What cars use Dexron?
Dexron VI is the current GM automatic transmission fluid specification and is used in most GM cars, trucks, and SUVs built from the mid-2000s onward. In many GM transmissions Dexron VI is the factory fill, and it is the recommended replacement for older Dexron II/III fluids, though you should always confirm with the owner's manual or a GM service bulletin for your exact model.
What Dexron is and why it matters
Dexron is a family of automatic transmission fluids developed by General Motors. The latest variant, Dexron VI (including Dexron VI-D), is designed to provide better wear protection, shift performance, and longevity in modern GM transmissions. The key to using the right fluid is following the specification listed in your owner’s manual or on GM technical bulletins for your specific transmission family. Using the wrong ATF can affect shifting, pressure, and overall transmission life.
GM vehicles that commonly use Dexron VI
Below is a representative, not exhaustive, overview of GM vehicle families and types where Dexron VI is standard factory fill or a recommended replacement. Always verify for your exact vehicle and transmission code.
Passenger cars and light crossovers
Examples of GM passenger cars and light crossovers where Dexron VI is commonly specified include models from Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, and GMC that use automatic transmissions with Dexron VI as the recommended fluid. This encompasses many mid-2000s to present-day sedans, coupes, and small to midsize crossovers.
- Chevrolet Malibu
- Chevrolet Cruze
- Chevrolet Impala
- Buick LaCrosse
- Buick Regal
- Cadillac CTS
- Cadillac ATS
- Cadillac XTS
- GMC Terrain
- Chevrolet Equinox
- Chevrolet Traverse
- Buick Enclave
Note: This list is illustrative. Dexron VI is used in many GM front- and rear-wheel-drive transmissions across the lineup, and newer models with eight- and ten-speed automatics typically specify Dexron VI or Dexron VI-D in their service guidelines.
Trucks and full-size SUVs
GM’s larger pickups and SUVs routinely use Dexron VI in transmissions designed for higher torque applications, including several 6- and 8-speed automatic units, as well as several heavy-duty configurations.
- Chevrolet Silverado
- GMC Sierra
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- Chevrolet Suburban
- GMC Yukon
- Cadillac Escalade
These models span a range of model years where Dexron VI has been established as the preferred fluid in GM service literature, especially in transmissions like the 6L-series family and other modern eight- and ten-speed designs.
How to verify Dexron for your vehicle
To ensure you’re using the correct fluid for your GM vehicle, follow these steps. This guidance helps avoid misfits that can affect shifting and longevity.
- Check the owner’s manual or the build/owner documentation for the exact ATF specification (Dexron VI, Dexron VI-D, etc.).
- Inspect the transmission dipstick label or the under-hood sticker, which often lists the required ATF specification.
- Consult GM service bulletins for your vehicle’s VIN if you’re unsure, especially if your car is older or has undergone transmission work.
- When replacing fluid, use a fluid meeting Dexron VI/VI-D specification exactly as stated by GM for your transmission type. Do not substitute Dexron II or III unless the manual explicitly allows it for your model and year.
- If switching from an older Dexron II/III to Dexron VI, consider a professional flush and fill under guidance from a qualified technician, as some transmissions rely on newer fluid properties for proper slip and pressure control.
When in doubt, err on the side of the manual or a GM-certified technician. Fluid compatibility is not universal across brands, and using the wrong specification can impact performance and reliability.
Do non-GM vehicles use Dexron?
Dexron is GM’s specification, and most non-GM manufacturers use their own ATF standards (such as Mercon for Ford or Type H/Type IV for some that predate Dexron). Some older non-GM vehicles may have originally used Dexron II/III and could tolerate Dexron VI as a replacement in certain cases, but this is not guaranteed. Always verify with the vehicle’s manual or a trusted service bulletin for non-GM makes and models.
Summary
Dexron VI is the current standard for GM automatic transmissions and is widely used across GM’s car, truck, and SUV lineup from the mid-2000s to today. For any GM vehicle, the safest course is to confirm the exact specification in the owner’s manual or with GM service literature before purchase or fluid changes. Properly matched ATF helps maintain smooth shifting, proper hydraulic pressure, and transmission longevity.
