Chevrolet has just revealed fuel economy figures for the new 3.0L Duramax diesel in the 2020 Silverado 1500. The new engine is rated to get sedan-like fuel economy that is the best in its class. For now, at least.
Figures of 7.2 L/100 km on the highway and 10.2 in the city are listed for rear-drive trucks equipped with the new diesel. It's an all-new design: an inline-six for smoothness and balance that also comes with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.
“We set out to offer light-duty truck customers the best of diesel – outstanding fuel economy, great horsepower and responsive torque – plus unexpected levels of refinement,” said Nicola Menarini, director for diesel truck engine program execution.
It uses an aluminum block to shave weight, plus an active thermal management system to help warm up the engine and the cabin more quickly and more efficiently. There's an exhaust brake in tow-haul mode, and a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The 2WD fuel economy beats the Ford F-150 diesel's 10.8/8.0 city/highway rating, making it the most fuel-efficient diesel full-size pickup on the market. The 10.4/8.0 rating for 4WD models beats the Ford's 11.2/8.3 as well.
The reason we say best for now, though, is that Ram hasn't yet revealed what its own new diesel can do. We'll have to wait and see if that revised engine can out-thrift the Silverado at the diesel pumps. Expect its rating to be revealed soon, now that Chevrolet has shown its cards.
The 3.0L diesel Silverado can tow up to 4,218 kg and has an 848 kg payload. It will be available on LT, RST, LTZ, and High Country trims – a $3,245 option on the top two (same as the 6.2L V8) and $4,380 more than the 2.7L turbo-four on the lower two trims. Deliveries are expected to start in the fall.
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