GM 5.3L or 6.2L V8?

I’m in the market for a new truck, probably sticking with a GM product, but trying to decide on 5.3 or 6.2.

I currently have an 11′ silverado half ton. It’s been a great truck, but after 140k miles, a leveling kit, and some 33″ Goodyear duratracs, the 5.3 seems to be lacking in the power department. Not sure if those mods/age will reduce the perceived power behind the wheel, but when towing a 20 foot tin boat, I can’t seem to find a gear and am always downshifting even in overdrive/tow mode.

For those of you guys with experience with these two motors, do you see the towing performance of the 6.2L significantly superior to the 5.3L?

How about the transition from 6 speed transmission to 8 speed transmission? I assume that will also improve the downshifting.

Any input on these two motors would be greatly appreciated.

I wasn’t impressed with the 5.3 that I had (2012 Tahoe), especially since I had to replace it at 100K. I didn’t like the AFM, and it just seemed doggy. Gas mileage was decent, though. My BIL has a Silverado with a 6.2 and likes it.

I’ve got a Toyota 5.7 now, and it’s the bee’s knees (aside from fuel economy).

Get the 6.2. I haven’t owned anything with a 6.2 but have driven/towed with them and the difference is considerable IMO to a 5.3. I have a 5.3 in our burb and wish is was at least the 6.0.

The 6.2 is neat and all but what do you expect to gain from it vs the 5.3? For towing a half ton will run out of weight and springs before it runs out of motor so you won’t gain anything there. The 8 speed tranny will help but also the newer 5.3 are much better than the older models and have more factory horses(11 has 315hp 17 has 355)

Go test drive one and take it and hook it up to the boat and take it down the highway that’s the only way you will find out what you will be happy with…and if your going to spend the money on a vehicle spend it on what will work for you and that you will be happy with

2007-2012 5.3.. plenty of issues eating lifters and chugging oil when nearing the 100k mile marker…my last one went to h ell at 69k

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I have a 2017 Silverado 1500 with the 5.3 and I tow a Ranger 619 to Sioux Narrows, Canada and got 13.3 mpg. I had a 2004 Yukon and got 11.3 on the same trip with a little more weight. I like the 6 speed transmission and the down hill decent for the hills in Canada. I would like the 6.2 with 8 speed, but just couldn’t justify another 10 grand for the upgrade.

My friend has a 2018 sierra with the 6.2 and says he’s getting better mileage the when he had a 16 model. I have the same truck but a 5.3 and when we compare the mileage from the trucks his shows better mpg, but I use mine more than just driving down the road

I have a 2016 6.2 with a 4:10 rear end. So far over 15,000 miles I show an average of 10.7mpg. Hand calculations confirm this to be relatively accurate. Usually pulling an 1850 Tyee, or a 4place sled trailer. It tows well, but it is thirsty. There’s simply no sugarcoating it, the mileage is poor.

I owned a 2011 and a 2014 GMC Sierra with a 5.3L and was happy with the overall performance. Not a beast mind you but I pull a 620 Ranger, Tandem axle trailer and in the winter a 5000# wheel house. Mileage whilst pulling was always in the 9 – 12 range. Bought a 2018 GMC Sierra XLT with the trailering package, heavy duty springs, bigger mirrors, and a 6.2L. I was somewhat skeptical but I like everything else, really felt a 5.3 was adequate, but it wasn’t available off the lot with the other stuff that I like. After owning the 6.2L for a year I am very impressed. My best mileage (based on the last 50 miles) on the 5.3 was 23.4 mpg but on the 6.2L it is 26.1 mpg. I would say that overall I am getting around 2 mpg better than my 2014 5.3L. The 6.2 has an 8 speed transmission and I am sure that really helps. I don’t know what my rear end ratio is, but based on my last 3 GMC 1500’s I’d definitely go with the 6.2 again. The power is really noticeable when I pull my wheel house. Pulling mileage is about the same as the 5.3L

Another thing to consider on the 6.2 that I heard was the recommendation of using premium gas. Having not owned one I heard this from someone that did, so unsure if it’s true.

Thanks for all the replies, Guys. Leave it to IDO to say bigger is better… I guess I just needed to hear it myself. I had every intention to bring the boat to the dealer to pull it on a test drive, I’m Waiting for a break in the weather to justify pulling the boat through the salt.

I know GM suggests Premium in the 6.2L, how many of you guys that have the 6.2L fill it up with premium 100% of the time? any mechanics want to weigh in on the risk/reward using a lower octane in the 6.2?

I’m with Brady, you’ll run out of suspension before you run out of power. Both motors are good. If you feel like impressing your friends in a drag race, that 6.2 is an animal. Otherwise the 5.3 is plenty sufficient. If you’re worried about AFM in the 5.3, good luck…both the 5.3 and 6.2 have the same system. The 2019’s both have DFM also…

Not worried about impressing anybody. I want confidence on the road the two to three weekends a month I drag my boat around. If the 6.2 will give me that, I’ll pay the premium.

