Gas 5.3L V8 vs Diesel 3.0L Duramax LZ0 Fuel Cost Comparison

[@abiker21]

Thanks for the numbers. I went from 6.2 to the 3.0 and based on your math I'll be in the green rather quick.

[@kaivonmortazavi8656]

Clear, concise explanation. One point to consider is in cases where people do start to tow 6,000 lbs or more and if you drive more in hilly, mountain areas, then the 5.3L gas is just not a great option as it strains under these conditions. So to get the torque you will need to upgrade to the 6.2L gas or 3.0L diesel. 6.2L requires premium gas and its mpg is just lousy in this day and age. Use regular gas and the mpg become diabolical. So in this case, the Duramax financial become significantly more attractive and much quicker in the ownership cycle.

[@AdventureRocks]

Great points. Thank you for the comment.

[@AlaskaErik]

My 6.2L actually got better mileage than my 5.3L. But as you mentioned, premium fuel is recommended and that's all I ever used in mine. But it did tow great. The 3.0L I have now is the best of both worlds. Great mileage and it tows about the same as my 6.2L did. And for my 2024 SLT the 3.0L was a $795 upgrade vs $2495 for the 6.2L. I never even considered getting another 5.3L. I'm very happy with my 3.0L.

[@AlaskaErik]

My 6.2L actually got better mileage than my 5.3L. But as you mentioned, premium fuel is recommended and that's all I ever used in mine. But it did tow great. The 3.0L I have now is the best of both worlds. Great mileage and it tows about the same as my 6.2L did. And for my 2024 SLT the 3.0L was a $795 upgrade vs $2495 for the 6.2L. I never even considered getting another 5.3L. I'm very happy with my 3.0L.

[@TheSouders]

I’m towing about 8000 lbs cross country right now in my 3.0 Silverado. Averaging 16-17 mpg and I still have a 400 mile range. Hard to imagine the 10 mpg I’d probably get in the 5.3.

[@AdventureRocks]

Very nice, thank you for the comment.

[@bertschb]

I've averaged 29.8mpg over the 12,800 miles I've put on my 2023 Silverado 1500 3.0. Zero issues. I agree with all of your points. I use my 1500 for hauling light loads (e.g. Home Depot runs). For serious towing, I use a 1 ton diesel. Oh, DEF usage when not towing in the 3.0 is VERY low.

[@AdventureRocks]

Great points. Thank you for the comment.

[@tacticaldadbod8951]

I have a AT4X in the 3.0L diesel and it’s absolutely fantastic. Ya I don’t get 30mpg but I’m getting around 25 and it’s my daily driver. Best truck I’ve ever owned!

[@AdventureRocks]

Very nice, thank you for sharing.

[@joevitaleconstruction.704]

Every time I tow with my 3.0 I smile. It just loves towing my 7500lb rv. My 21 Ford twin turbo 3.5 towed amazingly but sucked gas down, while towing. The 24mpg all around is about right for my baby duramax and 13 mpg while towing.

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you for sharing. Those are great MPG numbers.

[@robertbuhlman7757]

My 3.0 gets 26-27 mpg around town 36 mpg at 65 mph on expressway love this truck

[@AdventureRocks]

That's impressive. Crazy how efficient it is. Thanks for the comment.

[@devineunlimited6800]

I'm a diesel owner myself. For new owners Also have to factor higher oil change prices, fuel filters and repair costs of all the emissions equipment/injection/turbo b.s. "long term"

[@AdventureRocks]

Great points, thank you for the comment.

[@devineunlimited6800]

@AdventureRocks great videos, you've been convincing me to go back to a gasser HD 👍

[@AdventureRocks]

@@devineunlimited6800 😎 Thank you

[@mpeterson9762]

I have a 23’ LTZ Z-71 w/ 33k miles so far. Doesnt matter what speed I drive. It averages 27mpg EVERY tank. City 25-27, highways 29-34 mpg. Commute is 80 miles round trip. I do 20k+ miles a year & have not towed much yet. I can’t wait to take a long vacation road trip to see what it will do. Love it. Would buy another today if this one was totaled.

