Sierra 1500 2.7L Engine or 5.3L V8 Engine Comparison

With a plethora of engine options, the Sierra 1500 seemingly has an engine available to satisfy as wide of a range of buyers as possible. Slotting in with close performance specs, let the experts at Gus Brown Port Perry help you take a look at the 2.7 L I4 and 5.3 L V8, both available for the GMC Sierra. As both engines offer plenty of horsepower and towing prowess, which is the optimal engine choice for you? Let our team walk you through the benefits of each engine and let you know which trim levels of the Sierra 1500 you can have with either engine. Naturally, the best way to get a good feel of the engine is to get behind the wheel yourself, don’t forget to book a test drive with the Sierra 1500 with help from our staff.
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Performance
With the base 2.7 L engine churning out 310 horsepower and the V8 hitting 355, the V8 seems to have the initial advantage. Drivers will however find this edge isn’t overly significant as the V8 pulls at 383 lb-ft of torque at 4100 RPM while the I4 achieves 430 lb-ft of torque at 4100 RPM, feeling more reminiscent of the low-end pull characteristic of a diesel engine.
Sierra 1500 Performance Specification Comparison
Specifications | 5.8L V8 Engine | 2.7L I4 Turbocharged Engine |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic or 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 355 | 310 |
Torque (lb-ft) | 383 | 430 |
Max Towing Capacity (kg) | 5,080 | 4,309 |
Both of these engines can be paired to GMCs eight-speed automatic transmission, with the option for a 10-speed transmission existing for the V8. Though the increased efficiency from having the additional gears does help out the V8, drivers will have to review fuel economy.
Fuel Economy & Overall Impressions
Sierra 1500 | Paired with 5.3L V8 Engine | Paired with 2.7L I4 Turbocharged Engine |
No Payload | 10.4 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
With Payload | 10.8 L/100km | 10.9 L/100km |
Estimated fuel economy does bring the engine’s neck and neck, with the slight edge going to the 2.7 L I4. Though a negligible difference, when reviewing the full underlying performance specs of the V8 and the I4, the experts at Gus Brown Port Perry do slightly prefer the low-end torque, efficiency, and surprising power generated from Sierra’s standard engine. Though there are many other powertrain options to explore for the Sierra 1500, those casual enthusiasts that are looking for a reliable truck, equipped to haul in a pinch for a quick weekend getaway, will be quite satisfied with the 2.7 L I4.
Book Your Sierra 1500 Test Drive
Of course, the best way to experience the engine differences across the Sierra 1500’s trim level would be to get behind the wheel yourself! Come on down to Gus Brown GM Port Perry and give the Sierra 1500 a test drive so you can explore the full power and capability behind one of GMC’s best-selling trucks. Find your new dream vehicle here in Ontario, with the comprehensive lineup of vehicles at our dealership in Port Perry. Explore used vehicles of all makes and models, shop parts, tires, schedule service, and more. Make us your one-stop automotive shop in Ontario and find your next vehicle with help from our team, today.