Those looking for a full-size pickup are often concerned about power and performance. Accordingly, putting four-cylinder engines in larger trucks is not something that automakers have explored much-until now that is. The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 now comes with a four-cylinder engine, and as MotorTrend reports, the results have been rather surprising. Here’s what you can expect.

About the engine on the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Chevy has placed a 2.7 liter, 310 hp engine in its latest Silverado, and this improved motor is already turning heads. Capable of 348 lb.-ft. of torque and 310 hp, MotorTrend claims that you will not have to work this engine hard in order to get a response. The motor also operates very quietly, producing very little noise that is noticeable inside the cabin.

The four-cylinder engine is not only responsive, but it also allows the pickup to operate very smoothly. As MotorTrend’s researchers noted “the engine stop/start system is relatively smooth, and you never want for more power. They stated that “you may miss the traditional sound of a naturally aspirated V-8, but that’s about it.”

Speed test results

The four-cylinder engine is every bit as powerful as the truck’s V6 engine, and is capable of going from zero to 60 mph in a mere 7.1 seconds. This makes it faster than both the Ford F-150 and the Ram 1500, both of which are equipped with V6 engines.

Hauling and towing capabilities

Smooth operation and quick acceleration are important; however, what many truck owners are concerned with is hauling and towing capabilities. Surprisingly enough, this is another area in which the Silverado’s four-cylinder engine does not disappoint.

The four-cylinder motor is capable of towing between 6,600 and 7,000 pounds. This is significantly less than the V-8 engine’s 9,400 to 11,600 pounds. However, unless you routinely haul loads that heavy, you may be better off going with the 2.7-liter engine instead.

According to features editor Scott Evans “this thing pulls like there’s nothing there.” He made those remarks after driving the four-cylinder Silverado while also towing a 4,000-pound trailer. Evans went on to say that “anyone who says this engine doesn’t belong in a truck can shut up.”

Will the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have better fuel economy?

A major advantage of any four-cylinder engine is fuel economy. So how does the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500’s 2.7-liter engine stack up? With this motor, you can expect to get around 22 mpg in the city or 23 mpg on the highway.

That’s still slightly less than the Ram 1500, which can get up to 25 mpg on the highway. At the same time, it’s a marked improvement over the Silverado’s V-6 engine, which is rated for 19 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.

Available trim models

Now that we have determined that the Silverado’s four-cylinder engine is highly capable, you may be wondering which trim models offer it. Thus far, Chevy has made it available on its Custom, LT, RST, and WT versions. On the WT and Custom, you can opt for a premium turbo-four engine that will set you back an additional $1,000 on average. With the RST or LT trims, you can expect to pay nearly $1,400 for the four-cylinder option.

Breaking the mold

By offering its improved four-cylinder engine on the 2020 Silverado, Chevy is tearing down the notion that these motors do not belong in large pickups. Thus far, the truck’s 2.7-liter engine has surprised a good number of people with its striking balance of ruggedness and smooth handling.

If four-cylinder engines can satisfy drivers of full-size trucks such as the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, it will not be long until other automakers begin offering them as well.