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Sierra 1500 2.7L Engine or 5.3L V8 Engine: Which is Better?

Blog Nov 29th, 2022
2023-sierra-1500

On paper, a four-cylinder engine for your truck that offers power and torque that would have outperformed the V8 only a few years ago while giving greater fuel economy than the most recent eight-cylinder would be a winning combination. Does it still stack up in the real world, when you need to move cargo and acceleration varies depending on your situation? Compare both engines with us right here at Gus Brown, and test drive your Sierra today.

Specs Comparison

A 2.7-litre engine producing 310 horsepower and 348 lb-ft of torque is astounding. It has about the same amount of torque as the 5.3-litre V8's 383. The torque of the smaller engine appears at 1,500 rpm and lasts longer, and as a result, it feels tense. The V8 has 355 horsepower more, but on the road, the V8 needs more RPM to get the job done, whilst the turbo-four gives diesel-like pull even at low rpm.

2023 Sierra 1500 Performance Specification Comparison

Specifications 5.8L V8 Engine 2.7L I4 Turbocharged Engine
Transmission 8-speed automatic or 10-speed automatic 8-speed automatic
Horsepower 355 310
Torque (lb-ft) 383 348
Max Towing Capacity (kg) 5,080 4,309

Both of these vehicles are outfitted with GM's eight-speed automatic transmission. Only the top-tier trucks (with V8s or diesels) get the 10-speed, and while the absence of extra gears does set these vehicles behind economically, they're on similar footing.

Driving and Hauling Fuel Economy Comparison

In a test between the two engines, both trucks were tested while hauling a payload, and having an empty bed.

2023 Sierra 1500 Engine Fuel Economy Comparison

Test Specifications 5.3L V8 Engine 2.7L I4 Turbocharged Engine
No Payload 10.4 L/100km 9.6 L/100km
With Payload 10.8 L/100km 10.9 L/100km

The Results

If you're the usual truck buyer who packs up the bed and tows to the lake a few times a year, opting with the 2.7-litre engine will save you a lot of money on fuel costs through most of your trips. On the road, the 2.7-litre turbo-four is no slug, because of all of that low-end torque it feels as rapid as the V8, and even stronger when loaded. Then there are all of those entertaining turbo sounds. For everyday driving and summer camping excursions, or winter snowmobiling? We recommend the 2.7L 4-cylinder Sierra 1500.

Book Your Sierra 1500 Test Drive

Visit Gus Brown Buick GMC for your GMC Sierra needs in the Whitby and Durham region. The 2.7L engine offers even better performance than the other engines available in the Sierra 1500 lineup, so come experience the turbocharged power for yourself during a test drive today. Visit our Whitby dealership location to get started.

Gus Brown Buick GMC LtdBlogSierra 1500 2.7L Engine or 5.3L V8 Engine: Which is Better?