2020 Silverado 1500 2.7 Turbo I4, MPG loop and driving impressions 

I would love to hear how it does. For 2021 they have upped the tow rating so even if you wanted to tow something a little bigger your truck can probably do it. I have super impressed with the diesel like torque of that motor and would love to do more testing on one but just can't justify a 2nd truck in my yard, at least not right now... Please keep me posted.

how did it do?

Please do a video I can’t find any owner reviews on the 2.7 GM

It’s an amazing pickup. We have one at work and all the guy’s are always hogging it up because it such a smooth and powerful ride. Our previous one was a Silverado, a 2013 with the 4.3, while it was a comfortable truck it just didn’t have the power or gas mileage of the 2020 2.7 Silverado. Chevy made a great motor. D

Great to hear. I was pretty impressed with that one and I had another one as a loaner while they update the software on my truck. I would still love to get one for a long term test and put it's power to a test towing some of my trailers... I'm pretty sure it would do really well.

That was my thought about them, I would love a truck as a daily but don’t need it to be anything crazy and like you said dealers are practically giving them away since nobody wants them. They had a base extended cab rwd for $22k

I do not know if they are "giving" them away even now. I test drove the Sierra version today. It was strange to have a delay in a truck-not going to lie. I liked the V6 Ram better but it comes down to price for me.

@@brianfinn7644 those are both nice. I would take GMC over dodge due to exterior look, but the dodge interior is very nice.

​@@dylanramos7691 today 12/21 those truck 4x4 crew cab 2022 goes for msrp 43k but being the end of the year they go for about 39k I'm not sure to buy it or not

You got *28 mpg's?*

Is Chevrolet still a good vehicle? I keep hearing they're falling behind ford and dodge, just wondering

Well that is a difficult question to answer. The last 2 years have been hard for every manufacturer. The Chevy has had a more traditional interior when compared to the other two but this year the LT and higher trims have a much nicer interior, I think it beats both of the other two. As for reliability, the 2.7 and the 3.0 Diesel have had pretty good reliability, some early wire harness issues but I think those have been fixed. Then there is the 6.2 and the 5.3, they have had lifter issues, higher on the 5.3 than the 6.2. I have an order in for a 2023 with the LZ0 Duramax and the max tow package. It will have the new interior so I'll post videos when it comes in. Thanks for the question.

@@CJIEngineering thanks a million for the response, I think you're right I've been looking for awhile but it's tough to pay as much as they are going for. I've always been a traditional v8 guy but I'm intrigued by the smaller turbo charged engines, not really worried about the reliability I would definitely take care of it, just trying to decide if I would go with a 2.7,because it doesn't seem like the mpg is much better than the v8.if it was like 5 mpg better I'd definitely get that but if it's around the same I'd probably just go v8 but who knows I'm just still researching. Again many thanks for your response it's definitely appreciated and helpful 👍

Thank you for the great feedback. I have a similar gut feeling. If it were not for the towing this would have been a great truck if you like torque. Thanks for watching.

I've owned one for ten months and love mine also. It can tow more than its rating just make sure you use a load leveling anti sway bar setup because the front end is on the light side.

GM recently raised the tow limit to 9700 ibs

@@SkippyPB. I Don't think my 2020 would have towed 9700 Lbs.

The 4cylinder may only get 22mpg hwy but its overall combined average is 3mpg better than the 5.3l. This is due to 3mpg higher city mpg. Other tests have shown the 2.7L getting 24mpg hwy(TFLT). That might not seem like much but over 100,000 miles that saves close to $3000 in fuel. Don't forget the 5.3L is a $1300 option and the 6.2L close to $3000. Driving the 2.7L feels stronger down low than the 5.3L, because it is. The 2.7L has 348lb-ft of torque from 1500-4000rpm, the 5.3L makes 383lb-ft @ 4000rpm.

