General Motors is rolling out the redesigned 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 in the fourth quarter, with both trucks keeping the 3.0-liter Duramax inline-six diesel engine as a core option. A newly available larger 34-gallon fuel tank pushes highway range beyond 900 miles, or roughly 1,450 kilometers on a single fill-up.
The extended range stems primarily from the bigger tank, as the updated Duramax still delivers 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of peak torque. GM has refined the pistons, turbocharger guide vanes, fuel injection system, and nitrogen oxide sensors, while also expanding the diesel exhaust fluid reservoir by about 2 gallons to lengthen the interval between refills of that system.
Based on the two-wheel-drive model's approximate highway fuel economy of 27 miles per gallon, the 34-gallon tank translates to a theoretical range of roughly 918 miles. Actual mileage will still vary with load, towing weight, drivetrain configuration, speed, and ambient temperature, meaning the "over 900 miles" figure reflects optimal highway conditions rather than a guarantee across all real-world usage scenarios.
Compared with the current generation, the range gain is largely a matter of fuel capacity. The outgoing two-wheel-drive diesel version uses a 22-gallon tank, which, at an estimated 28 miles per gallon on the highway, delivers a theoretical range of about 616 miles. While the new trucks' highway fuel economy is expected to dip slightly, the tank size grows by more than 50 percent.
Diesel versions emphasize long-distance efficiency rather than maximum towing capacity. The Silverado diesel tops out at 12,000 pounds of towing capability, while the Sierra diesel handles about 12,100 pounds. Both trail the peak figures of the 5.7-liter V8 models, with the Silverado reaching up to 13,700 pounds and the Sierra hitting 13,500 pounds. This distinction underscores that the diesel's competitive edge lies in low-end torque, fuel economy, and extended range, not in chasing the lineup's highest tow ratings.
The Duramax also stands as the sole diesel option remaining in the U.S. half-ton full-size pickup segment, allowing GM to capture customers who regularly handle interstate hauling, trailer work, or remote-site operations.
Rather than betting exclusively on diesel, the new Silverado and Sierra retain a four-engine lineup to address varied buyer needs. The entry-level 2.7-liter TurboMax turbocharged four-cylinder steps up to 350 horsepower and 455 pound-feet; the new 5.7-liter V8 produces 402 horsepower and 428 pound-feet; and the 6.6-liter V8 delivers 481 horsepower and 501 pound-feet. All four engines pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The redesigned pickups are slated to hit the market in late 2026, with the diesel variant carving out a differentiated position through its potential 900-plus-mile range alongside the two all-new V8 offerings.
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