Why choose the 2.7-litre 4-cylinder engine with Chevrolet and GMC pickups?

Have you noticed that gasoline prices have been on the rise again these days. In fact, there are no guarantees with these anymore, so when possible, it makes sense to choose a model with the most frugal engine possible.

That's a good thing, because at GMC and Chevrolet, we've made it a point to offer such powertrains with our full-size pickups. The Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra can be delivered with a 2.7-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.

Now, what do you need to know about this engine?

Fuel consumption

First, the most important figures, those of the average consumption. First of all, you should know that with a two-wheel drive model, the consumption rating on the highway is extraordinary at only 10.6 liters per 100 kilometers. It's 12 liters in the city, which is quite reasonable. In use, you can easily get by with an average of 10.5 or 11 liters if you drive responsibly.

With a four-wheel-drive model, it's slightly higher, but not such that it affects the budget.

In the long run, that's a substantial savings.

Capabilities

Some may be reluctant to buy a full-size pickup with a 4-cylinder engine. That's understandable. If you had been offered this type of powertrain in the 80s or 90s, we would have understood your dismay.

However, technology has greatly evolved since then, and it's a highly advanced engine that we've bolted under the hood of our models. And it works with disarming smoothness. In fact, if we don't tell you, it may take you a while to realize that it's not a V8 under the hood instead of a 4-cylinder. And it's not the power that's going to sell you on it; the 4-cylinder is much more discreet.

And while we're on the subject of power, it's 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Yes, you read that correctly. Our V8 engines didn't offer that much 20 years ago.

Towing

And when it comes to towing, we're not outdone either. With a capacity that varies between 4082 kg (9000 pounds) and 4354 kg (9600 pounds), depending on the body configuration, we have a model that can tow the vast majority of all trailers and boats.

In closing, here's a piece of information that should give you an idea of the level of confidence we have in this powertrain; it is now available for all versions of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon mid-size pickups.