How Does the New 4-Cylinder Chevy Silverado Tow a Max Load Up the World's Toughest Towing Test? 

They should have put that engine in the Colorado

LOL! Most of the guys I work with should trade in there $70k 3/4 ton trucks for one of these. All they ever haul is there lunch boxes anyhow.

There are a lot of backyard engine guys here. Not many people like me, a certified mechanic with decades of experience. I am going to squash a bug right now!! A lot of people are complaining that a 4 cylinder engine will not last. Okay..... Let's get past this stigma about 4 cylinder engines. 4 cylinder engines that have failed in the past were anywhere from 1.3L to 2.5L from different manufacturers. They were tiny to mid-sized. They were mostly naturally aspirated. Those that weren't peaked at 230hp. And a little less torque. As a mechanic I promise I have rebuilt and repaired a lot more V6 and V8 engines than any inline. Whether it be a 4 cylinder or up to an 8 cylinder (inline). The 2.7L inline is *NOT* a tiny engine. Guys who compare 4 to 8 and *ASSUME* 8 being a bigger number means a bigger engine should go back to school. More pistons doesn't mean bigger engine. There are 4.0L V8's and they are smaller than a 2.5L 4 cylinder in every way. Take for instance bore and stroke. The 4.8L GM has a B&S of 3.78x3.268" and the 5.3L has a B&S of 3.78x3.622". The 2.7L has a B&S of 3.63 x 4.01". That is a much deeper stroke and makes up for the diameter and lack of 4 additional cylinders. And *BARELY* smaller piston. The 5.3 dimensions are: 28.25x28.75x24.75". The 2.7 dimensions are: 26.2x25.3x25.8". So the ONLY difference in engineering that will matter on operation is the V8 has 4 more cylinders. However it should be stated that there is a lot more strain and stress when you have two directions of trajectory momentum jerking on the crankshaft, bearings and seals and much more. One other example of engineering issues that arises: It over 30 years I have never had to replace the engine mounts on an inline engine. I even worked on vehicles going back to the 50s and having original engine mounts. But I have replaced engine mounts on every V engine I have ever owned. That is a momentum issue. That is a balance issue. That demonstrates perfectly, that more Pistons does not equal better. That is such a redneck under-educated assumption.

Update on engine reliability: I bought a 2019 GMC Sierra SLE with the 2.7 inNovember of 2019. I got a incredible deal because it was on the lot and the dealer said they were having trouble selling the engine. About 50k of miles on it now… and it’s a beast. Not a single engine issue and I push it hard and have maxed the payload multiple times. I not surprised the refresh pushed the torque rating over 400lbs, because the 2.7 generates tons of torque at low RPMs. My only concern is the 8-speed. I am not a huge fan of it, compared to the 10s. I wish there were manuals in half size trucks😔. I would buy this engine again. What GM needs to do is get this thing in AT4s /zr2s, and the colorado/canyons. The low RPM torque would make this thing an unstoppable off roader in the right configuration. Kudos to GM, they nailed this engine. And fuel efficiency is 21.8mpg

Almost love reading the comments more than watching the video. Chevy people hate Ford opinions, Ford people hate Chevy opinions. Great way to enjoy my morning cup of Joe.

I'm not paying $50,000 for a truck with half an engine

Did you all ever do a refresh update… the new 4 cylinder has 430 torque now with 9600 lb. towing. It’d be interesting to see!

I laughed at this configuration whet it came out and I have since change my mind about it. This based on a good friend purchasing one of these about 8 months ago as his daily work truck. He drives roughly 200 miles per day and he’s very happy with the power and the mileage is nearly double his diesel F250. The truck is the base model and he only paid 27k for the truck. Time will tell how long it last but for now it seems like a pretty good work truck.

$45,000 for a full size truck that can do the work of a mid-size truck? Chevy can keep them.

You guys sure pump out a ton of content. The Ike gauntlet of truck review channels!

