What type of engine is in a Chevy?
Chevrolet uses a range of engine types, depending on the model and market; there isn’t a single engine that defines the brand. You’ll typically find gasoline inline-4s and V6s, V8s, some diesel options for trucks, and electric motors in Bolt EVs and hybrid setups like the Corvette E-Ray.
Chevrolet organizes its powertrains into three broad categories: traditional internal-combustion gasoline engines, diesel options for towing and heavy workloads, and electrified propulsion for EVs and hybrids. The exact engine or motor varies by model, trim, and region. The following guide outlines the main options available today and where they appear in the lineup.
Gasoline engines across the lineup
Most Chevrolets rely on gasoline propulsion for everyday driving, combining efficiency with capability. The backbone is the Ecotec four-cylinder family, complemented by larger V6 and V8 options for SUVs, pickups, and performance cars.
- Ecotec inline-4 family: turbocharged and naturally aspirated variants used in many cars and crossovers
- V6 engines: commonly around 3.6 liters for SUVs and trucks
- V8 engines: larger displacements (around 5.3L and 6.2L) for performance models and full-size trucks
In practice, the gasoline engine choice is closely tied to the vehicle class and target use, from compact crossovers to full-size pickups.
Diesel and heavy-duty powertrains
For towing and sustained higher torque, Chevrolet offers turbodiesel options in select trucks and SUVs. Duramax diesels provide improved low-end torque and better highway efficiency for demanding applications.
- Duramax turbo-diesel inline-6 engines (notably around 3.0L in light-duty trucks)
- Smaller Duramax diesel options in some midsize trucks where offered
Diesel availability varies by model and market, so the exact option depends on the vehicle configuration you’re considering.
Electric and hybrid propulsion
Chevrolet is expanding its electrified lineup with fully electric models and hybrids that pair electric motors with batteries or with an internal-combustion engine for extended range and performance benefits.
- Bolt EV and Bolt EUV: fully electric propulsion with battery packs and front-mounted electric motors
- Corvette E-Ray: a high-performance hybrid that couples a V8 with electric motors to provide all-wheel drive and rapid acceleration
- Upcoming and ongoing electric trucks and crossovers: Silverado EV and other models expanding the full-electric range
Corvette E-Ray details
The Corvette E-Ray represents Chevrolet’s push into performance electrification. It combines the brand’s iconic V8 with electric propulsion to deliver instant torque and all-wheel-drive capability, blending traditional performance with modern electrification.
Summary
The short answer is that Chevrolets use a broad spectrum of engines and motors. The exact powertrain you’ll find depends on the model year, trim, and market: gasoline four-cylinders (often turbocharged), V6 and V8 engines for larger vehicles and performance cars, diesel options for towing, and fully electric or hybrid propulsion for electrified models. When shopping, check the specific model’s powertrain to know precisely what powers that Chevy.
Is a 5.3 or 5.7 engine better?
Neither engine is definitively "better" as the best choice depends on your specific goals: the 5.7L offers more power and torque out of the box, while the 5.3L is generally more fuel-efficient and has a strong aftermarket for modifications. For performance, the 5.7L is superior in stock form, especially older versions like the LS1. For economy and modification potential, the 5.3L is often the better value.
This video compares the performance of a 5.7L engine to a 5.3L engine: 15sExhaust AddictsYouTube · Jun 11, 2020
5.7L engine
- Pros:
- More horsepower and torque in stock form.
- Older models, like the "Vortec" 5.7L, are known for strong low-end torque.
- Cons:
- Older versions (like the 1990s Vortec 5.7L) may be less fuel-efficient and have more emissions issues, especially in states with strict regulations.
- Some later 5.7L Hemis have reported issues with oil consumption and sludge.
5.3L engine
- Pros:
- More fuel-efficient, especially in newer models.
- Often more affordable and readily available for purchase or as a replacement part.
- Has a vast aftermarket of parts and modifications, making it easier to upgrade.
- The newer Gen 3 and Gen 4 5.3L engines are more powerful and efficient than their predecessors.
- Cons:
- Lower horsepower and torque in stock form compared to the 5.7L.
- Some models have known issues, such as Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifter problems in certain years.
Which one should you choose?
- Choose the 5.7L if: You prioritize power and torque and don't mind potentially lower fuel economy or higher purchase price.
- Choose the 5.3L if: You prioritize fuel efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and modification potential. It's the better choice for budget-friendly projects or if you're willing to invest in performance parts later.
What kind of engine does a Chevy have?
Chevy Truck Engines | Horsepower and Torque
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque |
|---|---|---|
| 2.7L Turbo | 237 | 260 lb-ft |
| TurboMax™ | 310 | 430 lb-ft |
| 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 | 355 | 383 lb-ft |
| 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 | 420 | 460 lb-ft |
What kind of engine is a Chevy 350?
A "350 small block" refers to a 350 cubic inch displacement, V8 engine from the Chevrolet small-block engine family. It is one of the most popular and recognizable American V8 engines, known for its use in a wide variety of vehicles, from muscle cars to trucks, and for being highly customizable with abundant aftermarket parts.
This video explains the history of the 350 small-block engine and its popularity: 55sNick's GarageYouTube · Jul 29, 2024
- Engine Type: Chevrolet small-block V8
- Displacement: 350 cubic inches (which is approximately 5.75.75.7 liters)
- Key features: Known for its adaptability, with many parts being interchangeable between different generations
- Applications: Widely used in many types of vehicles, including performance cars, sedans, and trucks
- Aftermarket Support: Has extensive aftermarket support, making it a popular choice for engine swaps, rebuilds, and performance upgrades
Is a Chevy a V8?
The Chevrolet big-block engine is a series of large-displacement, naturally-aspirated, 90°, overhead valve, gasoline-powered, V8 engines that was developed and have been produced by the Chevrolet Division of General Motors from the late 1950s until present.