[@AdventureRocks]

Very nice! Thank you for sharing. 27MPG is very respectable.

[@michaelsell6928]

I have a 23 TrailBoss LT with the LZ0. At 44750 miles using the fuely app and factoring in 6000 miles are towing a 3500lb 7x7x14 v-nose trailer the lifetime average mpg is 24.1mpg. Lifetime fuel cost of 7153.48 for 1874 gallons. Total service costs which includes DEF, Oil changes (dealer) and me changing my own fuel filters the total cost is 1129.52

[@AdventureRocks]

That's impressive. Thanks for the comment.

[@jrobles1019]

This I believe but doodes saying they get 55mpg yea right

[@TimHancock-h6e]

Very impressive.

[@luisleija872]

I went from a 18 z71 5.3 to A 24 sierra 3.0 and no regrets at all it went from 17mpg on gas to 24mpg on the duramax. I tow my bass boat on the weekends only. So far in 9k miles I have only purchased 2 jugs of DEF.

[@AdventureRocks]

Very nice! Thank you for sharing.

[@treblemaker]

I've owned a 5.3L V8 Sierra 1500 Elevation crew cab since 2018. I've just purchased a 2024 Silverado 1500 High Country crew cab with the 3.0L Duramax LZ0 diesel I6. Both trucks are full-size crew cabs with the standard 6'6'' bed. I estimate an MPG difference of about 50% in normal, mixed driving conditions. The majority of my driving is on the highway at speeds hovering around 60-70mph. My V8 Sierra has averaged 16.8mpg pretty much over its entire life and now has 100,000 miles on it. It was relatively reliable, but a few issues started to creep up and, since it's out of warranty, I decided to change. The LZ0 Silverado is probably going to get more than 26mpg in identical driving conditions. The Sierra had a 6-spd automatic transmission, Z71 off-road package and 4x4. The High Country has a 10-spd automatic and is also 4x4. The torque difference and added comfort with the Silverado are monumental. Much of this may be attributed to the difference between truck generations as the 10-spd is quite a bit smoother than the old 6-spd. However, the torque delivery with the diesel is far smoother and more linear than the 5.3L V8. When it comes to reliability over the long run (beyond warranty period), the major issues with the 2018 Sierra are potential transmission failure, sometimes due to torque converter, sometimes software, sometimes something else; AFM (now DFM) causing lifter failures and incredibly costly repairs. So in both cases, fuel efficiency and emissions systems are causing major breakdowns. For my money, the LZ0 diesel is the hands down winner in all respects. There is no better engine configuration than an inline 6, which is why virtually all modern big rigs use the I6-turbo configuration. You cannot beat an engine that has perfect natural primary and secondary balance. The components are more robust, the fuel savings are beyond significant, and DEF usage has mostly been improved in the latest generations to a point where you'll likely have to fill the reservoir at the same interval as your oil change, say 6,000-7,000 miles. That cost is negligible. In 2024, diesel fuel prices have mostly come back down to match the price of regular, unleaded gasoline. While that may not be the case everywhere, historically (at least in Canada) diesel has always been the less expensive fuel. It's only since COVID that the inversion began. Oh, and let's always remember that regular maintenance at shorter intervals than what the book calls for is KEY. If you beat these trucks and don't change out oils, fluids, filters, and whatever else regularly, they will give you problems. You gotta baby the gas engines just like the baby Duramax.

[@AdventureRocks]

GREAT feedback from an actual owner. Thank you for sharing all of this.

[@Jeffbob442]

when you have to remove the trans to replace the pump belt at what 120k? gonna be lots of bucks spent there on that 3.0, not to mention more for oil service and fuel filters and ,here in the north fuel additives in the cold.

[@AdventureRocks]

Great point, always a give and take there.

