Shocked! Long Distance 2023 Chevy Silverado 3.0L Duramax Diesel Towing 

The link to the hitch and yes, it is an Amazon affiliate link. I might make a penny or two if you buy one: amzn.to/3mXMjq0

Tim, thanks for addressing a lot of the “issues” that some folks have with diesels. I bought a 2023 GMC SIERRA with the LZ0 about 4 months ago but I didn’t tell the wife it was going to have a turbo diesel engine. When I brought it home she kinda gave me the, a diesel, look. After four months of ownership we were driving home and she turned to me and said I really love this truck! Need I say anymore?

You nailed all the reasons why I purchased a 2023GMC AT4 with the 3L diesel. I wanted a reliable, fuel efficient truck with good power. I wanted a smooth and quiet ride. I did not want cylinder deactivation or other fancy fuel saving measures. I am extremely happy with my choice and my around town fuel economy this spring is almost 30 mpg!

I own a 2021 GMC Sierra AT4 with the Duramax. I think this is the best drivetrain for a 1/2 pickup I’ve ever owned. I am sure the LZ0 is even more refined. I’ll be keeping this truck for a long time, and if I had to replace it, I’d still pick the diesel. Great video! Thanks.

Great review Tim. This diesel, and most diesels, make so much more sense then EVs. Hopfully the government will stop pushing EVs and manufacturers will build more efficient and durable Diesels.

My 23’ GMC LZ0 with maxtow has been averaging 27-33 mpg. Yes, I’ve had glorified 50 to 200 mile runs 35+ mpg. But average it’s been 27 to 33. And now here in Illinois Diesel is 4 cents cheaper a gallon then gasoline. This truck has been nothing but phenomenal. Towing my 22’ enclosed trailer about 8K loaded. It walks all over my 15’ GMC v8 lol

That platform is an awesome road trip rig. I have a ‘22 with the LM2 and it never ceases to impress me with its road manners, good power and great mileage towing or just cruising.

I own a 22 Trail Boss with the 3.0 and I agree it’s the best combo on the drivetrain I’ve ever had. Runs great, smooth, loads of torque and I’ve seen as high as 32.4 mpg.

I have a 23 High Country with the 3.0 and absolutely love it and am extremely impressed with the mileage. I drove to the middle of NY from VA in April and got 32.9mpg after 256 miles of highway driving. My best 50 mile stretch was 42mpg. These engines are crazy efficient. They should be offered in large luxury sedans. I’d buy one of those too.

You have the best informative videos. Tim, thank you!

Just bought my Ltz today and I can’t be more excited

Great stuff Tim! Big diesel enthusiast here. I agree completely.

Thanks for making these videos. I just ordered a Silverado rst duramax and this will be my first diesel. You are really putting my mind at ease.

Thanks Tim for this helpful and informative video. I had no idea a full size truck could get such good mileage. I will give this truck a harder look.

It looks great to me and I'll be definitely getting this when the time comes. Very impressive fuel mileage. Great honest review Tim. Cheers from Nova Scotia

Tim, thanks again for the video as always. I'm glad to see your subscriber count going up but honestly it should be way higher! You provide excellent content, you're very thorough and just seem like a kind man. Here's to continued growth sir🍻

U nailed it at the end saying it should be a midsize engine too. Can u imagine in the new Colorado!!! Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesh!!! Good stuff brother. Keep up the good work

Just finding your channel = LOVE IT

Love the honest review, keep it up!

Thanks for all the information. Your views and videos on this 3.0L diesel truck made it much easier to purchase my 24 GMC SLT 3.0 diesel.

The Def crowd need to be quiet. If you're such a peasant that you're worried about $20, every 3k miles, then you aren't in the market for a $65k truck anyway

I just ordered a 24 Sierra SLT with the 3.0 Diesel. After watching a ton of videos I feel I'll be really happy with it. Thanks for the videos!

I own a 2021 GMC Sierra AT4 with the Duramax. Love it! Your review is right on.

Hey Tim, completely agree with you on this I just sold my 2017 Ford raptor which used to be my favorite truck for a 2023 Chevy Silverado high country 3.0 Duramax diesel and I absolutely love this truck. My favorite truck I have ever owned great videos keep up the good continent. Thanks for the honest feedback.

Thanks for the video. Helping with my decision .

