Silverado 1500 Engines and Towing
2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 Engine Options & Towing in Le Mars, IA
Designed with functional strength and serious towing prowess, the 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 engine lineup is ready to go to work for you. Four different engines, including a standard turbocharged powertrain, two gas V8s, and a turbo diesel option, provide a wide range of horsepower, torque, fuel economy, and towing specs. See which Silverado 1500 engine has the capability you require using this research guide created by the team at Le Mars Chevrolet GMC.
Our Chevy dealership in Le Mars, IA, is the place to find your new truck. Browse our inventory featuring the Silverado 1500 for sale to find one equipped with your preferred engine, then schedule a test drive. For an enticing monthly rate, be sure to consider our available Silverado 1500 lease deals.
Discuss the details of your favorite truck with one of our Chevy truck pros. Start the conversation using our online contact form or by calling (712) 546-4115.
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2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 Engine Differences
2.7L TurboMax™
The 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 is standard with the 2.7L TurboMax™ engine across the majority of its trim lineup. Its 430 pound-feet of torque are best-in-class among the standard engines for other non-GM half-ton pickup trucks. Uniquely, the TurboMax is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while all other Silverado 1500 engines are paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission.
Key characteristics and features:
- Standard engine in six of nine trim levels
- Best-in-class standard engine torque
- Active Fuel Management™
- Auto stop/start
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
What are the performance specs for the TurboMax engine?
- Engine: 2.7L TurboMax
- Horsepower: 310 HP
- Torque: 430 lb.-ft.
- RWD Fuel Economy: 18 city / 21 hwy
- 4WD Fuel Economy: 17 city / 21 hwy
5.3L EcoTec3 V8
Offering a step up in size and power, the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 is standard on top trims and available across a wide range of the 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 trim lineup. Its 355 horsepower and 21 highway MPG rating help make this a balanced engine for towing or highway driving. For enhanced fuel economy, the 5.3L V8 engine includes both Dynamic Fuel Management and auto stop/start technology.
Key characteristics and features:
- Standard or available in seven of nine trims
- Dynamic Fuel Management
- Auto stop/start
- Ten-speed automatic transmission
What are the performance specs for the 5.3L V8 engine?
- Engine: 5.3L EcoTec3 V8
- Horsepower: 355 HP
- Torque: 383 lb.-ft.
- RWD Fuel Economy: 16 city / 21 hwy
- 4WD Fuel Economy: 16 city / 20 hwy
6.2L EcoTec3 V8
Engineered to provide top-of-the-line power, the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 is the largest engine in the 2026 Silverado 1500 lineup and is available across several of the higher-end trim levels. Its 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque help the 6.2L V8 provide the top four-wheel drive (4WD) towing capacity estimate. Paired only with a 4WD drivetrain, the 6.2L V8 gets up to 20 highway MPG, due in part to its standard Dynamic Fuel Management cylinder deactivation technology.
Key characteristics and features:
- Available in five of nine higher-end trims
- Top Silverado 1500 engine for horsepower
- Top Silverado 1500 4WD towing capacity
- Dynamic Fuel Management
- Auto stop/start
- Ten-speed automatic transmission
What are the performance specs for the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8?
- Engine: 6.2L EcoTec3 V8
- Horsepower: 420 HP
- Torque: 460 lb.-ft.
- RWD Fuel Economy: N/A
- 4WD Fuel Economy: 15 city / 20 hwy
Duramax® 3.0L Turbo Diesel
The Duramax® 3.0L turbo diesel provides the maximum Silverado 1500 towing power and fuel economy. Achieve up to 23 city and 28 highway MPG with this efficient turbo diesel engine. Its 495 pound-feet of torque distinguishes the Duramax turbo diesel engine as the Silverado 1500 engine with the most torque. Like both V8 engines, the Duramax is paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission.
Key characteristics and features:
- Standard or available in seven of nine trims
- Top Silverado 1500 engine for torque
- Top Silverado 1500 engine for fuel economy
- Top Silverado 1500 engine for RWD towing capacity
- Auto stop/start
- Ten-speed automatic transmission
What are the performance specs for the Duramax 3.0L turbo diesel engine?
- Engine: Duramax 3.0L turbo diesel
- Horsepower: 305 HP
- Torque: 495 lb.-ft.
- RWD Fuel Economy: 23 city / 28 hwy
- 4WD Fuel Economy: 22 city / 26 hwy
2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 Engine Model Availability
Once you have found your preferred 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 engine option, seeing which trim levels include or offer it will help streamline your truck-shopping process. The most common standard engine is the TurboMax, which is included with the WT through the LT Trail Boss trims. LTZ and High Country models include the 5.3L V8 as standard equipment, while the ZR2 is equipped with the Duramax turbo diesel. Though it’s not standard on any Silverado 1500 trims, the 6.2L V8 is available on the mid-range RST through the top-of-the-line High Country and ZR2 trims.
Which engines are standard and available in each Silverado 1500 trim?
2.7L TurboMax
Standard: WT, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, and LT Trail Boss
5.3L EcoTec3 V8
Standard: LTZ and High Country
Available: WT, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss
6.2L EcoTec3 V8
Available: RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, ZR2, High Country
Duramax 3.0L Turbo Diesel
Standard: ZR2
Available: Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country
How Much Can a 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 Tow?
Put each 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 engine to work towing boats, campers, or box trailers. The Duramax 3.0L turbo diesel engine offers the highest maximum towing capacity of 13,300 pounds with rear-wheel drive (RWD), while the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 has a 13,200-pound maximum towing capacity with 4WD. Available towing technologies in the Silverado 1500 include up to 14 available camera views, an in-vehicle trailering app, and trailer side blind zone alert.
What are the RWD and 4WD maximum towing capacities for each Silverado 1500 engine?
| Engine | RWD Max. Towing Capacity | 4WD Max. Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 2.7L TurboMax | 9,500 lbs. | 9,300 lbs. |
| 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 | 11,400 lbs. | 11,100 lbs. |
| 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 | N/A | 13,200 lbs. |
| Duramax 3.0L Turbo Diesel | 13,300 lbs. | 13,000 lbs. |
Learn More About the Chevy Silverado 1500
Powerful and practical engines are just one of the many ways the Chevy Silverado 1500 is designed to stand out. Learn more about the key features, technologies, and interior comfort options available with our Silverado 1500 model review. Then, see which of your favorite features are included as standard equipment in each trim level using our Silverado 1500 trims page.
After selecting the Silverado 1500 trim that aligns with your specific needs, the next step is to drive one. See our current selection of new Silverado 1500 trucks for sale in Le Mars, IA, and set up a test drive appointment to take a closer look. See the current monthly rates available on a new truck with our Silverado 1500 lease deal.
If you would like more information about any of our available trucks, contact a Le Mars Chevrolet GMC representative 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.