Sierra 1500 Engines and Towing
2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Engine Options & Towing in Le Mars, IA
Ruggedly capable, the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 stands ready to tackle long days on the road with a trailer in tow. Offering the power of choice, the Sierra 1500 engine lineup provides something for everyone — whether you want a classic V8, an advanced turbocharged engine, or a brawny diesel power engine. Explore the performance specs, differences, and towing capacities for each 2026 Sierra 1500 engine with the following research guide created by the team at Le Mars Chevrolet GMC.
Put your favorite GMC Sierra 1500 engine through its paces during a test drive at our dealership in Le Mars, IA. Pick out a truck you like from our new inventory, then either schedule an appointment or stop by during our open hours. If you’re considering leasing a new truck, focus your search on models that fit the terms of our current Sierra 1500 lease deal.
Have a question for our team? Contact us online or give us a call at (712) 546-4115.
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2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Engine Differences
2.7L TurboMax™
As the standard engine in the first three 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 trims, the 2.7L TurboMax™ engine sets the standard for performance in the rest of the lineup. Its 430 pound-feet of torque output means the TurboMax engine provides best-in-class standard engine torque among other half-ton, non-GM trucks. The TurboMax is paired with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Notable engine features:
- Standard engine in entry- and mid-level Sierra 1500 trims
- Best-in-class standard engine torque
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- RWD or 4WD
What are the performance specs and fuel economy estimates for the 2.7L TurboMax engine?
- Engine: 2.7L TurboMax I4
- Horsepower: 310 HP
- Torque: 430 lb.-ft.
- RWD MPG: 18 city / 21 hwy
- 4WD MPG: 17 city / 21 hwy
5.3L V8
The 5.3L V8 engine is broadly available across the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 trim lineup, offered or standard in five of the eight available trims. Compared with the standard TurboMax engine, the larger 5.3L V8 engine offers more horsepower while maintaining comparable highway fuel economy when paired with RWD. Another notable difference between the 5.3L V8 and the TurboMax is their transmissions — the V8 engine is paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission.
Notable engine features:
- Standard or available in five of eight GMC Sierra 1500 trims
- Ten-speed automatic transmission
- RWD or 4WD
What are the performance specs and fuel economy estimates for the 5.3L V8 engine?
- Engine: 5.3L V8
- Horsepower: 355 HP
- Torque: 383 lb.-ft.
- RWD MPG: 16 city / 21 hwy
- 4WD MPG: 15 city / 19 hwy
6.2L V8
As the largest engine in the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 lineup, the 6.2L V8 is built to prioritize strength. It offers 420 horsepower, which is the most available in any Sierra 1500 engine. To boost fuel efficiency while cruising, Dynamic Fuel Management is a standard technology in this engine. Half of the Sierra 1500 trims are either standard or available with the 6.2L V8, and the engine is exclusively paired with a 4WD system.
Notable engine features:
- Standard or available on four of eight trims
- Highest GMC Sierra 1500 horsepower
- Dynamic Fuel Management
- Ten-speed automatic transmission
- 4WD only
What are the performance specs and fuel economy estimates for the 6.2L V8 engine?
- Engine: 6.2L V8
- Horsepower: 420 HP
- Torque: 460 lb.-ft.
- RWD MPG: N/A
- 4WD MPG: 15 city / 19 hwy
Duramax® 3.0L Turbo Diesel
Built for both strength and efficiency, the Duramax® 3.0L turbo diesel engine leads the way in several 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 performance categories. It offers the highest fuel economy estimates, with up to 28 MPG on the highway when paired with a RWD system. The Duramax also makes the most torque in the Silverado 1500 engine lineup, which it uses to provide the highest maximum towing capacity.
Notable engine features:
- Standard or available on five of eight trims
- Highest GMC Sierra 1500 torque output
- Highest GMC Sierra 1500 towing capacity
- Highest GMC Sierra 1500 fuel economy
- Active Thermal Management
- Ten-speed automatic transmission
- RWD or 4WD
What are the performance specs and fuel economy estimates for the Duramax 3.0L turbo diesel engine?
- Engine: Duramax 3.0L turbo diesel
- Horsepower: 305 HP
- Torque: 495 lb.-ft.
- RWD MPG: 23 city / 28 hwy
- 4WD MPG: 22 city / 26 hwy
2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Engine Model Availability
Once you have picked your ideal 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 powertrain, you can focus your search on trims that offer the engine you want. The 2.7L TurboMax engine is included with the Pro, SLE, and Elevation trims, and the 5.3L V8 is standard on the SLT and Denali models. With the off-road-capable AT4 and AT4X trims, the Duramax 3.0L turbo diesel engine is standard, pairing its diesel torque with demanding driving conditions. The top-of-the-line Denali Ultimate trim includes the 6.2L V8 engine standard, with the top horsepower specs available.
Which engines are standard or available with each GMC Sierra 1500 trim level?
2.7L TurboMax
Standard: Pro, SLE, Elevation
5.3L V8
Standard: SLT, Denali
Available: Pro, SLE, Elevation
6.2L V8
Standard: Denali Ultimate
Available: AT4, AT4X, Denali
Duramax 3.0L turbo diesel
Standard: AT4, AT4X
Available: Elevation, SLT, Denali
How Much Can a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Tow?
Each engine in the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 lineup offers work-ready towing capabilities. The Duramax 3.0L turbo diesel engine provides the maximum GMC Sierra 1500 towing capacity of 13,300 pounds, and the 6.2L V8 offers the second-highest maximum towing capacity of 13,100 pounds. To support you as you tow, the Sierra 1500 offers unique technologies, including up to 14 camera views and an available ProGrade® trailering system with custom trailer profiles.
What is the maximum towing capacity for each GMC Sierra 1500 engine?
| Engine | Max. Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| 2.7L TurboMax | 9,400 lbs. |
| 5.3L V8 | 11,200 lbs. |
| 6.2L V8 | 13,100 lbs. |
| Duramax 3.0L turbo diesel | 13,300 lbs. |
Learn More About the GMC Sierra 1500
Picking your next truck may start with finding the right engine, but the GMC Sierra 1500 has so much more to offer. Learn about the premium technologies, colors, and interior comfort features with our Sierra 1500 review. Then, see which features are included in each trim level using our Sierra 1500 trims page.
After you have selected your ideal engine, trim, and color combination, the next step is to test drive a Sierra 1500. Browse the new inventory at our GMC dealership in Le Mars, IA, to find the truck with the capability you’re looking for, then set up a visit or stop by during our open hours and get behind the wheel.
Our GMC truck professionals will be happy to answer questions about a specific engine or model. Contact us online or by calling us at (712) 546-4115.
At Le Mars Chevrolet GMC, the difference is that we offer a transparent purchase experience. All prices are plus tax, tag, title, registration, any dealer-installed accessories and dealer provided benefits, and $180 documentation fee. All prices, specifications, and availability are subject to change without notice. Contact dealer for most current information. All advertised pricing is on in-stock units only and includes all applicable dealer discounts, manufacturer discounts, and incentives. Certain offers and incentives presume financing through the Manufacturer Captive Lender, subject to approved credit. Should you purchase the vehicle through the use of other funds or through other lending sources, certain offers and incentives may be excluded. Due to supply chain challenges and limited inventory, vehicles may be subject to an additional market adjustment depending on inventory production, availability, and market conditions. Please see dealer for details. MPG Disclaimer: Based on EPA MPG ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid only), and other factors. EV Range Disclaimer: Use for comparison purposes only. Actual range will vary based on several factors, including temperature, terrain, battery age & condition, loading, use, and maintenance.
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price.