What engines do Chevy S10 have?
The Chevrolet S-10 offered a small but flexible engine lineup that evolved from the early 1980s through the mid-2000s. In short, buyers could choose between inline-four engines and V6s, spanning roughly 2.2–2.5 liters for the fours and 2.8–4.3 liters for the sixes, with availability varying by model year and trim.
First-generation S-10 engines (1982–1993)
The following are the main engine options Chevrolet offered for the S-10 during its first generation, which covers model years 1982 through 1993.
Main engine families
- 2.5-liter inline-four (GM I4 family)
- 2.8-liter V6
- 4.3-liter V6
Across 1982–1993, these engines were paired with either manual or automatic transmissions and were available across various cab configurations and trim levels. The 2.5-liter inline-four was common on base models, while the 2.8L and 4.3L V6 options appeared on higher trims or four-wheel-drive configurations.
Second-generation S-10 engines (1994–2004)
The second generation introduced updates to the powertrain lineup, reflecting GM’s ongoing focus on efficiency and emissions while maintaining available capability.
Core engine options
- 2.2-liter inline-four
- 2.5-liter inline-four
- 4.3-liter V6
As with the first generation, engine availability depended on year, trim, and market. The 2.2-liter inline-four was added to improve fuel economy on base models, the 2.5-liter remained a core mid-range option, and the 4.3-liter V6 continued to serve buyers needing more torque and towing capability.
Notes and context
Throughout its production run, the S-10 did not offer a diesel option in the U.S. market, and performance-focused variants typically relied on the 4.3-liter V6. The exact engine combination for a given truck depended on the model year, cab configuration, bed length, and whether the vehicle was 4x4-equipped. For precise specifications on a specific year and trim, refer to the factory literature or a trusted model-year guide.
Summary
In its two-generation span, the Chevy S-10’s engine catalog settled on a straightforward mix: inline-four engines (2.2L and 2.5L) for efficiency and daily driving, and the 4.3L V6 for stronger performance and towing. The 2.8L V6 appeared only in the early years of the first generation, while the lineup largely remained stable into the 1990s and early 2000s, with availability driven by trim and market.