Nice review Tim. I'd like that scale on the tongue if I were using different trailers or really varied loads (I do a boat with little to no variance). Thanks for answering my noise question on the bed tray too. This is one truck I wish I could see worked hard for a few years.

I have a 2022 GMC SLT 4x4 crew cab with the LM2 and just love it! Probably the best truck I've ever owned and I've been driving trucks since 1975.

Tim, Thanks for this video. While the towing weight was not significant, going up and down real mountain passes was very informative. I agree, given the significant reduction in gap between diesel and regular unleaded prices, this particular diesel engine make a lot of sense now - even after you take into consideration DEF (which is such a no issue it blows my mind how people can so lost in the weeds), and higher oil change costs. Math is Math! In my area diesel is now very close to the price of regular unleaded - so when you take into consideration the mpg differences, this engine is a clear winner in every category including financial over the 5.3L (even with the higher initial engine cost if you keep the truck for a few years…..math is math). Given that the 5.3 lacks the torque of this engine, then you really need to compare tis to the 6.2L engine and then it really blows the 6.2L away financially. Nice truck.

The truck you have is my dream truck. I used to own a Colorado with the 2.8L diesel and never had any problem with the regen in the 4.5 years that I owned it.

Regards Tim. Very interesting your test; really thank you to share yours EXCELENTS videos, comments and analysis. Big hug from CDMX, México.

Great review Tim! I have owned an 18' 2500 and 22' AT4 both with the dura max and loved both but decided ai don't tow 18500 lbs so traded in for a 22' GMC Sierra SLT with the 3.0 diesel. I love it! I think many peoples' concerns around regeneration are that it has caused a host of expensive powertrain repairs not covered under some of the manufacturers warranty and many people believe it to be caused by not allowing the regeneration cycle to complete before shutting off the engine.

I have one and I 100% agree with you….

I’m 2 weeks into my 2023 1500 AT4 3.0 and love it. I loved my 2013 Ecoboost for towing but this is a whole new level. 28.6 mpg driving over 2 passes home from Seattle. Very happy with my choice.

Just got the Sierra 3.0 a week ago and I’m in love. It’s perfection with wheels.

My 2019 with the 6.2, 10 speed has squeezed out 21.5 mpg at 70 mph on mostly flat terrain. You getting even close to 30 in that terrain is super impressive!

Just picked up a 2022 AT4 with the 3.0 Duramax! I would have loved to get the 23 with LZ0 but got a crazy good deal on it. So far I love this truck and motor! I’m excited to see what this platform evolves into down the road.

Your comments are spot on. I've had my High Country with the LZ0 for six weeks and I love it and the mileage I'm getting. As word gets out this will be GM's best seller. Thanks again for what you do.

I’m sold . The LZO IS MY TARGET TO TEST DRIVE ! RETIRED AND GOING TO INVEST INTO A TRAVEL TRAILER! THANKS

Absolutely love the truck! The only reason I don’t have one is because of the production constraints on the max trailering package with the LZ0.

Just bought the '23 High Country 2500 miles ago and absolutely love it! Never owned a diesel in my life till now. The torque is incredible, power up the wazoo. Very nice truck!

I have a 2020 lm2 with 43000 miles. You are 100% right about the fuel economy. This is what I always wanted in a full size truck.

Tim I have a 2021 at4 3.0 diesel. I get the same mileage as you I have 30k on it with no issues at all. Love it. I agree with you 100%

Totally agree with you Tim, I have had two 5.3' in a 14 Silverado and a 17 Sierra. When it came to getting a 23 I hemmed and hawed between the 3.0 and the 5.3, even momentarily considered the 2.7. I had heard the horror stories about the 3.0 but I have a diesel Kioti tractor so not new to a diesel. In the end I went with the LZ0 and have no regrets at all. The only issue was with the block heater plugged in when it wasn't cold enough which caused the fan issue that you had. Let the truck sit for 6 hours and it was fine. Don't know why more people don't consider the 3.0 the torque is impressive, as is the fuel economy and quiet to boot. As for def I topped it up 2100 kms and used about a gallon and a half. The oil level is the same as when it was delivered and I check it weekly being a new engine. In Canadian values I average about 8.5 lt/100 kms. Have had as low as 7.1 at a steady 110 kms per hour, agree it should be in more GM vehicles, probably the best powertrain that I have owned in a half ton truck.

