Why Buy a Diesel Vehicle | Sherman, TX
Diesel vehicles haven’t always been widely available in the U.S. But in recent years, more and more automakers are offering diesel versions of their popular models. Chevrolet is one example, with diesel models available for the Silverado 1500 and Silverado HD, Colorado, Tahoe, Suburban, and Express Van. The brand’s powerful Duramax® Turbo-Diesel lineup boasts unbeatable power, excellent fuel economy, and affordability.
Thinking about buying a diesel truck or SUV? Read on to learn more about the available diesel engines from Chevrolet and find out which one is right for you.
Why Buy a Diesel Model?
Diesel has many advantages over gasoline. One of the main benefits of driving a diesel vehicle is improved fuel economy. That’s especially important when you’re driving a truck or SUV, because larger vehicles guzzle fuel far more quickly than their more compact counterparts.
For example, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado achieves up to 22 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway when equipped with the 3.0-liter Duramax® Turbo-Diesel engine and 2WD configuration.1 To compare, the same 2WD Silverado is rated at 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway when it’s powered by the standard 4.3-liter EcoTec3 V6 engine.2
Another good reason to buy a diesel model is for the additional towing power. Diesel engines generate more torque at a lower RPM than their gasoline siblings, and a higher torque rating means it’ll be easier to tow heavy loads and power up hills. The 2021 Silverado with the 3.0-liter diesel engine generates 460 lb-ft of torque compared to the 4.3-liter gasoline engine’s 305 lb-ft of torque.
What Diesel Engines Does Chevy Offer?
Chevrolet offers three different diesel engines. The entry-level is a 2.8-liter Duramax® Turbo-Diesel that’s available on the Colorado truck and Express Van. The engine churns out 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque in the 2021 Colorado while returning 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.3
The second available diesel engine is the previously mentioned 3.0-liter Duramax® Turbo-Diesel that generates 460 lb-ft of torque while achieving 22 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.1 This engine is available on the Tahoe, Suburban, and Silverado.
The final diesel option in the lineup is a meaty 6.6-liter Duramax® Turbo-Diesel V8. It’s good for a whopping 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque and has a max towing capability of 36,000 pounds in the Silverado HD when properly equipped.4 This engine has not been rated by the EPA for fuel efficiency (in general, heavy duty trucks are not).
Which Chevy Models Have Optional Diesel Engines?
Chevrolet currently offers diesel engines in five models: The Tahoe, Suburban, Silverado 1500, Silverado HD, and Express Van. The 3.0-liter Duramax® helps the Tahoe and Suburban achieve best-in-class fuel economy.5
What Kind of Maintenance Do Diesel Engines Require?
Just like with gasoline engines, diesels require routine maintenance to remain in good working order. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended service intervals for your specific model.
Diesel engines do tend to be very reliable, and Chevy backs that reliability up with a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty on the 2.8-liter Duramax® engine and a 5-year/100,000-mile limited warranty on the 3.0-liter and 6.6-liter Duramax® engines.
Are Diesels Loud and Obnoxious?
A couple of decades ago, you could tell a diesel engine from the sound of its loud and heavy exhaust. These days, diesel engines are much quieter and smoother, so you won’t have to worry about being a menace to your neighbors when you drive your Duramax®-equipped Chevrolet down the street.
If you’re considering a diesel vehicle, look no further than the Chevrolet Duramax® Turbo-Diesel lineup. Whether you are looking for a 2021 Tahoe, Suburban, or Silverado, check out our lineup in Sherman, Texas, at Sherman Chevrolet.
If you’re considering a diesel vehicle, look no further than the Chevrolet Duramax® Turbo-Diesel lineup. Whether you are looking for a 2021 Suburban, Tahoe, or Silverado, check out our lineup in Sherman, Texas, at Sherman Chevrolet.
1Silverado 1500 2WD with available Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel I-6 engine, EPA-estimated 23 MPG city/33 highway.
2EPA estimates.
3EPA-estimated MPG city/highway: Colorado 2WD with available Duramax 2.8L Turbo-Diesel engine 20/30.
4Requires Silverado 3500 HD Regular Cab Long Bed 2WD DRW with available Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8, Max Trailering Package and gooseneck hitch. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo, and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
5Based on GM Full-Size SUV segment. EPA-estimated MPG city/highway: 21/28 (2WD), 20/26 (4WD) with Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel engine.