Who makes the diesel engines for Chevy?
Chevrolet's diesel engines come from Duramax, produced by DMAX Ltd., a General Motors–Isuzu Motors joint venture based in Moraine, Ohio.
Duramax: Chevy’s diesel engine family
Duramax is General Motors’ family of turbocharged diesel engines, developed in collaboration with Isuzu Motors. The engines are manufactured by DMAX Ltd., the GM–Isuzu joint venture that oversees the Duramax program and supplies powertrains for Chevrolet and GMC vehicles.
The GM–Isuzu partnership behind Duramax
DMAX operates the Duramax production line at its Moraine, Ohio facility, where multiple Duramax variants are built for Chevrolet and GMC applications. The partnership combines GM’s engineering and design with Isuzu’s diesel expertise to deliver clean, high-torque power across the lineup.
Chevy models that use Duramax engines
The following Chevrolet models currently offer Duramax diesel engines, spanning light-duty to heavy-duty segments. The list shows the engine family most commonly paired with each model.
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 — 3.0L Duramax inline-six turbo diesel
- Chevrolet Colorado — 2.8L Duramax inline-four turbo diesel
- Chevrolet Canyon — 2.8L Duramax inline-four turbo diesel
- Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD/3500HD — 6.6L Duramax V8 turbo diesel
These engines give Chevrolet customers options for towing, efficiency, and performance across the brand’s truck lineup, with variations in power and torque depending on the model and configuration.
Where Duramax engines are built
Duramax engines are produced at the Moraine, Ohio facility operated by DMAX Ltd., the GM–Isuzu joint venture. This site has long served as the central manufacturing hub for Duramax diesel power for Chevrolet and GMC vehicles, reflecting the partnership’s focus on delivering robust, high-torque diesel capabilities.
Duramax program evolution
Over the years, GM has expanded the Duramax lineup to cover a broader range of vehicles, adding the 3.0L inline-six and the 2.8L inline-four for lighter-duty and midsize trucks, in addition to the long-standing 6.6L V8 turbo diesel for heavy-duty trucks. Isuzu’s involvement continues to bring diesel-scale engineering and component expertise to the program, enabling Chevrolet to offer diesel options across multiple segments while meeting stringent emissions and efficiency standards.
Summary
Chevrolet’s diesel engines are produced by DMAX Ltd., a GM–Isuzu joint venture based in Moraine, Ohio. The Duramax family includes the 6.6L V8, the 3.0L inline-six, and the 2.8L inline-four, powering Chevy’s diesel options across its truck lineup—from midsize pickups to heavy-duty workhorses. This arrangement represents GM’s integrated approach to delivering durable diesel power across Chevrolet models.