​@@hogrod The 6.2 costs even more then that if your not planning on buying an SLT or LTZ trim. 1-3 mpg of difference is not enough to pass on a real V8. What the 6.2 can do is power and mpg wise is amazing. The capability extends far beyond what the 2.7 can do, that more than outweighs the 10-20$ a month that maybe you save. With the 3.0 duramax killing it on fuel economy, i see no point in this turbo. If i was a fleet buyer i'd rather have the 4.3 non turbo, you know it will be less trouble in the life of the truck than a turbo. Your average half ton buyer is going to put some big off road tires on and the 2.7 will be in boost even more often and return even worse mpg than the V8.

@@darens440 yeah but the at least 10k upfront savings is quite huge. Most people do not need a V8 or even a V6 and 20 bucks is 20 bucks. Though it's sad that the payload is about the same as a Colorado...

Thank you for the comment. I have spent; time over in Europe and appreciate the curious manner that they respect both staying right and also signals at intersections. I did a test drive of a 2022 with the High Output 2.7, updated 8 speed transmission and new interior, it was about LT. The updated transmission is smoother and the extra power is nice. I would love to own one but you still can't get that setup in the upper trim levels with a few extra options that I like...

I have a mini excavator that weighs 6500 lbs and the trailer weighs 2400 plus other stuff I throw on the trailer. I tow it with a 2018 F-250 powerstroke. Lately I’ve been wanting a truck like this for mpg purposes. Do you think I can tow this weight safely with a 2.7 turbo half a ton truck?

@ZR1Terror, the Silverado for 2023 has a tow rating of at least 9,000lbs, some configurations are a little higher. I'm personally willing to go up to that number with my own truck. This is a little different than several others on RU-vid that say you should always have a super big truck... I know that GM does test their trucks with a factor of safety over the published values, that is why I'm willing to run right up to that number. I'm pretty sure your powerstroke will get better mileage towing that set up since it's Diesel but the 2.7 will probably get better mileage not towing... Thanks for the question and let me know what you decide to do.

I agree, if you live in the hills the little turbo is going to keep you from loosing too much performance. Short trips is a little bit of a toss up in my book. Gas engines need to warm up to get the water out of them, diesels don't produce the water during combustion. Short trips are hard on both but I'm with you, I prefer the diesel. I would love to tow with the 2.7T but to do that I would need to buy/lease one... Unless someone from GM is watching my channel and wants to get me one to do additional reviews on :) Thanks for watching and commenting.

The mileage will be the same on the TurboMax. I purchased a Colorado with the L3B an I'm getting an average of 20.6 over the last 13750 miles. Some towing it there, without that it would be over 22mpg. Thanks for asking and watching.

Actually the 3.6L V6 would be better

I'm see what I can do to get my hands on one. Thanks for watching and commenting.

The ford engine is optional and cost $1000, almost as much as the 5.3L option. It makes more power than the chevy engine and had a much higher tow rating. It's more comparable to the 5.3L. Since the 2.7L chevy is the standard engine it would be best compared to the standard NA v6 engines ford and dodge offer.

Don't forget the 2.7 is designed to run on 87 octane, ecoboost engines run on 87 but perform the stated output on 91 octane,so overall on 87 octane it will produce around the same hp/tq than the 4 cylinder. and 1 less turbo to replace if something goes wrong. Also i'm pretty sure this little 4 cylinder in that huge engine bay is easier to work on than an ecoboost.

@@ProbeGT2 I would take the Ecoboost with a 6cyl for a full size truck but your right, need to run the Ecoboost on 87 octane for a fair comparison. Most people run 87 anyways. Even on 87 the EB much stronger than the 4cyl Chevy.

@@ProbeGT2 The Ford EcoBoost engines require premium fuel when towing(see owners manual). Having owned 3 small turbo 4 cylinder cars that are factory tuned to run on 87 octane, all of them run much better on premium. More power and better mpg. Problem with running 87 octane in a turbo engine is it relys on the ecu and knock sensor to dial things back, which means it allows some knock to occur before that happens and over time it will shorten the life of the engine.

