities.
445 HP
36,000 LBS†
5,607 LBS†
Sierra has built a reputation for incredible performance, especially when it comes to diesel heavy-duty trucks. While the 2021 Sierra Heavy Duty offers powertrain advancements across the lineup, GMC’s legendary available Duramax diesel engine and Allison automatic transmission continue to offer the ultimate in pulling power. The 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 delivers an impressive 445 hp and 910 lb.-ft. of torque. And with closer gear spacing than before, the Allison 10-speed Automatic Transmission allows the engine to operate in an optimal range at all times with varying load and terrain conditions.
Engineers worked to make this already powerful engine perform more efficiently by increasing the cooling capacity by way of a larger radiator and fan, and improving the air induction system. The dual-path intake system draws dense, cool air through both the hood scoop and the larger grille to enhance its performance. And to help maintain optimal operating temperatures, Sierra Heavy Duty models equipped with the available Duramax Diesel feature an integrated engine after-run cooling function, which can continue to idle the engine after extended and exhaustive periods of use, allowing for proper cool-down of vital underhood components.
277 HP†
9,300 LBS†
1,830 LBS†
23 CITY/30 HWY (2WD)†
UP TO 660 MILES†
227 HP†
8,100 LBS.†
UP TO 648 MILES†
UP TO 756 MILES†
Best-in-class 277† available diesel horsepower outpaces rival diesel engines in capability. By reaching 95 percent of peak torque at a low 1,250 rpm and full torque from 1,500-3,000 rpm, the 3.0L Duramax® Turbo-Diesel I-6 engine provides excellent power and momentum without exerting the engine while taking on trails or roads in hilly or mountainous regions. GMC’s high standards for engineering excellence also meant taking this engine through millions of test miles not just for the Sierra 1500, but for the Yukon too. The vetting included observing how the Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel would perform in extreme driving and adverse weather conditions.
GMC didn’t stop at just technology aimed at fuel delivery. The Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel also has a lightweight all-aluminum engine block, which results in a 25 percent savings in mass over a comparable cast iron engine block. With the Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel and Yukon, you’ll experience great power with a broad torque band, all without a compromise in efficiency.
Diesel engines are often marked by their distinctive rumbling sound; don’t expect it from Yukon’s Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel. Featuring an inline 6-cylinder architecture, the engine gives you a quiet and smooth cabin experience. This engine configuration offers the ideal balance of primary and secondary forces so only two camshafts and their associated valvetrain components operate at one time. This not only eliminates the need for using balancing shafts, but minimizes friction.
181 HP
7,700 LBS†
1,470 LBS†
20 CITY/30 HWY (2WD)†
UP TO 630 MILES (2WD)†
181 HP
7,700 LBS†
3,960 LBS†
A diesel engine was part of Canyon’s portfolio plan from the beginning. So you get no compromises with the Canyon diesel because the chassis, suspension and other elements of its architecture were engineered to include the 2.8L Duramax. This engine offers exceptional capability delivered with a confident feeling of control, advancing the Duramax brand’s legendary legacy of durability and reliability.
Two-wheel drive Canyon models equipped with the 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine are EPA-rated at an impressive 30 MPG highway. Canyon is also equipped with a Centrifugal Pendulum Vibration Absorber (CPVA) in the torque converter that’s designed to control vibration and noise.
Requires Sierra 3500 HD Regular Cab Long Bed 2WD DRW with available Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8, Max Trailering Package and gooseneck hitch. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
These maximum payload ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. Before you buy a vehicle or use it to haul people or cargo, carefully review the vehicle loading section of the Owner’s Manual and check the carrying capacity of your specific vehicle on the label on the inside of the driver’s door jamb.
Requires 2021 Sierra 1500 model with available Duramax® 3.0L Turbo-Diesel engine. Other GM vehicle max ratings will vary.
Requires 2021 Sierra 1500 Double Cab Standard Bed 2WD with available Duramax® 3.0L Turbo-Diesel engine. Other GM vehicle max ratings will vary. Before you buy a vehicle or use it to haul people or cargo, carefully review the vehicle loading section of the Owner's Manual and check the carrying capacity of your specific vehicle on the label on the inside of the driver's doorjamb.
