The GMC Sierra 1500 is one of the 10 best-selling vehicles in America and one of the five best-selling pickups. This venerable truck comes with a forceful exterior personality that's summarized nicely by its manly grill and well-chiseled silhouette. But if you want something really manly, just lift the hood and take a look inside. You'll see one of two powerful GMC engines: A 2.7-liter Turbo High-Output 4-cylinder or a 5.3-liter V8. Let's take a closer look.
First up: The new Sierra 1500’s 2.7-liter Turbo High-Output Inline Four
GMC's 2.7-liter Turbo High-Output gives you 310 horsepower and a muscle-flexing 430 lb-ft of torque. GMC fans will note that level of torque is 20% more than the previous 2.7-liter Turbo and that's saying quite a bit. This engine comes standard on the newest GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation, SLE and Pro trims. Fuel efficiency is up to 22 MPG on the highway and the maximum trailering capability, when properly equipped, is up to 9,400 pounds.
Next up: The new GMC Sierra 1500’s 5.3-liter V8 engine
GMC’s 5.3-liter V8 is a real piece of work. With 355 horsepower and as much as 383 lb-ft of torque, it's going to take all the work you have to get done and help you handle it admirably. The Sierra 1500's 5.3-liter V8 comes standard on higher level trims, specifically the Denali and the SLT. It's also available on the Elevation, SLE and Pro trims. Max trailering is 11,200 lb and once again, it needs to be equipped properly.
Comparing the Sierra 1500’s 2.7 liter Turbo High-Output vs. the 5.3-liter V8
Engine output
The 2.7-liter Turbo High-Output engine in the new GMC Sierra 1500 can generate 310 horsepower and produce 430 lb-ft of torque. When you combine your work ethic with that of the new GMC Sierra 1500, there aren't any big jobs around Schenectady or Colonie, NY that will stand in your way.
The 5.3-liter V8, of course, delivers even more. It gives you a hefty 355 horsepower and 383 pound feet of torque. Interestingly, the 2.7-liter Turbo gives you a little more torque, but the V8 will reach a higher top speed thanks to its higher level of horsepower.
Fuel economy
At Capitaland GMC, we understand that our customers around Albany and Troy, NY are buying a new GMC Sierra 1500 to get a lot accomplished on the job or to have a lot of fun on the weekend – or more likely, a combination of both. You may not be expecting to save a lot in terms of gasoline consumption but both GMC engines do a credible job in that department.
The 2.7-liter Turbo High-Output can you give you 19 MPG in the city and as much as 22 MPG on the highway. Not bad. Meanwhile, the 5.3-liter V8 does a good job with fuel efficiency as well, especially given its higher level of horsepower. The 5.3-liter V8 is just slightly behind the 2.7-liter base engine with an EPA-estimated 16 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. For trucks in today’s high-inflation world, those are good numbers.
Maximum towing capacity
When you need to haul something substantial, both these new GMC Sierra 1500 trucks can accommodate you. The 2.7-liter engine gives you a max trailering capability of 9,400 pounds and the 5.3-liter V8 can tow as much as 11,200 pounds, assuming both are properly equipped. Take an online look at our new GMC Sierra 1500 models and schedule a test drive soon at Capitaland GMC in Glenville, NY.