General Motors Says Its Diesel Still Beats EVs Where It Matters

The Powertrain That Refuses to Fade

There has been a surge of large electric vehicles entering the market, including three-row SUVs and workhorse pickups such as the Tesla Cybertruck. But with heavy high-voltage batteries affecting weight, range, and towing performance, big EVs are not always the simplest answer for long-distance hauling, leaving room for a good old diesel powertrain.

In a recent press release, General Motors’ Duramax Assistant Chief Design Engineer John Barta highlighted the driving characteristics of the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine. While EVs are known for instant torque, the Duramax delivers strong low-end torque at low rpm, improving towing and hauling capability without requiring much effort.

“We get 95 percent of the maximum torque at 1500 rpm, without the engine screaming, without high rpms. It feels great. It’s great for driving around town without having to race the engine from Point A to Point B,” Barta said.

Still Doing the Heavy Lifting

The Duramax inline-six delivers 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque, edging out the optional 6.2-liter V8's 460 lb-ft figure. But with hybrids gaining momentum, diesels are no longer as relevant as they once were, especially in the U.S., where they are now largely limited to truck-based vehicles. Still, the Duramax is equipped with an exhaust gas recirculation system designed to help reduce emissions.

In addition to strong low-end torque, the Duramax also offers competitive range. The 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe 2WD equipped with the engine returns an EPA-estimated 624 miles of highway range. By comparison, the Silverado EV offers up to 493 miles of EPA-estimated range, the longest of any electric truck in the U.S. market. What this translates to in practice is fewer fuel stops on long drives, while many EVs still require more time plugged in at a charging station.

“This engine is great for anyone who has a moderate-sized RV or another similar trailer, or someone who likes to take road trips,” the GM executive said.

Diesel Stays in Play

The 3.0-liter Duramax is available across several GM models, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Tahoe, and Suburban, as well as the GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL.

Reports suggest that the next-generation Silverado and Sierra, which could start production in October 2026, may carry an updated version of the Duramax engine, reflecting GM’s continued investment in diesel powertrains amid the industry’s broader shift toward electrification.