Requires 2021 Sierra 1500 Crew Cab Short Bed 2WD with available Duramax® 3.0L Turbo-Diesel engine. Other GM vehicle max ratings will vary. Before you buy a vehicle or use it to haul people or cargo, carefully review the vehicle loading section of the Owner's Manual and check the carrying capacity of your specific vehicle on the label on the inside of the driver's doorjamb.
Based on EPA highway estimate of Sierra 1500 2WD with available Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel I-6 engine. Your range may be less. EPA highway estimates for 4WD with 3.0L Turbo-Diesel I-6 engine: Up to 22 City/26 Hwy, 24 combined. Your range may be less.
Based on EPA highway estimate of Sierra 1500 2WD with available Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel I-6 engine. Your range may be less. Mile range with Sierra 1500 with 4WD will vary.
Requires Yukon 2WD with available Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel engine. Before you buy a vehicle or use it to haul people or cargo, carefully review the vehicle loading section of the Owner's Manual and check the carrying capacity of your specific vehicle on the label on the inside of the driver's doorjamb.
Based on fuel tank capacity for Yukon with available 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine and EPA est. 27 hwy mpg (2WD). Your range may be less.
Based on fuel tank capacity for Yukon XL with available 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine and EPA est. 27 hwy mpg (2WD). Your range may be less.
Requires 2021 Sierra 1500 model with available Duramax® 3.0L Turbo-Diesel engine. Other GM vehicle max ratings will vary.
Canyon’s 7,700-lb rating requires the Elevation 2WD Crew Cab model, available Duramax 2.8L I4 Turbo Diesel engine and Trailering Package. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
Based on EPA highway estimate of Canyon 2WD with available Duramax 2.8L Turbo-Diesel I-6 engine. Your range may be less. Based on EPA highway estimates for Canyon 4WD with available Duramax 2.8L Turbo-Diesel I-6 engine: Up to 19 city/28 hwy, 24 combined. Your range may be less.
Based on EPA highway estimate of Canyon 2WD with 21 gallon tank and available Duramax 2.8L Turbo-Diesel I-6 engine. Your range may be less. Up to 588 mile range based on EPA highway estimate of Canyon 4WD with 21 gallon tank and available Duramax 2.8L Turbo-Diesel I-6 engine. Your range may be less.
Savana Cargo’s 7,700-lb. rating requires the available Duramax 2.8L Turbo-Diesel I-6 engine and trailering equipment package. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
These maximum payload ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. Before you buy a vehicle or use it to haul people or cargo, carefully review the vehicle loading section of the Owner’s Manual and check the carrying capacity of your specific vehicle on the label on the inside of the driver’s door jamb.
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. See your GMC dealer for details. Click here to see all GMC destination freight charges.
These maximum payload ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. Before you buy a vehicle or use it to haul people or cargo, carefully review the vehicle loading section of the Owner’s Manual and check the carrying capacity of your specific vehicle on the label on the inside of the driver’s door jamb.
Requires 2WD Denali Short Box model with 5.3L V-8 engine. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
The 30,990 lbs. rating requires properly equipped Sierra 3500HD Crew Cab Long Box 4WD DRW with available Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 engine. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
7,550-lb rating requires a properly equipped 4WD Canyon Denali model with available Duramax 2.8L I4 Diesel engine. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options oraccessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
Requires 2WD Denali Short Box model with 5.3L V8 engine. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
Requires properly equipped 3500 Crew Cab DRW Long Box 4WD model with available 6.6L Duramax Turbo Diesel engine and fifth wheel or gooseneck hitch. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
Based on fuel tank capacity for Yukon XL with available 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine and EPA est. 27 hwy mpg (2WD). Your range may be less.
7,700-lb rating requires a properly equipped 2WD Canyon Elevation Crew Cab short bed model with available Duramax 2.8L I4 Diesel engine and Trailering Package. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
Requires 4WD Crew Cab Short Bed with available 6.2L V8 engine and Max Trailering Package. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
Requires Sierra 3500 HD Regular Cab Long Bed 2WD DRW with available Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8, Max Trailering Package and gooseneck hitch. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
Requires 4WD Double Cab with available 6.2L V8 and Max Trailering Package. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
SLE models only.
