Over the weekend reports surfaced the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine for General Motors was discontinued. It turns out that report was erroneous as GM has confirmed the engine is only temporarily halted in production due to a supply chain shortage.
“The 3.0-liter Duramax diesel is not being discontinued,” said Megan Soule, manager for Chevrolet trucks and full-size SUV communications. “We have currently paused production of trucks with that engine due to a temporary part shortage. We will resume production with the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel as soon as possible.”
The small diesel engine is available in several GM vehicles, including the Chevy Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Suburban, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade.
This rumor initially seemed to make sense since small diesel engines seem to be falling out of favor as automakers are putting hybrid powertrains in pickups and SUVs now, along with adding electrification to some of their lines.
As we previously reported, Ford Motor Co. announced the discontinuation of its 3.0-liter Power Stroke engine as the Blue Oval goes full speed ahead with its PowerBoost F-150 and the upcoming all-electric F-150 Lightning.
Another reason, this didn’t seem too far-fetched: We’ve previously noted a design flaw with vehicles that have the engine and there is a known long-crank issue GM appears to be ignoring.
Because the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel was a more popular option for GM than the baby Power Stroke was for Ford, you can’t really say that because Ford got rid of their small diesel that GM will follow suit. With the EcoBoost and Ford’s new hybrid PowerBoost, the move made more sense for Ford at this time.
Dawn McKenzie, Ford Trucks Communications, confirmed as much to us.
“Our customers overwhelmingly order our EcoBoost V-6 gasoline engines,” she said. “For customers who need maximum towing torque, we now offer the F-150 PowerBoost as the ideal combination of capability, power and fuel efficiency, which wasn’t available when Power Stroke was introduced.”
GM would be wise to continue the 3.0-liter Duramax for as long as it can — and for as long as there is demand. We speculated earlier this year that a hybrid powertrain wasn’t imminent for the Silverado. Therefore, the fuel economy and combined towing power of the small Duramax is an advantage for GM.
In fact, GM’s 3.0-liter I-6 turbo-diesel is the most fuel-efficient engine for the Silverado 1500. It has an EPA rating of 23 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway in 2WD and 22 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway in 4WD. Looking at the power equation, it delivers 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.
As truck and SUV consumers demand maximum performance, diesel engines — even smaller ones — still deliver that. Combine that with natural skepticism of hybrids and EVs amongst truck buyers, and GM should milk the smaller diesel for as long as it can, or at least until the electric Silverado debuts.
What do you think about the small diesel engine? What are the pros and cons in your mind? Leave your comments below.
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I’m 51 years old. I’ve owned Chevy trucks my whole life. This is the best Chevy truck that I have owned. Absolutely love this truck. It’s a 2020 and I leased it but I will buy it out right in a year when my lease is up. 18,000 miles and not one problem yet. The 10 speed transmission shifts like a dream. I pull a 5000 pound camper with it and you don’t know it’s even back there. I hope GM keeps this motor going!!!
I own a 2021 Silverado LTZ with a 3.0L Duramax engine. This is a great truck, fuel efficient, and pulls effortlessly. Fuel is cheaper than gasoline, and the range is unbelievable. Keep this engine going, battery power is not ready for a pulling operation yet.
Why not be the first major truck mfr ton introduce a hybrid system to the 3.0L Duramax? Seem like a no brainer if the hybrid system paired with the diesel would gain a few mpg in addtion to more torque, hp, and onboard inverter option….salivating. Get it done GM.
I have a powerboost on order, but if GM introduced this small diesel hybrid combination it would be hard not to switch.
I have 3 duramax 6.7
2 gas Silverado
Just purchased 3.0
I say best truck fuel saver pulls trailer amazing power
We stopped driving other trucks fuel savings are through the roof
Making average 28 gallons over 18 on other 6.7
Gas crap 14 to gallon
Why do car manufacturers made a saver then turn around say it’s to economical we need to go back to 14 miles to gallon
Rip off technology is there to make 50 miles to gallon but oil companies are screwing people over