2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2.7L

February 1, 2019

Lindsay Brooke

Engineering a turbocharged four-cylinder engine for full-size pickup truck duty was a bold move by General Motors, but I expect we’ll eventually see similar bandwidth stretching by Ford and FCA. This is a great combination, standard on LT and RST trims.

The new 2.7-L punches way beyond its weight class: SAE-rated 310 hp (231 kW) and 348 lb·ft (471 N·m). It replaces the old 4.3-L 90° V6 that’s been relegated to base work-truck service. The 2.7, with cylinder deactivation, variable valve lift, a twin-scroll turbo and stop-start, outdoes Ford’s base 3.3-L V6 and even Ram’s new 48-V-augmented 3.6-L V6 hybrid in power and torque. However, its rated fuel economy (18-20 mpg city, 21-23 mpg highway, and 19-21 mpg combined) is no better than those V6 trucks.

The four-banger is designed and calibrated to be a truck engine, which means it delivers a deep well of torque whenever your right foot calls. It’s perfectly mated with GM’s 8-speed automatic; shifts under load are nearly imperceptible, and there’s not a hint of shift-busyness in this application. In fact, other than exhaust note, you might think there’s a V8 under the hood. During steady-state cruising at 70 mph with an empty bed, the Silverado’s tach needle stands right on 1,750 rpm. On grades, the truck just hunkers down and lugs. And with less mass up front, it feels more nimble.

While it’s unlikely that Chevy’s turbo four will enjoy the same rapid uptake as Ford’s Ecoboost 2.7-L V6 in the F-150, the 2.7-L is right at home in the Silverado.