Thanks for the question. I actually own a 3.0l Duramax Silverado LTZ but if the 2.7l was available in that package, LTZ, it would have been my 1st choice for a gasoline engine. GM has increased the tow rating on 2021 truck with he engine so they are almost the same as the 5.3. For 2022 the 4.3 and the AFM 5.3 will be dropped and the 2.7 will be the base engine so there will be a lot more available. I have really liked the way the couple of them have drove so I don't think you will go wrong with one plus it will do better than the 5.3 in the mountains due to the turbo charger :).

Thanks Chad, well said..ill keep watching

Congratulations on the trailer. It's funny you mention this campground, it is the road that I turn around at during the mpg loop but I have never said there, if fact I didn't even know about it. Let me know what you think about it. I have stayed at the KOA in Port Huron, that place is great and always busy. Thanks for the question.

@@CJIEngineering I will let you know about Ft Trodd. That is very funny indeed. It's been 20 years since I've stayed at that KOA but it was fun then and very busy. I hope I get 7mpg towing. Lol. My buddy pulls a 5800lbs TT with his CC 2.7 ecoboost and he said he only got 7.

I'm a diesel guy. I have had a V8, I4 and now the I6. The I6 has the sound that I like the most, and can you say smooth... Thank for commenting and watching.

Chrispy841 the 4 banger makes more power then v8’s did 10 years ago lol, and is basic bolt ons away from 400+ hp/torque

What size trailer are you towing? I have a camper that grosses around 5400lbs. Wonder how it would do. Reviews are pretty good so far.

Andrew Seamans a U-Haul 6x6 with about 1000lbs inside nothing major. Not planning on ever going over 5000lbs ever

Jesse, thanks for the information. I'll check out your video. I really would like to own one of these to put it through a full set of tests like I have been doing with the Duramax. They have all impressed me, I had one for a few days as a loaner. Love the torque it has but would like the 10 speed instead.

@@CJIEngineering Seriously enjoy your in-depth reviews, their awesome man. Truly appreciate your time into this. I leased for 3 yrs. Wasn't sure since its a new engine and a great deal. I do see buying the Duramax. If not much has changed in 3 years, News for 2021the Duramax will only be an additional $900 upgrade and higher towing. The 2.7 for 2021 will be able to tow (9000 Lbs) from the 4X2 now at 7000 Lbs.

I really question the rating that has been given to this truck. The way it drove I really think it could tow my trailer but can't do it because of the 2020 tow ratings that have been assigned by the factory. I have a feeling that they will move the tow rating up in future model years. There is a really good chance the rating is limited by cooling capability that gets taxed on the Davis Dam test at 120F, nothing that I'll ever see around me. Thanks for the commententing and for watching.

I would like to wait to answer your question until I have a chance to drive the 5.3 with the 8 speed. That would be available in the same level of truck and it has the DFM system on it. I'll see if I can get one of them soon and see how it compares. Thanks for the question and stay tuned.

On the road view, the boost was the round gauge in the lower left hand corner of the phone screen. The title changes from Vacuum to Boost when it changes to boosting. Take a look again. Most of the east section was in Vacuum, West bound it was boosting 2psi. I have a 0-60mph that will show the "full" load boost at 800ft of elevation. Thank for commenting and watching.

What version of truck do you have with the 10-speed? Do you have the 6.2l V8? I am going to test one of those also. I don't believe the V8 engines have the same thermal management system, they only cool when the trans gets warm. Thanks for commenting and watching. Say tuned for more :)

@@CJIEngineering 6.2L with max trailering package.

I believe that the vast majority of people using trucks like this one would never even realize that low range is missing. For those of us that do know and would use it, we are out of luck, you can't even add it with this powertain option at least for 2019 & 2020 :(. I'm also amazed with the number of versions you can get in this generation of trucks and that it always seems like they push me into a much more expensive version just to get 1 or 2 options that I really want to have like the power passenger seat and leather wrapped steering wheel, (my 2002 had both of those in LS trim with cloth and a bench). The other really useful options like the advanced trailer package moves you all the way up to LTZ or High Country and forces you into leather and buckets. I don't get it but it worked, that's what I'm driving now and I do really like it, just not the payment. Thanks for watching and commenting.

