GM 5.3L or 6.2L V8?

Dan Kane wrote:

I’ve sold a bunch of the 6.2 half tons to customers that have had a 5.3 and not a single one would go back. Same or better mileage is what they report back. I drive lots of new trucks and love the 6.2……..

IMO, if the OP doesn’t test drive a 6.2 he will be really satisfied with the 5.3. But if he DOES test drive the 6.2, I think he will go through brick walls to make that truck sit in his garage. That engine is just a joy!
It literally sounds like a Corvette with a rumble when you start it. I remember the first time experiencing it in a 2010 Escalade ESV, massive vehicle and I floored it on an interstate onramp to get up to speed. I was going over 80 by the time I hit the bottom. That is a massive vehicle and it moved it like I was driving a Kia Soul.
I honestly really like my 5.3, no complaints, but the 6.2 is just better.

Regarding towing, I always tow in Drive (overdrive) in Tow/Haul mode. There isn’t hunting for gears as much in tow/haul mode since it adjusts the shift points to achieve better acceleration, etc.

Older models with Tow/Haul and a 4 speed was more of an issue since the gears were more widely spaced ratio-wise, but I don’t notice that at all with the 6 spd and I would think its even better with an 8 spd, but I have no experience with those.

Timmy,

I have a 2017 3500 with the 6.0 and the 4.10 and really like it so far. It is only a weekend vehicle for me and not a daily driver so I don’t mind how poor the MPG is.

Tows well but is very overkill for my regular needs.

3 weeks ago I was pulling a crew cab s10 (4400 lbs) on a tilt bed skid steer trailer (2,200 lbs) with a 2010 Yukon. I was a little nervous about how it would do. The Power was pretty decent. Did well for towing 6,600 lbs for 350 miles over hills through the cities and on interstate. More power would have been nice but my biggest issue was the short wheel base of the Yukon. I wouldn’t have an issue pulling any boat with the 5.3, but you will never say “man I wish I went with less power”.

The 6.2 in 2019 comes with 10 speed tran. order the max pack is set for towing.
I have been researching. from what I have found out this will be my next truck.It is pricey as it only comes in GMC denali or silverado LTZ.

CBMN wrote:

Timmy,

I have a 2017 3500 with the 6.0 and the 4.10 and really like it so far. It is only a weekend vehicle for me and not a daily driver so I don’t mind how poor the MPG is.

Tows well but is very overkill for my regular needs.

Sounds like my exact scenario. After a history of blown trannys and 1/2 tons breaking down because they just were not built for work…..I opted for something a little more stoutly built. It isn’t my daily driver and I have no complaints, I am just not one of those guys that can’t admit when something they bought isn’t the best in all categories….lol.

I was in your same situation about a month ago and opted for the 6.2. The power advantage over the 5.3 is substantial and I’ve actually been pleasantly surprised by the mileage so far. You won’t regret going with the 6.2L!

It’s easy to spend another guy’s money!

Are you looking new or used? If used go to a bigger dealer with large truck inventory and pull the boat behind the chev 6.2, ford 3.5/5.0, ram 5.7 w/8 speed. Compare each. The newer chev interior will be a lot different than your 11. I’m not a fan of the seats and dash in them but that could be personal preference. If it’s a family vehicle crew cab ford has the roomiest cab. The ram is the most bang for your buck in my opinion but not as great of resale you’d want to hold onto it.

I had a ’14 Chevy with 5.3, now have a ’17 with 6.2. Absolutely love it! The bigger mirrors, brakes, everything. I pull a Ranger 620 and it is night and day difference from teh 5.3. I was going to go Diesel but did this and couldn’t be happier. I don’t run the premium gas only about 50% of the time and still get as good of MPG as I did witht he 5.3.

I Went with the 6.2, Thanks guys!

Trader-Looks like you have received a lot of feedback so far.
I had a 2008 GMC 1/2 ton with 5.3L. I traded in 2014 for new 6.2 w/ max tow package. In 2014 the max tow package included an extra leaf in the rear suspension and 3:73 gears. Othwerwise stock was 3:42 or 3:08. I believe the 6 speed tranny was new in 2014 as well. The towing between the 2008 w/5.3 and 2014 w/6.2 was not even comparable. Fuel mileage was typically 16 around town, 20 on the highway and 10-12 towing my 18′ glass boat. or 3 place in-line snowmobile trailer.
I just updated to a 2018 GMC with 6.2 but without max tow package. Now I have 8 speed transmission but the higher rear end differential 3:27. This truck gets better gas mileage and tows OK but not as good as the 2014. If I was to do it over, I would have gotten the 3:42 rear end in this truck (3:73 is no longer available in that configuration).

Hope this helps-

I have a 14, 5.3, 3.08 rear end. Great mileage. When towing something heavy, I take advantage of the manual shift mode, and leave it in 5th on the highway. Been working perfect, as I only tow something heavy once or twice a year.

2018 6.2 gmc millage is crap. plenty of power. It is one of my plow truck reg cab long box never get more then 10-11mpg. like my fords better. got a steal for this truck so only reason I bought it.

Mike Klein wrote:

2018 6.2 gmc millage is crap. plenty of power. It is one of my plow truck reg cab long box never get more then 10-11mpg. like my fords better. got a steal for this truck so only reason I bought it.

