There are plenty of reasons to buy a pickup equipped with a diesel engine. More often than not, a pickup truck with a diesel engine under its hood will be more fuel-efficient and able to tow a reasonable amount. But when it comes to a truck like the Chevy Silverado, can it actually be had with a diesel engine under the hood? Let’s find out.

The Chevy Silverado offers no shortage of engine options

There’s no getting around it. When it comes to what’s under the hood, the Chevy Silverado offers the luxury of choice. There really is no shortage of engine options to choose from, either. In fact, you can have this year’s new Chevy Silverado with several different engine and transmission options.  

As for what those engine options include? First, let’s talk about the Silverado’s standard 4.3-liter V6. Teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission, it boasts a full 285-hp and 305 lb.-ft. of torque to its name. Suppose that doesn’t quite do it for you. In that case, this year’s model is also available with your pick of a 2.7-liter turbo engine or a 5.3-liter V8 engine that comes paired with either an eight-speed automatic or 10-speed automatic transmission. It’s also available with a 6.2-liter V8 engine or a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel engine that comes paired with a 10-speed automatic.

The inside scoop on the Chevy Silverado’s diesel engine

If you didn’t quite catch it, the Silverado’s long list of available engine options does, in fact, include a diesel engine. Available on Silverado LT, RST, LTZ, and High Country models, this Duramax 3.0-liter turbo-diesel engine comes mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission and is rated at 277-hp and 460 pound-feet of torque. 

According to Cars.com, the Silverado’s available diesel engine is pretty impressive too. As Cars.com explains, “The Silverado 1500’s available diesel engine is an impressive performer, delivering smooth power that moves the truck with ease.” Cars.com added, “While diesels have a reputation for being loud and unrefined, the Silverado’s diesel engine is nothing like that.” All in all, Cars.com reports, “it’s as smooth as a gas engine in everyday driving.” 

A smooth driving experience isn’t all that the Chevy Silverado diesel has going for it, either. This diesel engine also gives the Chevy Silverado a maximum towing capacity of up to 9,500-lbs. And while that’s not Silverado’s max tow rating, it is still pretty impressive.

How fuel-efficient is the Chevy Silverado’s diesel engine?

Now, the Silverado’s available diesel engine has more to offer than a quiet ride and impressive towing capabilities. According to the EPA, it’s also pretty fuel-efficient. In fact, the EPA reports that you can expect this year’s model to deliver an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

Is this a diesel pickup worth checking out?

If you’re shopping for a diesel-powered truck, the Chevy Silverado makes for a fine enough pick. But to really find out if this year’s model is the right fit for you? That’s going to take a test drive.