I have a 14 sierra with the 6.2 6 speed 3.42 gears and I love the extra power it has while towing but I think the 5.3 would do just fine also. I do put premium in it all the time and its an extra cost. I get about 10mpg while towing the 22′ tandem axel boat and 17′ wheel house. I have stock size duratracts that will effect the mpg’s a bit. With the extra cost of fuel and not much better mpg’s you would be better off with the 5.3. If you love power when you want it and don’t mind the extra cost then go for the 6.2.

Timmy wrote:

I have a 2016 6.2 with a 4:10 rear end. So far over 15,000 miles I show an average of 10.7mpg. Hand calculations confirm this to be relatively accurate. Usually pulling an 1850 Tyee, or a 4place sled trailer. It tows well, but it is thirsty. There’s simply no sugarcoating it, the mileage is poor.

That rear end is geared WAY too low. That is why your mileage is terrible. I had a Denali with the 6.2 with 3.42 gears and I would consistently get over 20 on the highway. You bought a truck equipped to haul a hay trailer not an aluminum fishing boat.
The new 5.3 cannot even be compared to those prior to 2014. Though the displacement is the same, it really is a completely new motor. I have had older 5.3s, a 6.2 and 3 post 2015 5.3s.
The 6.2 is hands down a more fun motor and will tow significantly better than any of the 5.3 motors, but the 5.3 is no slouch. I don’t have issues with it towing at all. I use the two/haul mode and run it in regular drive. I never use cruise. That is a bad idea when towing. It may not be fun for long drives but the driving experience will be so much better if you don’t use cruise because you can prepare for hills, etc and not wait for the tranny to react as you hit the base of a hill.
I would love to have a 6.2 again, but they are typically only found in the upper trim levels which gets the price 5 to 10k higher in a hurry.
I have a 19 foot Aluminum full windshield boat and my 5.3s have towed it flawlessly. Same boat with the 6.2 it towed better however.

While not quite what you asked, you may want to go try out a Ford 3.5 Eco boost. Pretty much the same price truck as a comparable chevy 5.3, but substanchualy better towing experience. I was a long time GM person, over 40 years of dependable trucks, but made the switch in 2017, as I was never happy with their towing abilities. A couple of my friends had Fords with the ECO boost, and suggested I go look at them. I was skeptible due to their engine size. The truck pulls like a diesel. Unbelievable power at the low end, less downshifting under load, and fantastic 10 speed transmission. I still think GM makes a great dependable truck, just not for towing with their gas ones. While the the GM 6.2 sounds like a great option, the increased cost, and ridiculous requirement to purchase expensive premium gas, was a deal breaker for me, when you can get a truck that pulls just as strong on regular gas. You can run the 6.2 on regular gas, but will give up quite a bit of power due to the computer cutting back the timing of the engine, to make it work on the lower octane fuel. Just for info, my boat and trailer towing weight is a little over 5000 lbs. If looking at a new GM 5.3, I for sure would want the 8 speed transmission, and a suitable rear end gear for towing, nothing less than a 3.42? or what ever GM offers now. If given the option, on GM, I would want a 3.55 or 3.70 rear gear if possible.

I have a 2013 6.2 Max Tow. Best vehicle I have ever owned. Always ran premium fuel.
I just ordered a new one with a 6.2 420 hp in a half ton is no joke.
I’ll be selling my old one. I think it only has 413 HP.

We went from a 2007 Suburban with the 5.3 to a 2013 Yukon Denali XL with the 6.2. I will never go back. The 5.3 is a dog in my opinion. Mileage is the same if not better when driving. The only things I tow is a 16ft tiller boat and a trailer with 2 four wheelers. You don’t even know they are back there with the 6.2. The 5.3 was jerkey when towing even the trailer with the wheelers. If you can get the 6.2 go for it!

If your looking for gas mileage don’t tow, plain and simple,,the 6.2 has more ponies than the 5.3 and does the job better, has more than my turbo Ford,and that’s saying something, keeping your truck stock, you get the real idea what it was designed to do.

suzuki wrote:

I’ll be selling my old one.

@suzuki

Did you buff out that scratch?

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Ralph Wiggum wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>suzuki wrote:</div>
I’ll be selling my old one.

@suzuki

Did you buff out that scratch?

That’s not my truck you rascal.

For the people that complain about the power with the 5.3.

Do you tow with it in DRIVE instead of Overdrive? Overdrive is for getting good mileage while driving empty with no trailer…. If you tow in overdrive there is going to be a lag from the transmission constantly shifting.

Timmy wrote:

I have a 2016 6.2 with a 4:10 rear end. So far over 15,000 miles I show an average of 10.7mpg. Hand calculations confirm this to be relatively accurate. Usually pulling an 1850 Tyee, or a 4place sled trailer. It tows well, but it is thirsty. There’s simply no sugarcoating it, the mileage is poor.