Most of the people won't even use 4 wheel drive. They'll stick it in Auto and forget it.

Real trucks have a 2 speed transfer case... I can’t believe that you don’t get one with every single 4 wd full size pickup.

@@JohnDiMartino real men don't cry right? Smh

No disrespect intended. I’m honestly wondering cause I’m about to buy a Silverado I just don’t know what engine I’ll be going with yet. Any help would be great.

Thank you for the questions. So the reason that I was super interested in trying out this truck was due to the super flat torque curve that this motor has from 1,500-4,000 RPM (348 ft*lbs), the 5.3 doesn't get to that level till 3,500 RPM and does peak at 383 ft*lbs at 4,100 RPM. I like to drive vehicles that have torque, staying in the lower RPM range while you drive, much like diesel engines do. This also means while towing the 2.7l can be running below 3,500 RPM while the 5.3 will be at or above 3,500 RPM to get the same amount of power. One disadvantages of this motor is that it only comes with the 8-speed, the 10-speed is a superior transmission, super smooth shifts and wider gearing span. My suggestion is that you drive one and compare because some 5.3 also come with the 8-speed so that becomes a wash. I expect that if you just floor it the 5.3 does sound better and will feel quicker but for normal driving the 2.7 will give you better overall mixed driving fuel economy but still be a very nice drive. I am hoping to be able to do a comparison of the 5.3 and 2.7 towing in the not to distant future. My expectation is that what I stated above will be shown on a video using the same trailer/speed. I own a 3.0l Duramax truck but this engine would be my 2nd choice if I could get it in the LTZ with the Z71 package, that isn't available as of today.... Please let me know what you think and decide to do.

Realistically you'll get much higher MPG in real world travels, I daily my 2021 2.7 silverado and easily get 25+ MPG, people may complain about a 4 banger in a full size truck, but I'm impressed so far

31 im pretty sure.

Your correct, 31mpg was what I was able to get on a perfect day, very light winds, running summer fuel and keeping the speed at 70mph. If I were to take a long road trip with my normal driving habits I would probably be closer to the rated 29mpg. This truck I'm thinking would be closer to 20mpg for me. Still good but nothing beats the Duramax. Thanks for the question and for watching.

This truck still surprised me with the "truck" feel, the torque was great and I like the turbo whistle. Don't get me wrong I like the sound of a V8 also but there is something about the turbo that makes it a better option. I'll be doing some of the other trucks coming up so stay tuned. Thanks for commenting and watching.

It tows 6,600lbs. That covers most freshwater boats, ATV and motorcycle trailers, small campers, etc. Or great for a slide in pickup camper.

try doing the posted speed limits

I could have leased this truck for $332.55 month for 36months 15,000miles/year. The first payment was $1,215.19, for plates and other upfront fees. And the buy price, again for me, was $36,180 + tax and plates. I think that is a great lease price and a fair purchase price. As for the interior, it's a truck and I wouldn't worry about having the dogs jump in or getting it dusty on the farm. It's also a safe interior, updated from the 2018 truck but not too much. Thanks for commenting and watching.

I think it looks good, if you want a pavement princess truck get the ram limited, my lt trailboss is amazing and i dont mind if it gets dirty from normal use. If i had the ram limited i would mind a little bit more.

Oh you’re the guy that wants a luxury truck and I think this 4 banger comes with a turbo

I'm getting about 30% better mileage than a 5.3 or for sure 6.2 gas, so if gasoline is more than $4.649/gallon then my $/mile is still better even at $6.00/gallon :). There is only one other motor I would consider and that's the 2.7 because it has that low end torque I love but would still be more $s to drive. Thanks for commenting.