$47,000 for a 4 cylinder pick up truck! I never thought I'd see the day!!😪🤣

Best thing about this Chevy is that the neighbor wont ask to borrow it anymore

They keep comparing it to what the V8 trucks and other half ton trucks have done... but we must remember those trucks all did these same tests with more weight on the trailer! So not surprising it took fewer brake applications and made a benchmark run.

Just imagine that engine in a smaller chevy truck like a chevy Colorado 👍

No thanks, I want the v8 no turbo. The 4 banger works its ass off to move that big truck and wont last 100k miles. The 5.3 or 6.2 doesn't even strain

I have a 2019 GMC sierra with the 2.7 engine, just turn 20,000km(12,427miles) and so far I'm really impress, best fuel economy I've seen is 8.1L/100km (29 us mpg). I towed a 6000 lbs camping trailer in the rockies foothills, cruise set at 105(65) and average fuel economy was 24L/100km(9.8 us mpg). I miss the sound of a v8 but otherwise the truck does what it's suppose to do. Not regretting my purchase. Time will tell!

It will be interesting to see how this 4 cylinder engine does long term. That's a lot of stress on a small 4 cylinder..

Can you please show us the footage of the truck getting up to speed? It seems like recently you guys hardly show the main cluster and that is one of the best parts. Don’t skip from when you floor it to when it hits 60, that’s one of the best parts of the video.

I'm going to wait and see on this one. My buddy bought a new ford with the 2.7 and I thought he was crazy till I drove it. Runs good and pull fine

The nice thing about the truck segment is that they always offer a lot of options. I’m a little skeptical of this configuration also. So I think if I was looking for a budget truck I would consider the 4.3 custom, because that engine is tried and true. However, here’s to looking ahead!😊

You know what is extremely annoying with these new pickup trucks? They don't have auto leveling headlights. So with the LED and Bi-Xenon headlights found in modern trucks - when towing the lights are pointing up to the sky blinding everyone. My Audi and jeep would adjust the beam when the rear was squatting. Wish we could see this kinda tech in pickup trucks. It makes no sense why they dont have it.

That exhaust note makes the ecoboosts sound beefy.

That engine in a small coupe would be interesting. But for my truck I will stick to my LS.

All these people talking crap about a 4cyl when this thing is putting out the power of a V8 from 10 years back. This is a LIGHT DUTY truck and excels at LIGHT DUTY tasks but doesn't break the bank for fuel when you're just using it as a daily driver 90% of the time. If you need something more heavy duty... then get it. If you need a big ole diesel or v8 and you don't use it to tow constantly or work heavy loads constantly and I'm not talking about half-payload crap. I love V8s too, nothing sounds like them or feels like them. Unfortunately they haven't been improved and updated as much as the 4 and 6 cyl engines due to low demand and rising fuel costs.

This is a strange beast. On one hand it will be more stable towing that load than a ranger or colorado. It will be more roomy inside. Gets pretty good MPG. Probably still tows a car on a open trailer just fine. The midsize pickups only have parking as a real advantage now. This ticks a lot of boxes for a guy who just has average DIY projects and family life.

That lil engine will go KaBoom 💥just out of warranty period!

So, my 1998.5 Dodge 2500 Cummins Diesel (5-speed manual) pulls that weight up the Ike all the time, gets almost triple the fuel mileage on the pull, and never breaks 2,000 RPM, still running like new after 300,000 hard miles. I'm glad to see there's been progress over the last 21 years.

I'm a fan of "The little engine that could". Perfect for commuting and has the capability to pull a load when you need it.

I thought so lol thanks for the vid TFL. You rock!

outstanding review professor Andre and Mr. truck.

After watching the video with the engineer and seeing just how well it's built, I think this will prove to be a hell of a good engine. I hope it finds it's way into crossovers, tahoes and Colorados. I sincerely hope it isn't killed by low sales in $50-60k full size pickups with mid size tow ratings.

