Key facts
- General Motors will launch redesigned Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks in the fourth quarter.
- The redesigned trucks will feature an improved 3.0-liter diesel engine.
- The diesel engine is expected to offer a highway driving range of over 900 miles.
- Rivals Ford and Stellantis are focusing on hybrid technology for their light-duty pickup trucks.
- GM's current diesel Silverado and Sierra models get 24 mpg, while Ford's hybrid F-150 gets 23 mpg.
General Motors is opting to equip its upcoming redesigned Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks with an improved diesel engine, a strategy that diverges from competitors like Ford and Stellantis who are prioritizing hybrid powertrains for their light-duty models. GM plans to roll out the updated trucks in the fourth quarter, marking the first major redesign since 2019 for its top-selling and most profitable vehicles.
GM stated that the new diesel engine, coupled with an optional larger fuel tank, will enable a highway driving range exceeding 900 miles before requiring a refill. GM President Mark Reuss defended the diesel approach, suggesting it offers superior long-term efficiency compared to hybrid systems, despite acknowledging current high diesel prices. He differentiated between temporary price spikes and structural increases, expressing confidence in diesel's efficiency.
Ford, for instance, discontinued its F-150 diesel in favor of a hybrid model, citing a better balance of power and fuel efficiency. A Ford spokesman affirmed the company's commitment to its customers' needs regardless of competitive actions. While diesel engines generally offer better highway fuel efficiency than gasoline engines, their higher price at the pump can offset some savings. For example, GM's current diesel Silverado and Sierra achieve 24 mpg, slightly better than Ford's hybrid F-150 at 23 mpg, but annual fuel costs for the GM trucks are estimated to be around $1,050 based on 15,000 miles driven, due to higher diesel prices.
Ram, another competitor, is planning an extended-range hybrid pickup with a projected range of 690 miles. The redesigned GM trucks will also feature two new, more powerful V-8 gasoline engines with lower tailpipe emissions.