Sir Sweetness and your duramax costs how much? Also how much is it to replace/rebuild injectors or even do an oil change? General maintenance costs? The guys who buy the 2.7t aren’t towing anything bigger then a boat or sled trailer on the weekend, and just drive it to work during the week, they don’t need a diesel. Most people don’t need a diesel. This is a great option for that guy... When it comes to towing brakes are more important then power. This truck makes more power then v8’s 10 years ago did lol, and I’m willing to bet a tune and minor breather mods will put this truck at 400+ hp/torque...

cutlassttop the 5.3 didn’t come in the 3/4 ton in 2017 lol, 6.0L gas job or a 6.6 duramax

Thanks for watching and commenting. I would also guess that it should get better as it gets a few more miles on it. I know someone with an engine that is a relative to this one. I'll see how that one performs over some higher mileage and post back.

Good luck even getting Elon's aluminum space vehicle. The cost of it will make 20mpg fuel expense pale in comparison. Or did you really want a 7000 pound truck?

Sorry about that, my local dealer has not had any in stock since the big GM strike. As soon as one becomes available I'll be taking it on a mpg look. Thank for watching and commenting. Stay tuned.

that v6 you are weary about has been in use in full size silverado's has been around since the early 90s if not longer

Can you tell me a little bit about how you tow? What speed you typically run is really the critical number. With my 3.0 Duramax I'm able to get 13-14mpg towing at 65mph on the highway with a ~7,400 lb Cougar 27RES. It is a full hight camper so I have to push a little bit of air out of the way. If I were down at 60mph, the math says I would be 15.3-16.4mpg. I would also fair to say that your 97 7.3 weighs about the same as my Silverado Crew 4x4 3.0. Without me in the truck it is about 5,580lbs, but man is it packed with a lot of fun stuff... I had a 2.8 Duramax Colorado that I traded for the 3.0 Duramax Silverado. The main reason was I was pushing the capacity of the 2.8 and we wanted more room in the cab, but I really loved that little truck. I have a few video on both of them, check them out if you have some time to burn. Thanks for watching and commenting.

Chad Ivan With my 7.3 I tow at 62 mph at right around 1600-1700 RPM the truck has 180K original miles I do have a TS chip installed, however that is more for firming the shifts and to hold 4th gear so overdrive doesn’t row in and out. I have extra gauges for trans temp and pyrometer I use Michelin tires as well. Your absolutely correct speed pays a large part in towing 65 is a perfect speed, but if your driving 70-75!like I see people doing, no your not going to achieve good mileage. I hope I gave you enough information I’ll gladly share more if there’s more you’d like to know.

I have a 2010 5.3 with the max tow package and only have 3.42 gears, never have I ever achieved greater than 18 on the highway at 70mph.

Yes it does. You can run premium and you might get a tinny bump in performance but it's not required. Thanks for the question and for watching.

I have performed the loop with the 3.0 Duramax and even had a Regen during the loop. Check out the video here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-0AZFTrcYlCs.html If you wanted the new 6.6 with the 10 speed, it's on my list but winter mpg in the north is always lower than with a summer blend. We mix #1 and #2 together to keep it from gelling from December till March. Thanks for watching and commenting.

For longevity v8 is the option for any truck any turbo engine will never out last an NA ever

I'll need to try out some other brands and see if Shell or Mobil does any better. I haven't driven the 2.7l Ecoboost yet but from the spec sheet it does seem pretty impressive. I'm going to see if I can find the torque curve and add it to a Torque comparison sheet I've been working on. Probably going to do a video on that in the future. Thanks for commenting and watching.

It has a variable displacement oil pump, the pressure increases when the truck it under load and needs more oil. This is done on a lot of modern engines as a way to improve efficiency. I think I'll add that to my list of videos for the future. Thanks for the compliment and for watching.

I could have leased this truck for $332.55 month for 36months 15,000miles/year. The first payment was $1,215.19, for plates and other upfront fees. And the buy price, again for me, was $36,180 + tax and plates. I think that is a great lease price and a fair purchase price. Thanks for commenting and watching.

Your getting more then an engine 🤦‍♂️

G Blanchard idk if you know how expensive trucks are lol....