I like the new editing with the insight. Good job guys. Keep up the good work

$50,000 for a 4cyl isn’t a big price tag ? 😳

In 1991 the tbi 350 put out 210 hp and 250 ft lb. This 4cyl turbo puts out 310 hp and 348 ft lb. That is pretty impressive.

Ok, I just drove the V-8 and 4 banger back to back today. The V-8 was an extended cab and the 4 cylinder was a crew cab. I was pleasantly surprised at the 4 cylinder truck. It felt very peppy and nimble. The V-8 truck felt “lumbering” and slow to get moving. And the thought of 19 MPG in the city is pretty appealing. Personally, I’m not quite throwing it out yet. I’d consider since I won’t be towing anything major. I’ve already owned a 33 foot travel trailer with an F250 PowerStroke and I’m done with that stuff. If anything, might need to tow a 5k cargo trailer. Anymore thank that, get someone else to tow it.

TFL- you guys need to re-do this with the upgraded HO 2.7

Awesome! I’d love to see the longer mpg loop towing as well. I was very skeptical about this 4 cylinder but wow, so far it performs.

I've got the 2020 Silverado 1500 LT. Also was talked into the 4 cylinder option. It's able to tow my 26' boat and trailer with ease. To be honest, it's not bad at all. I like V8, but my opinion on 4 cyl has changed completely after this.

I have a suggestion for your Max Towing test: do it during the summer, when you have the stress of the heat on the vehicle as well.

it never ceases to amaze me that we have all kinds of cars and suvs but the trucks they don't strive to be the more sporty truck, or the most economical, or get the best gas milage or any originality. they're like Neighbors that live on the same street with the same home, and when they see one of their neighbors clip their hedges or put in a pool they follow~

That was actually quite impressive. It is amazing how far this engine technology has come. This thing has more horsepower and torque than my naturally aspirated 5.8L, with 4 less cylinders. Truly amazing the difference in tech, and in power.

Love the vids

My work truck has this engine. I didn't realize it at first. I thought it was a V8 with the way it pulls. Was really surprised when I popped the hood to see 2.7 liter TURBO. Now I know why it makes that sound. Love it.

You guys should add a new back seat test. A child car seat to see how it fits. How easy or hard it is to get in and out. Love your channel!! Great videos!!

Talk to any Ford dealership mechanic about what they would buy Ecoboost or non turbo V8 99% will buy the V8 for their personal truck should tell you something about small turbocharged engines working at max capacity at all times

Love your videos man

What’s impressive is that this engine can direct more coolant or less coolant to different areas of the engine. If it needs more heat to be efficient or less heat for being taxed.

When do you revist the towing of this motor now that it's rating is 9100 lbs???

Trucks are too expensive now.

Thank you fast lane truck!!!

My work truck is a f150 with the 2.7 ecoboost and it rocks ! it's a regular cab long bed xl but .. im very happy with these small displacement engines, she tows, holds a load and is comfortable. It's actually rated to tow more than my 94 12v cummins witch is impressive soo ... I guess what I'm saying is these small displacement turbo engines rock !

Will you guys give the new base 3.3l f150 a try sometime? I would like to see how it stacks up to the Pentastar RAM. I think it would be decent. Thanks for the wonderful videos guys.!

I've been waiting to see this one. Thanks for sharing. I don't know that I'd want to be constantly boosting that poor engine all the way to the top. I think the 4-cyl is a grocery getter option for the guy who only hauls groceries and maybe some drywall from home depot on occasion or his bass boat to the lake on the weekends.. It did good pulling near it's max rated weight but the bigger engines can pull a lot more weight. I don't think I'd give up my 5.3L just yet. Especially since it only got 3.7 MPG going up that hill. If you pull car trailers or campers you'll want at least a 5.3L. Also $47,xxx for a four cylinder truck is insane. I know it was an LT package but still. Who buy's these things brand new to lose their ass on depreciation? I can see a lot of these being 2-3 year leases (which is also financially dumb) to keep the payments lower.