Is this a 1/2 GM pickup? As far as I know, 4:10 gears were not available on a 2016 6.2 with the 8 speed. I believe the standard rear axle was 3.23 or 3.42 with the max tow package (NHT).

I have a 2014 Sierra 1500 5.3 (6 speed) with a 3.42 rear end. Pulls my Alumacraft Comp 185 with no issues. 6.2 would be fun but it’s a spendy option. I think it’s around $2500 on new models.

I pull a 21″ glass boat…

Had a Yukon XL with 5.3 – sold at 180K miles. Pulled ok but you could sure tell it was working hard.

Now have a 2008 Yukon XL with 6.2 – pulls much better without straining. I have the older 5 speed transmission & get 14mpg. Newer models should be do better with new transmission.

Pete

I would assume as long as the 6.2 is geared correctly it will tow much better than the 5.3. It has a lot more torque spec wise. That said, I’ve never towed with one.

mh454 wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Timmy wrote:</div>
I have a 2016 6.2 with a 4:10 rear end. So far over 15,000 miles I show an average of 10.7mpg. Hand calculations confirm this to be relatively accurate. Usually pulling an 1850 Tyee, or a 4place sled trailer. It tows well, but it is thirsty. There’s simply no sugarcoating it, the mileage is poor.

Is this a 1/2 GM pickup? As far as I know, 4:10 gears were not available on a 2016 6.2 with the 8 speed. I believe the standard rear axle was 3.23 or 3.42 with the max tow package (NHT).

I have a 2014 Sierra 1500 5.3 (6 speed) with a 3.42 rear end. Pulls my Alumacraft Comp 185 with no issues. 6.2 would be fun but it’s a spendy option. I think it’s around $2500 on new models.

I agree,

I think the 4.10 is only on the 2500 and 3500 and then you are talking about a 6.0 and they have always been thirsty.

CBMN wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>mh454 wrote:</div>

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Timmy wrote:</div>
I have a 2016 6.2 with a 4:10 rear end. So far over 15,000 miles I show an average of 10.7mpg. Hand calculations confirm this to be relatively accurate. Usually pulling an 1850 Tyee, or a 4place sled trailer. It tows well, but it is thirsty. There’s simply no sugarcoating it, the mileage is poor.

Is this a 1/2 GM pickup? As far as I know, 4:10 gears were not available on a 2016 6.2 with the 8 speed. I believe the standard rear axle was 3.23 or 3.42 with the max tow package (NHT).

I have a 2014 Sierra 1500 5.3 (6 speed) with a 3.42 rear end. Pulls my Alumacraft Comp 185 with no issues. 6.2 would be fun but it’s a spendy option. I think it’s around $2500 on new models.

I agree,

I think the 4.10 is only on the 2500 and 3500 and then you are talking about a 6.0 and they have always been thirsty.

Not a 1500. Its a 2500hd. 6.2 w/ 4:10 rear end. Maybe its a 6.0? Its been a few yrs, cant recall(must not be that important to me….lol)?

Timmy wrote:

Not a 1500. Its a 2500hd. 6.2 w/ 4:10 rear end.

You mean 6.0?

Edit: I see you edited before I clicked submit. It will be a 6.0 if it’s a 2500.

The most sane suggestion is to take your 20′ boat to the test drive. That’s the only real way to quantify the difference between a 2011 5.3 and the more powerful 2019 version. Had a 2004 Tahoe 5.3 and now a 2014 Silverado 5.3. Newer is a ton better.

Will you like the 6.2 better, of course Who doesn’t like more power? I like more money in my pocket if I can’t justify.

FWIW – I towed a 21.5 Malibu late last year with my 2014 5.3 in a stock Silverado. approx 5600-5800 pounds. 2 lane highways around 60’ish mph. I knew I had a heavy load but didn’t feel cheated on the power side. On my 17.5 tin boat, can’t tell it’s there. Others may feel different.

Like patk says it boils down to money and personal value. The 6.0 or 6.2 is by far the better engine in a half ton pickup. No question. BUT it cost more money and the 5.3 is proven in the half-ton platform. Lots of guys love their 4.8’s too.
I like GM V8’s no matter what size they are!

Thanks for all the first hand info, guys. Sometimes all a guy really needs is for someone in a similar situation to push him one way or another off a fence.

I’m glad to hear about you guys seeing improvements from the 11′ 5.3 to the current version in the truck. I still need to feel the power for myself and will be pulling the boat to the dealer this weekend to hook it up to both rigs. hope the snow holds off for a bit.

I keep my trucks for a while, I bought the 11′ brand new, and intend to keep this one as long if not longer. So I’m trying to get something that I wont outgrow… if that makes sense. To tell you the truth, I could deal with the 5.3 in my current truck, but I need the Crew Cab due to a growing family.