Bought just a week ago due to covid and I got it for 38k all said and done adding a warranty package to it. But the initial price was 35k. Lol time to buy is now

@@CJIEngineering Bought this truck new with 5 miles on it today for 29,500. It took me walking out and them chasing me down in the parking lot but they didn't want to give up the sale after 2 hours of dealing.

that's ignorant

Kaulin, I have driving several of these trucks and in 2021 the tow rating has been bumped up to a very similar level as the 3.0l Duramax. Do I think this truck can tow as much as the diesel, no way. Do I think it will last as long as the Duramax, no way. But if the 3.0 Duramax had not come out, I was afraid this was going to be another 4.5l Duramax tease.... I would have purchased the 2.7l. It has diesel like torque down low and has a lot of the technology that is in the 2.8l Duramax. Stays low in the RPM range and after a second round of validation it an tow a good amount. Thanks for subscribing and the question. Let me know if there is any questions you have on the 3.0l Duramax. I have an interview scheduled with a GM Engineer that will take place between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

@@CJIEngineering I really appreciate your comments. I acknowledge it is a capable engine in a half ton truck. However, the 5.3l v8 has better highway fuel economy, has more horsepower and torque, and is rated to tow more than the 2.7 turbo. If this small turbo engine doesn't get significantly better fuel economy to compensate for the lowered capacity, I have no motivation to buy a truck powered by it.

you are embarrassing yourself.

Your 6.0L only has 380lb-ft of torque @ 4200rpm backed by either a 4 or 6 speed auto. The new 2.7T has 348lb-ft of torque from 1500-4000rpm and is backed by an 8 speed auto. You might be pleasantly suprised how good the 2.7T is. MPG wise there's no comparison, solo your looking at 6-8mpg higher with the 2.7T and both drink fuel like it's going out of style under heavy load. You may not realize the 6.0L was finally replaced this year with the all new 6.6L gas engine. 401hp 464torque vs 360hp/380torque for the 6.0L. The 6.0L has been kinda a joke for the last 5 years since the 1500 5.3L makes similar horsepower and torque(355hp and 383torque). Thank God after 20 years GM updated/replaced it.

@@hogrod 4 cylinder in a full size is stupid I dont care what the numbers say

@@censored1360 Can't argue with that logic, you go right ahead and waste your money on fuel just to say you got a V8. Now I can understand if you needed the higher tow rating but to dismiss a great standard engine because it's a 4 cylinder is moronic. Compare the 2.7T to the standard non turbo V6 engines offered by ford and dodge and you'll see how trully great this engine is. Fuel cost might not seem like much but the range difference from the 2.7T and say your 6.0L your talking $40 extra dollars a fillup to make up the difference. That's over $8000 in fuel savings over 100,000 miles. Now a modern 17 mode active fuel management 5.3L won't drink fuel like the 6.0L but your still looking at over $3000 in fuel saving over 100k miles.

@@hogrod I tow a lot in the mountains...sorry that 4 banger doesnt have the power for that. You probably are one of those who doesnt use a pick up truck to do truck things and just drive around town

@@censored1360 check out the towing test below. The 2.7T has more low end torque than the 5.3L which is what pulls mountains with ease. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-cSxBKR___Sg.html

All stock ? I have never seen that with my truck ...

@@MrSprintcat yes all stock. Multiple 24 MPG averarge I even have pictures of 26 MPG averarge. My BEST MPG says 30.3..

@@philllsxga.7737 Look, we have another keyboard engineer here.

Depends on what you are using it for Dicky. Sounds like your masculinity is hurt by the thought of someone getting good mileage.

@@tomsriv, buy a Prius, wussie.

I think people should but whatever they want, want to go with v8 go right ahead, wagtail to go with this 2.7l go right ahead, why do u care?

@@triggerboy85v59, buy a 4 cylinder. I don't care. It's your doodad.

@@youarerightboss what about a motorcycle?

That thing is butt ugly, wouldn't care if got 40mpg, it's just fricken hideous