Should do these test in summer heat.

This is not a typical 4 cylinder, it is basically a diesel/gas hybrid design! The specs on this thing is awesome! The bottom of the engine is built heavy duty like a diesel, with huge pistons. It just has spark plugs and runs on gas! That’s why it puts up the hp/torque numbers it does. So turbocharging it like a diesel isn’t a problem either! That’s why at idle it has a diesel sound!

My dad used to race Rangers off-road with 2.3 engines. They worked just fine. The reason I am concerned for that turbo 2.7 is that it, well, is a modern fuel-saving engine.

So 4 years ago the 2.7 F150 did it in 7.38 and it towed 7200lbs. The GM didn't do bad ,but in 4 years it hasn't done better than it's closest competitor. The Ecoboost also got 4.3 mpg.

That little turbo gonna wine out of commission LMFAO

Thanks and that was uphill. I am scared of turbos, so keep the videos coming.

I keep my trucks a long time. My current Silverado with a 5.3L V8 has about 170,000 miles and is going strong. At 70 mph, it is turning just a bit over 2,000 rpm. I would be a little worried that with an engine literally making twice as many revolutions to cover the same distance at the same speed, 200.000 or 300,000 miles would not be in the cards. It will be interesting to see how this impressive engine holds up in the long haul.

Ford: Ecoboost Chevy guys: reeeeeee turbos are unreliable, horrible mpg, gonna blow up Chevy: turbo 4 cyl Chevy guys: oh nice a turbo motor, good little engine, don't worry about the mpg it's working hard up the hill Lol wut

Do it once a week for 3 years, I'd like to see the longevity of the turbo 4 cylinder and that transmission combination.

I have the 2020 4 cylinder Silverado. All I see is people talking trash about it and I’m just saying that I love it. Rides smooth, has good power, and it looks awesome. Just don’t understand why everyone is hating on it when it isn’t a bad vehicle

ANYONE REMEMBER not too long ago..... in the 80's we drove GM half tons with 350's or 305s with 140 hp? Fords 302's or 351's with less? Dodge 318's that got as bad gas mileage as the rest???? No power. We pulled sled trailers with two snowmobiles weighing 3000 lbs?? Up hill we had our foot to the floor? This Inline 4 would have be a dream not that long ago....turbo! and killer mileage. I'm liking this.... and I drive a 2006 Duramax 6.6

"Where is it? All I see is plastic." 🤣😂🤣

I really never thought I would say this buuuut.. I'm really warming up to the looks of the new Chevy's and GMC's. The more I see them driving around, the better they look.

Thanks so much needed a good video like this to make a choice.

I have to say I was disappointed that work decided to switch from Express 6.0 gold old v8 to Ram promaster 3.6 v6 but I'm pleasantly surprised with the performance and definitely fuel economy once I drop off the load

It's weird having a truck that sounds like a geo metro

Just bought a 2020 crew cab 4 cylinder and couldn’t believe how it ran. I’m the kinda guy that just uses the bed a few times a year and this motor was for me.

I love what you do guys and I have been following you for ages but I can’t stand the fact that nobody ever thinks about using the right lane! I can’t understand why nobody uses it in the US! I lived there for a long time and geez it drives me nuts hahah! Love you guys sorry for my little rant!

I just bought this truck and am amazed at the ease of how it drive around at 70 mph at 1500 rpm and I have yet to hit the highway driving and I`m getting 18.5 mpg. and boy, does it have some get up and go off the line!

pretty impressed

Same fuel mileage as the V8’s, less towing capacity than a midsized truck.... why would they even bring this to market? You’d be stupid to option a truck with this engine.

I'm really interested in the I6 dmax. Can't wait for you guys to get your hands on one

Just received mine, 25 mph on hwy, crew cab standard box with nitto grapplers exo tires!! Love it, way better then my V8 5.3L already..Good review! You guys convinced me and I don't regret.. Hopefully in the futur GMC increases the towing to compete against ford cause this truck can take it!!

