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The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers four distinct engines, each built for specific jobs and requirements. Whether you're hauling heavy loads across the Dallas-Fort Worth area or taking your boat to Lake Texoma over the weekend, the 2026 Silverado can handle it. In this guide from our team at Huffines Chevrolet Plano, we compare engine options and towing capacity to help you decide which Silverado configuration will best suit your needs.
2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Engine Options
Chevrolet has maintained its successful formula for 2026 by offering the same four powerplants from last year's lineup. These include the gutsy 2.7L TurboMax four-cylinder, the reliable 5.3L V-8, the powerful 6.2L V-8, and the unique 3.0L Duramax diesel. This variety allows you to choose what suits your budget and your workload.
The base TurboMax isn't your typical starter engine, as it generates class-leading torque. Chevrolet's ace-in-the-hole is the Duramax diesel, which is the only diesel engine in this weight class for 2026.
2.7L TurboMax Four-Cylinder Engine
The TurboMax generates 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It's standard in the WT, Custom, LT, and Trail Boss trims. Chevrolet calls it its base engine, knowing it can outmuscle some competitors' V-6s and V-8s.
The standard setup pulls up to 9,500 pounds easily, but add four-wheel drive (4WD) and the proper trailer equipment, and you're looking at a maximum towing capacity of 13,200 pounds. The maximum payload capacity is 2,020 pounds, depending on cab configuration. Fuel economy is EPA-estimated at 18 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway for two-wheel drive (2WD), and 16 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway for 4WD.
5.3L EcoTec3 V-8 Engine
The 5.3L is Chevrolet's popular V-8. It produces 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque and is mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Its cylinder deactivation system shuts down cylinders when you're just cruising to save gas. Real-time testing shows it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6.1 seconds, quick enough to easily merge onto I-635.
Most configurations have a towing capacity of 11,300 pounds when properly equipped, which is what 90% of truck owners need. Pushed to the limit, the Double Cab configuration can tow up to 11,600 pounds, and the Crew Cab up to 11,800 pounds. EPA estimates are 16 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway, and 18 mpg combined for 2WD.
6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 Engine
The powerful 6.2L V-8 delivers 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque and comes in the RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, ZR2, and High Country trims. Real-time testing on the High Country with this engine achieved a 0-to-60 mph sprint time of just 5.4 seconds.
This engine gives the Silverado a maximum towing capacity of 13,300 pounds, making it one of the strongest gas half-tons available. The Crew Cab equipped with the 6.2L has impressive pulling power for boats, RVs, horse trailers, and whatever else you're dragging across Texas. It has a higher fuel consumption, with an EPA-estimated 19 mpg on the highway, compared to its smaller siblings, but that's the trade-off for all that power.
3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel Engine
For diesel fans, the 3.0L Duramax generates 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque, making it the highest torque in any half-ton pickup. The engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission for butter-smooth shifts. It comes standard on the off-road ZR2 and is optional on the Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country.
When properly equipped, the Duramax has a towing capacity of 13,300 pounds, matching the 6.2L gas V-8. Fuel economy is the diesel's advantage. Chevrolet claims best-in-class at 28 mpg on the highway. EPA estimates are 23 in the city and 25 mpg combined. When considering long Texas drives, this engine is the obvious choice.
Max Trailering Package and Towing Equipment
The maximum towing capacity of the Silverado 1500 is 13,300 pounds, but to achieve this figure, your truck must be equipped with the Max Trailering Package. This package includes heavier duty rear springs, an enhanced cooling radiator, and an integrated trailer brake controller.
Chevrolet's trailering technology makes towing easier than ever. Its camera system includes eight cameras with up to 14 views, making hitching, driving, and reversing almost foolproof. The transparent trailer view allows you to see through your rig, while the Trailer Side Blind Zone Alerts let you know when a vehicle is approaching on your blind side.
The trailer sway control system automatically applies the brakes when your trailer starts jumping, and hill-start assist prevents rollback on slopes. Chevrolet's In-Vehicle Trailering app allows you to save a custom trailer setup that lets you monitor tire pressure, predeparture safety lists, and more. The hitch guidance system with an auto-electric parking brake is a game-changer for stressful situations.
Experience the Power and Capability at Huffines Chevrolet Plano
If you're undecided about which Chevrolet Silverado 1500 suits your work and lifestyle, we're eager to help. Visit our dealership or contact us today to arrange a test-drive of your preferred pickup. Our experienced sales team understands the demands of Texas trucking and can assist you in finding the right Silverado 1500 configuration for your needs. Bring along your questions, towing specs, and wish list so we can explore the options together and get you into your ideal 2026 Silverado 1500.