Which Chevy truck is diesel?

The short answer: Chevrolet currently offers diesel power in two pickup lines—the Silverado 1500 with a 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel and the Silverado HD lineup (2500HD/3500HD) with a 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel. A diesel option existed for the midsize Colorado in earlier years, but it is not part of the current U.S. lineup.

Current diesel options

Chevy’s modern diesel pickups are concentrated in two models. Here’s where you’ll find the diesel engines today.

• Chevrolet Silverado 1500 — 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I6; available across many trims for light- to mid-duty towing and efficiency gains compared with gasoline V8s.


• Chevrolet Silverado HD (2500HD and 3500HD) — 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8; built for heavy-haul tasks, with heavy-tow ratings and the Allison automatic transmission.

The 3.0L Duramax is designed to deliver better highway efficiency and strong torque for everyday use, while the 6.6L Duramax is engineered for heavy hauling and commercial use within the HD lineup.

The Colorado legacy

In the midsize segment, Chevrolet offered a Duramax-powered Colorado for several model years. The 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel inline-four added torque for its size, but it was not continued in the current U.S. lineup after the early 2020s.

• Chevrolet Colorado — 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel inline-four; offered in model years roughly 2015–2023, delivering enhanced torque in a compact pickup.

For buyers currently shopping in the U.S. market, the Colorado's diesel option is not part of the latest lineup; diesel power remains concentrated in the Silverado family noted above.

How to decide if a diesel is right for you

Choosing a diesel Chevy depends on how you use the truck. Consider towing demands, long-haul efficiency, maintenance costs, and fueling options. Here are factors to weigh:

• Towing needs: For heavy payloads and frequent towing, the Duramax-powered Silverado HD is the clear choice.


• Fuel economy vs. fuel cost: Diesel engines typically offer better highway efficiency but can have higher upfront costs and variable diesel fuel prices.


• Maintenance and resale: Diesels require specific maintenance intervals and parts; they can retain value in work fleets and among enthusiasts.

In practice, buyers who want a daily-drive truck with strong torque and longer range between fill-ups may prefer the Silverado 1500 with the 3.0L Duramax, while those who regularly tow or haul heavy loads will lean toward the Silverado HD with the 6.6L Duramax.

Summary

Chevrolet currently offers diesel power in two pickup lines: the light-duty Silverado 1500 with a 3.0L Duramax and the heavy-duty Silverado HD lineup (2500HD/3500HD) with a 6.6L Duramax. The midsize Colorado historically offered a 2.8L Duramax, but it is not part of the current U.S. lineup. Diesel buyers should weigh towing needs, fuel costs, and maintenance when choosing between these options.

Is the Chevy Silverado 1500 a diesel truck?

The 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine is a highlight of the Silverado 1500 lineup, offering 305 horsepower and an impressive 495 lb-ft of torque. This engine is ideal for long-distance driving and heavy towing, with a maximum towing capacity of 13,300 pounds.

Is a 5.3 Chevy a diesel?

You may already know that diesel engines require less maintenance and deliver impressive fuel economy on long trips. On the other hand, gasoline engines like the 5.3L V8 offer class-leading towing capability and a scorching 0-60 time to boot. Read on to explore some key diesel vs.

Is the 3.0 Duramax better than the 5.3 V8?

The 3.0L Duramax diesel is better for fuel efficiency, especially on the highway, while the 5.3L V8 gas engine has higher horsepower and a greater towing capacity. The best choice depends on your driving needs: choose the Duramax for fuel savings on long commutes, but opt for the 5.3L if you frequently tow heavy loads. 
This video compares the fuel economy of the 3.0L Duramax and 5.3L V8 engines: 54sAdventure RocksYouTube · Dec 8, 2024
3.0L Duramax

• Fuel Economy: Achieves better MPG, particularly on the highway (e.g., up to 33 mpg). 
• Torque: Delivers higher torque (460 lb-ft) at lower RPMs, providing strong pulling power from a stop. 
• Towing: Has a lower maximum towing capacity compared to the 5.3L V8 (e.g., 9,300-9,500 lbs versus up to 13,400 lbs for the 5.3L, depending on model year). 
• Best for: Highway driving, long commutes, and towing lighter loads where fuel efficiency is a priority. 

5.3L V8

• Horsepower: Produces more horsepower (355 hp). 
• Towing Capacity: Offers a higher maximum towing capacity when properly equipped. 
• Fuel Economy: Has lower MPG ratings (e.g., around 16 city/22 highway) compared to the Duramax. 
• Best for: Drivers who need maximum towing capability and prioritize high horsepower over fuel efficiency. 

You can watch this video to see a 0-60 comparison between the two engines: 0:39JB ReviewsYouTube · Oct 18, 2024
Which one should you choose?

• Choose the 3.0L Duramax if: You want the best fuel economy and are willing to pay more for the diesel option upfront. It's an excellent choice for daily drivers, especially if you spend a lot of time on the highway. 
• Choose the 5.3L V8 if: Your primary need is the ability to tow heavy loads like large campers or boats. 

What is the Chevy 1500 diesel called?

The Duramax I6 engine is a diesel engine available in select models of General Motors light-duty trucks and SUVs. Applications include the Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500, Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade (both short wheelbase and ESV).