I think a single cab with a straight 6 version of this engine would be realy cool.

Same price for a ram ecodiesel. 4wd model with the quad cab gets 27-30 highway in my personal experience. Tows better too.

Love the turbo sound

That truck fills a special place in the truck market. Special like needs a hockey helmet and to ride in the rear seat on a short school bus. Bless its heart.

full size trucks should not be running boosted 4cyls.

You guys do a great job with this video but, when you talk about suspension squat, you should maybe consider that you're using an almost 7k lb trailer with no weight distribution bars which most people would use with a trailer of this size.

Cool Video!! What are the flashing lights under the headlights? Hazard lights?

Can’t wait for the 2023 Silverado 2 cylinder quad turbo comes out .......

I’m very interested as the 2.7 specs out very close to the 5.3 in my 2013. Seems like a very underrated engine from GM and could be an alternative to my 2013 if only it had a better tow rating.

That engine belongs in the colorado/canyon. The gripe I always hear, and that I have myself, about the mid-sized trucks is that the power is always just adequate.

I'd be interested in seeing this again in the unedited version of the video!

As a work truck to haul light loads, this engine makes sense. But either way, I'd still opt for at least the 4.3

$42K for a base 1/2 ton vs $24K for a Ranger with 700 more lbs towing capacity. Yeah, that's a helluva deal.

Lol I love how people sh!t on this little base engine, it actually performs well for what it is IMO and I bet this engines durability is going to be a lot better then most people think.

I currently have a 2020 Silverado LT with the 5.3, it’s worth $10k more than I owe so I was contemplating trading it in toward a 2023 with the 2.7 turbo. After watching this, I’m all set with driving around at 4500 rpms trying to haul my dirt bike trailer up a hill. I’ll stick with my 2020 and the 5.3 for now.

Brand new it may do well but it will be no surprise that won't last towing. I have an 07 5.3L and have towed a 30' camper, enclosed trailer like the one you are but steel, and my pontoon. The camper was really work for it even new. Haven't towed camper for years now as it is permanent on a spot, but it feels it going up hill in the blue ridge pulling my 20' pontoon. I got the truck new, and now have 65k on it in Dec 2022.

310 hp and not even a 7000 pound tow rating? Before ford switched to the ecoboost they had that 5.4 v8 making the same but still had an 11,300 max tow rating with that engine. I can't help but feel like they're only limiting the tow rating with this engine because it simply isn't going to last if it's being worked. That engine is crazy impressive but I'd be very concerned about longevity if I owned one.

I love your reviews, but 3.7 miles per gallon and 6700 lbs I’ll keep my Cummins that was within about $4000 the Sam price. ( 2017 close out sale- with leather and 4wd) . Keep up the great work, I will keep watching.

I just bought the 2023 trail boss custom with this motor well it's 9200 tow now. But 99%of people don't tow much I do maybe 2 times a month. An small 3500 lb camper an 16 foot flat deck trailer hauling cabinets. So we see how she does. But daily driving so far has been great

What a difference in torque and mpg from the original specs to the 2022 specs! From 348 lb-ft tq to 430! From 22mpg hiway to 31! Back then, I never understood why anyone would buy it when power was way less and mpg no better than the 5.3. With today's gas prices it's tempting to try the four.

Put these new trucks against older trucks from early 2000s. That 4 banger has more power than ford dodge or chevy did with v8s then. Think it would be interested to see what the new ones do against old ones especially since there is a 20k or better price increase on them

This engine should have been put in the Colorado/Canyon.

It took me this long to realize the Ike Gauntlet is here in CO!

My old 1990 chevy 1500 has a ton of squat. But after driving something like that for a while you find with the suspension being that soft you dont feel a damn thing going down the road. It rides very very smooth.