Math makes it very close to a wash at present prices, adding DEF and additional cost of oil changes. ( I figured between .155 and .16 per mile with both the 3.0 and 5.3 gas). The big advantage of the Diesel is the torque and calmness of the powertrain towing. It is very pleasant experience to tow with a diesel. Also pretty cool to get the big numbers on the dash while doing longer trips not towing. I Would love to play with one of these but will probably stay with my 6.6's

I have the lm2 and love this truck

I bought the 2023 RST Z71 with a Duramax, and I absolutely love it! Best mpg 37 mpg!

Tim, I agree this motor is the best ever. I drove a 23 GMC Denali LZO from TN to MI cruising at 73mpg, 55-60 in construction zones. 8 an a half hours and I filled up when I arrived. 586 miles/ 27.1 MPG.

I have the GMC Sierra 1500 with the same engine… love it.

Your analysis is correct. Diesel fuel has about 30 percent more energy content per gallon. That means that the same fuel tank size gets you about 30 percent more range, 30 percent fewer stops etc. Diesel is also a safer fuel than gasoline and thus allows us to have additional aftermarket fuel tanks which are safer and also increase range. My diesel can go about 1400 miles (700 towing) between fill ups but more useful is the ability to get from one campground to the next without needing to pull our fifth wheel camper thru a fuel station. And to boot, you didn’t give up the power you need to tow ( actually have more), and diesels typically tow hills without all the downshifting of gas engines which makes for a much more relaxed and quiet tow. These are many of the reasons why diesel truck owners are diesel truck owners. Sure we could use a gas power plant but most of us won’t after running diesels for towing. I have never been aware when My 2022 Duramax does/did a regen in its first 7500 miles. I know it it did but I didn’t know it.

I agree with what Tim is saying in regards to fuel economy. I have a 2021 and everything Tim is saying is true

Very, very impressive

So I’ve had a 2004 Ford f150 5.4 Mpg around 18 mpg over the life of the truck. Then bought a 2011 F150 5.0 mpg 19 mpg. Next a 2020 Chevy 1500 5.3 21 mpg. Now I have a 2021 Chevy 3.0 diesel best mpg has been 31.5. All trucks crew cab 4x4 used for hunting, fishing, and normal driving. The 3.0 has been the best over all engine and if you drive one for more then a year you will be saying the same thing. I agree 100% to what your preaching Tim!!! Keep the videos coming

2022 Silverado LTZ with LM2. Love it. my best is 34 mpg and no cylinder deactivation.

Michigan welcomes you! 😊

Picked up mine in June 2023 ... love it.. only concern I have is the cam phaser ... having to pull the cab off is a 40 hour job in the shop .... 3.0 isuzu engine has been a round for a long time ...

Thank you for the video using paddle shifting! Fast lane used the at4x aev using the trucks function not paddles. You are sooo right! I'd go with the at4x aev as personal design likes. It's getting a diesel 2024.

Have this in the 2021 RST. Did a trip from SLC to Moab and averaged 31mpg. Best 50 miles was 38.8!

Two comments about Diesel Exhaust Fluid: pretty much, DEF is DEF. It's all the same chemically. Second, DEF usage in any given vehicle, is largely a function of how much fuel is being consumed. Use more fuel, use more DEF. When it comes to your using the transmission manual shifting to control your descent, you are exactly correct. You could teach the guys at TFL something about how to use gearing when towing on long mountain downgrades. By the way, I'm a Colorado native that has towed and driven trucks in the Rocky Mountains for over a half-century, I no longer live in Colorado, thanks in part to its leftist politics, but I've been mountain driving for likely over 400K miles.

Have a Dec 2022 GMC Denali Ultimate with Lm2 diesel. In total agreement with Tim. Simply awesome! No diesel noise. No smell. Great mileage 24-33 mpg and I live in the mountains of Tahoe (my prior Ford F150 King Ranch average 14-15 mpg) . Great towing at low RPM. Comfortable ride. Best truck I've ever had. I think GM should do some scientific validation for environmental values of these diesels with all the filtration and greatly increased MPG. Might help dispel the "dirty diesel" perception and spread the option across the future lineup. Another point for long-term is to consider the lifetime values of lower RPM torque vs gas and generally stronger build of diesel vs gas. And factor in Inline 6 vs V8. Have a friend with a similar GMC Denali with the 6.2 liter gas and he's getting 14 mpg and it requires premium 92 octane. Great points and video Tim! Bet you'll regret next year when you have to let go of this one. It'll be a 'take one for the team' moment for you.