Requires properly equipped 3500 Regular Cab DRW Long Box 2WD model with available 6.6L Duramax Turbo Diesel engine and gooseneck hitch. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
Requires 2WD Denali Short Box model with 5.3L V-8 engine. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
Savana Passenger's 9,600-lb rating requires 2500 or 3500 Regular Wheelbase model, trailering equipment package and 6.6L V8 engine. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
Savana Cargo’s 10,000-lb rating requires 2500 or 3500 Regular Wheelbase, trailering equipment package and 6.6L V8 engine. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
Savana Cutaway’s 8,920-lb rating requires a 4500 Series 159" Wheelbase model with available 6.6L V8 engine. These maximum payload ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. Before you buy a vehicle or use it to haul people or cargo, carefully review the vehicle loading section of the Owner’s Manual and check the carrying capacity of your specific vehicle on the label on the inside of the driver’s door jamb.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR). When properly equipped; includes weight of vehicle and trailer combination, including the weight of driver, passengers, fuel, optional equipment and cargo in the vehicle and trailer.
Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). When properly equipped; includes weight of vehicle, passengers, cargo and equipment.
Canyon’s 7000-lb rating requires available trailering package and 3.6L V-6 engine. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
Sierra's 12,500-lb rating requires Sierra Double Cab or Crew Cab Short box 2wd with 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine and NHT Max Trailering Package. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
Trailer weight ratings are calculated assuming properly equipped vehicle, plus driver and one passenger. The weight of other optional equipment, passengers and cargo will reduce the trailer weight your vehicle can tow. See dealer for details.
Sierra Denali's 9,300-lb rating requires 2wd. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
Savana Passenger's 10,000-lb rating requires 2500 Wheel Base with 6.0L V8 engine. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
Savana Cargo's 10,000-lb rating requires 6.0L V8 engine. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
These maximum payload ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. Before you buy a vehicle or use it to haul people or cargo, carefully review the vehicle loading section of the Owner’s Manual and check the carrying capacity of your specific vehicle on the label on the inside of the driver’s door jamb.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR). When properly equipped, includes weight of vehicle, passengers, cargo and equipment.
Canyon’s 7700-lb rating requires 2WD Crew Cab model with available Duramax 2.8L I-4 Diesel engine. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
Requires 2WD Crew Cab DRW equipped with 6.6L Duramax Diesel and fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch. Trailer weight ratings are calculated assuming properly equipped vehicle, plus driver and one passenger. The weight of other optional equipment, passengers and cargo will reduce the trailer weight your vehicle can tow. See dealer for details.
Starting at price for base Sierra HD. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. See your GMC dealer for details. Click here to see all GMC destination freight charges.
Requires properly equipped 3500 Regular Cab DRW Long Box 2WD model with available 6.6L Duramax Turbo Diesel engine and gooseneck hitch. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. See your GMC dealer for details. Click here to see all GMC destination freight charges. Bed/Roof-Mounted Bicycle Carriers shown. Requires crossbars or Thule Rack Solution. Non-GM warranty. Warranty by Thule®. See dealer for more information.
Available. Requires 2.0L Turbocharged gas engine.
Terrain's 3,500-lb rating requires available 2.0L Turbocharged gas engine and available trailering equipment. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
Requires available 3.6L V6 engine. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
Yukon’s 8,500-lb rating requires short wheelbase 2wd with 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine and HD Trailering Package. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
Savana Cutaway’s 9,006-lb rating requires a 4500 Series 159" Wheelbase model with available 6.0L V8 engine. These maximum payload ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. Before you buy a vehicle or use it to haul people or cargo, carefully review the vehicle loading section of the Owner’s Manual and check the carrying capacity of your specific vehicle on the label on the inside of the driver’s door jamb.
Savana Cargo’s 10,000-lb rating requires the available 6.0L V8 engine and trailering equipment package. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
Savana Passenger's 9,600-lb rating requires a 2500 or 3500 Regular wheelbase model with available 6.0L V8 engine and trailering equipment package. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.