6.2 regular cab? Is this a 1500? Didn’t think they offered the 6.2 in a regular cab.

mh454 wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Mike Klein wrote:</div>
2018 6.2 gmc millage is crap. plenty of power. It is one of my plow truck reg cab long box never get more then 10-11mpg. like my fords better. got a steal for this truck so only reason I bought it.

6.2 regular cab? Is this a 1500? Didn’t think they offered the 6.2 in a regular cab.

Chevrolet does not offer a 6.2 in the regular cab. Its got to be the 6.0 and yes, those are pigs on gas.

Since 1994 I’ve had 5 silverados and 4 different Tahoe’s/suburbans. I still own my 02’ 1500HD 6.0L 4WD, my 09’ Silverado Z66 6.2L 2WD, and my 16’ suburban LTZ 5.3L 4WD. I had a 12’ Silverado 5.3 4WD, and between that and a 15’ Tahoe and my current 16’ burban, the motor is a world of difference! No doubt the 6.2L is more fun off the line but it’s a rougher driving experience, the 5.3 will handle anything you are trying to tow. If you tow a lot then go diesel. I can get 19-21 mpg on my 16’ burban which is amazing! But now, they have an eco diesel 3.0 that is 30mpg and all the towing you need. All in all, if you like aggressive driving like I used too, the 6.2L will leave a smile on your face every time you drive it! But 12 mpg is the cost for this kind of “fun.”

30 years ago, you would tow with 200hp. Things change so much.

My dad’s 2018 Silverado has the 6.2, he runs the premium like he’s supposed to and I believe he gets between 18-24 mpg with it.

Yup definitely possible! I can squeeeeeeze 26 out of my 2016 burban 5.3

After posting this 1.5 years ago i went with an 18′ sierra with the 6.2. I get 18.6 MPG average per the computer after putting 26k on the truck. Ive gotten as much as 26 with a strong tailwind on a trip to colorado. It pulls my 20 foot tin boat like a dream. And its a sportscar compared to my 11′ silverado 1500 with the 5.3. The 98 mph governor kicks in seemingly out of nowhere, sometimes…

If it were me buying the truck and going back to a gm I would only go with the 6.2, I personally would never own another 5.3

iowa_josh wrote:

30 years ago, you would tow with 200hp. Things change so much.

30 years ago you’d also be geared so low you’d only be getting 7mpg and have a max speed of 60mph.

Good to hear you like the 6.2. I have a ‘18 GMC Sierra with a 5.3 (17k miles now) and tow a 19’ glass boat. It could definitely use more power. I’m looking to be in a 6.7 diesel when 2020 models start dropping in price towards year end. Nothing beats a diesel for pulling. Did you consider a diesel engine?

Chris Brazas wrote:

Yup definitely possible! I can squeeeeeeze 26 out of my 2016 burban 5.3

That’s incredible!

Most people average 18 mpg

What’s your trick?

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Thanks for the update!
Only because I’m curious, but why do so many guys go with a high axle ratio(less tire spins per engine spin) in the Midwest for a vehicle that is mixed towing and none? Assuming the tires stay stock size, with a 6 8 or even 10 speed tranny isn’t there a gear in that spread that would accomplish the same thing if it were locked as original top gear with a higher axle combo? I guess I’m saying is driving in 7th with a low ratio for when you really need to tow basically the same as 8 with the different axle or am I missing something?

Brandon, I got 23 mpg with mine in June running to Lake of the Woods without towing anything. And I wasn’t driving to get good mileage. The first summer I had it I went to Sheboygan salmon fishing, 4 adults in the cab and the box full of coolers and stuff, I got 25 mpg. I almost couldn’t believe it.

During the summer months I get 20 to 21 mpg driving back and forth to work. Pretty impressive.

2018 crew with a 6.5 box, 5.3, 6 speed, and 3.42 gears (towing gears).

The 3.08’s are the “mpg gears”.

For those of you quoting milage are you doing the math yourselves or relying on what the truck tells you? I had a buddy bragging about his RAM consistantly getting 20 MPG. I asked him to do the math and turns out he was getting closer to 17

Both, the computer is generous, but usually within 1 mpg.

Pulling the ice shack on I 35 in the winter at 70 mph plus with a head wind and I will be lucky to get 8 mpg.

crappie55369 wrote:

For those of you quoting milage are you doing the math yourselves or relying on what the truck tells you? I had a buddy bragging about his RAM consistantly getting 20 MPG. I asked him to do the math and turns out he was getting closer to 17

I’ve checked mine a few times and it’s been fairly close.

Here’s my best mileage on a 2016 Silverado Doublecab w/ a 5.3 liter.

22mpg over 400 miles is pretty darn good IMO.

And just for fun I like to keep track of the last 25 mile average and so far my best is 29.2. I think doing that helps me keep my mileage up by always trying to beat it.

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crappie55369 wrote:

For those of you quoting milage are you doing the math yourselves or relying on what the truck tells you? I had a buddy bragging about his RAM consistantly getting 20 MPG. I asked him to do the math and turns out he was getting closer to 17

My ram computer is always close. If I’m not using my tuner which I rarely put it in a mode unless pulling long distance then my ram will get 17 to 20. Im not nice to my truck. I use the power she gives me and I have a heavy foot.