Great video thanks. You’ve made my mind up. My next truck will be the Chevy or the GMC with that motor.

I have a 2020 LTZ with all the bells and as long as Chevrolet makes that engine that's all I will have I love it. Going to order a 2024 when they will let me.

Tim, your video is 100% accurate and I have the same comments and experience as you. I have a 2020 Chev High Country with an LM2 which I purchased with 13000 Kms, and now have 63,000 Kms. This truck continues to impress me every time I get in it. The so called hassles the gas guys continue to throw in our face is coming completely from lack of understanding this new diesel setup. This truck, engine, transmission and emissions package is second to none in my opinion. One thing to note, as well is , this truck has one of the lowest emissions of most vehicles on the road(lower carbon footprint). Diesel fuel requires a less refining process (lower carbon footprint), so coincidentally this truck package is also one of the most environmentally friendly vehicles on the road!! Happy trails everyone!!

very impressive

I'm a Toyota fan with 2 tundras (sold one of them recently)but if I had to buy a 1/2 ton today I'd get this one probably. Also I needed a 3/4 ton for my business and went with the Silverado HD. Very happy so far.

GREAT Video. I have a ‘21 LM2 and I Couldn’t Agree More with Everything you said! 👍🏻 Lots of Miserable Complainers out there.

I have 3 Diesel Vehicles! 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Eco Diesel, 2015 VW Jetta SEL TDI , and a 2014 BMW 328D XDrive love them all

Wow very nice outcome. I need to put this truck on my list. I’m not pulling anything Just need the good mpg 4x4 full size truck

Love my 2023 LZO Silverado Z71 Texas Edition. With diesel and gas prices very close here in Texas, ($3.29 diesel last week) it just makes sense to get the better fuel economy.

Owned a 2021 RST, Z71, Texas Addition with the 3.0. One long camping trip last summer and averaged 13+ while towing a 32' TT that has a dry weight of 6,800. Live in West Texas and trip was to Colorado (Colorado Springs? then thru Colorado on I70 thur Ike then to Utah back down thru Arizona and New Mexico. With about 22,500 total miles on the truck I averaged around 23-24 MPG overall, towing and regular driving. Last highway trip of 350 miles to Dallas averaged 28.4. That is all good news, the BAD news, someone decided they wanted my truck and it was stolen two weeks age. Will replace with a 2023 Silverado LTA, Z71, Texas Addition with the 3.0. Hope I will see the same numbers you are getting with your 2023. The video was great and you addressed what a lot of people think are "issues" with the diesel.

I’m totally w you! I did 4668km to Moab & back from Canada and averaged 9.8l/100km over the 2 weeks and a 60mph avg speed. The bonus is now diesel prices have dropped to regular or lower! My F150 would have been lucky to get 15 l/100 km. The DEF was a non issue. I’ve used 2 jugs in the 14000km I’ve had the truck!

I wasn’t too concerned with the cost of diesel fuel, I was looking for more range while towing. Haven’t had a chance to test that out yet (1 month til our first camping trip), but so far I’m loving the LZO. 1000 kms/tank is awesome. Diesel currently being 15c/L less than 87 octane gas here in Nova Scotia is an added bonus.

Tim, another good review and this truck gets some really good milage and is impressive. I am a 2020 HD Silverado diesel owner and our trailer is over 8K so I chose the 2500 version and I am still impressed but i don't get your milage ! One thing I will say is the HD version exhaust brake works very well, but if the 1/2ton version is still available in a few years I will take a look at it.

My previous truck was a 2500 hd with a 6 L gas. On a good day I would average 14 mpg not pulling anything. Now I average 27 to 28. In the future, I hope gm has the lzo as an engine option in a 2500 hd or maybe come out with a 1500 hd with better payload capacity.

Lol, I am from Nebraska, too. Feeling guilty about running into use the restroom and not purchasing something is so Midwest! Quick tip, sometimes I just top the tank off to "relieve" my conscious!

Love the fuel economy in this truck best so far has been 36.6 mpg on the highway and with the def i used about a gallon every 2k miles so far

I had no idea that the 2023 1500 had paddle shifters for manual shift mode. That's awesome!

Thanks Tim. I picked up my 23 high country yesterday. Lots of opinions on break in before I can tow.

Hello, okay I truly love this truck!!!! Looking forward Lord's willing to getting one of my own. Thanks for your time and help!!!! Hope you have a super blessed day 🙏

Tim I love your video and I'm a Ford nut they have the truck look but I don't know about fuel economy I can't see what you are saying happening in a Ford thanks so much God bless you for the insight❤😂

I have a 2023 Silverado trail boss and get 7.5l/100km which is 31mpg on my commute to work everyday and love it!! Better fuel economy than my Subaru legacy which is just crazy.

My experience has been the exhaust brake works best with cruise control. When you want to slow down, just adjust your set speed accordingly. Granted this is with the HD, however I believe the programming is similar.

I have the 2022 GMC Elevation with the x31 off-road package and I get around 28 MPG on highways going 75+ MPH. I am so thoroughly impressed with the MPG of this engine. I don't see much of a price difference between diesel and premium, I don't use the cheapest fuel you can buy in any of my vehicles. I can easily get almost 650+ miles on a full tank of 24 gallons.

nope you are spot on I have a 2020 with 94,000 miles my commute to work is mostly highway and i average same mileage you are seeing. this truck in my opinion is the answer for contractors and people that need a truck but had a small commuter car as a 2nd vehicle because the daily work commute was to expensive in a gas truck.

I love my 24 ltz. Super smooth and comfortable

My best 25 was 38.6 mpg in sport mode traveling 65-75 on I75 in TN

I have a 21 GMC with the 3.0 diesel. I love it and the fuel economy. I average around 30 and the best I have done is 42.

LOL! (Many laughs!) "Hello, that's Still 30 MPG!" Nice. A very nice video. Yes, This truck is on the Top of my list. Thanks Tim.

Yup!!!! I do want a bigger tank for towing/loaded when I’m down to 380-400 per tank. Empty I’ve done 716 miles at 23 gallons. I stopped twice for bladder breaks. I’ll probably trade my 22 LTD for a 25 or 26 LZ(unless they threaten to kill it before then). 0 issues in 37,000 miles on my 22

I have a 2022 chevy RST with the 3 liter and love it! Last year I drove on one tank of diesel from Bismarck ND to Madison WI and couldn't believe it, 700 miles and averaged over 30 mpg at 75mph! Try that in a gas engined truck!

Tim's Ike Gauntlet. 😆I have rented a few midsize SUVs for long trips from South Central Kansas to New England and none of them got anywhere NEAR the fuel economy of the Baby Duramax. If I had the money, I'd buy one in a heartbeat. One thing about diesel fuel prices, while gas prices have been all over the place, diesel has stayed pretty consistent. Makes trip budgeting much easier. Thanks for your input.

2001 LM2 in an AT4 (i.e. lifted with Duratracs) in 2WD average 22 in summer 21 winter in a rural town. On highway average is 28mpg. Wishing for the lottery for that LZ0 (longer stroke, cast iron pistons and more torque from what I've read).

With this truck I consistently get 1 to 1.5 mpg better hand calculating than the computer. Def at the pump is usually $9 a gallon and I put in 2.5 gallons every 3500 miles, not a big deal. I can order oil and filter online when buying 3 changes at a time for around $60 a change, pretty similar to my gassers. Fuel filter is $15 change every 30k, not a problem.

I just sold my 24 Tundra TRD OR Limited and picked up a 24 GMC AT4X with the 3.0. I’m very excited about this vehicle. I drive that drive through Eisenhower to Steamboat, multiple times each month. Curious how it will handle the trip. Great video!

Can not wait to get my 2023 high country with this motor. 2 more day!

That’s really good Mpg

Your truck has a 5.3 gallon DEF tank. Also the LZO has 2 DEF injectors in the system unlike the LM2 truck. Really wish the exhaust brake worked better. Its super weak IMO. Great video as well man keep up the review with the LZO

I really appreciate this series. I currently own and love a 2020 F-150 with the 3.5 EcoBoost, it's given me 56,000 trouble-free miles in 2 years and 9 months. That said if I bought a new truck today I'd be hard pressed not to get a Silverado with the Duramax. I think they've fixed all the potential issues with the previous gen and you nailed it - this is quiet, smooth efficient power. Just a total knock out of a drivetrain.

Impressive

Still love my 21 Silverado. Have the LM2 and best mileage was 30.2. I have 16,466 miles on the odometer.

I drove a school bus for 6 years, the only time regen was a factor was when it started when I was at the school picking up or dropping off kids. Then I would shut it off until I was empty or loaded. Lol