[@AlaskaErik]

Oil pump belt replacement is 200,000 miles, not 120,000 miles. I've never kept a truck that long. And the 3.0L uses 7 quarts of oil vs 8 quarts for the gas engines. And a fuel filter is about $35 and needs to be replaced every 30,000 miles.

[@Jeffbob442]

@@AlaskaErik I am a retired tech, and i wish you well...but...first...if you believe everything the General tells you, you are in trouble. I have never seen a diesel filter in a daily driver pick up go 30k without trouble. and if you live in Alaska!!!! all the more reason to change it often. About the belt, yes they just opted out to 200k, but not on the Lm2. but with what we are seeing, you might have that trans out soon to replace rear main seal , so you might as well do the belt while apart.

[@joelbabin4365]

I did a nearly identical analysis based on 12,500 miles per year and 15 average MPG / 26 average MPG for gas/diesel as someone who tows a 21ft boat with some regularity. Just evaluating on a fuel cost basis was difficult, albeit informative, as a single factor for purchasing. You bring up some critical thoughts for further evaluating what are some benefits and possible issues. I ended up going 23 Nissan Titan XD for additional 1/2 ton (5/8 ton) capabilities and more proven powertrain for some better sense of reliability with so many changes happening in the 1/2 segment. Recently towed a 32 ft TT and it performed exceptionally well. Shame this truck went away in 24... so under rated and so comfortable to drive. The biggest factor in evaluating this is for me at least, potential for emissions related equipment failures/problems and potential future regulatory issues. Additionally, GM recently issued the transmission recall on only the transmissions packaged with the baby Duramax. I did drive the GMC Sierra AT4 with baby Duramax and it was probably my favorite 1/2 ton truck. I could definitely see going to this powertrain on my next truck if I stick with the 1/2 ton segment. I really dialed into the range in my analysis as well, huge benefit when caring about where you buy diesel from.

[@AdventureRocks]

Great points, thank you for the comment.

[@jimwolverton4086]

I have a 24 LZ0 Silverado LT with max tow/trailer package. I drive an hour each way to work. I did put a 2 in level & Toyo Open Country AT’s on it, but only bumped up to the same size I had on my 2021 5.3 Trail Boss. I tow fairly often, various weights, heaviest being between 8-9K lbs. I retrieve boats from unimproved river banks, tow through sloughs, etc. Between town & highway and towing I average almost exactly 24 mpg. That number goes up in the summer when it’s warm, and goes down in the winter, especially when the temp drops below -20F. It still beats the pants off of my previous 5.3 and the F150 with 3.5 Ecoboost I had before that. It has been much more reliable than my 5.3 was. The only gripe I have is I couldn’t get 4-low with the max tow/trailer package.

[@AdventureRocks]

@@jimwolverton4086 very nice! Thank you for sharing.

[@AlaskaErik]

Get a High Country and you get 4LO with max tow. Not even the LTZ has it on the max tow like my 2019 did.

[@dieselmutt8865]

This 3.0 liter 'Duramax' diesel has a belt driven oil pump that has a service life of about 150k. To replace that belt the transmission has to be removed which makes it a very expensive repair. Better factor that in against any fuel savings to see the big picture costs.

[@AdventureRocks]

Great point, thank you for the comment.

[@michaely936]

It’s 200k miles now for the oil pump belt.

[@DonaldEdwards-h6m]

Well the transmission will be done before that oil pump belt. I love my 3.0 Denali.

[@AlaskaErik]

150,000 miles was for the LM2. LZ0 is 200,000 miles.

[@prettybadboylagerberg6385]

Nice job. I totally agree on the planted feeling observation of towing with an HD. I have a 7k lb travel trailer and have the Chevy HD. I have always felt completely in control since towing this trailer over the last 2 years. And, the price difference between 1/2 and 3/4 trucks is hardly an issue, if one at all.

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you for the comment!

[@RK57AZ]

Good day, I enjoyed your latest cost breakdown on light duty gas Vs diesel engine options. I would like to offer a slightly different view on light duty Vs Hd trucks buying for towing. If a person is only towing a RV trailer within limitations for given vehicle ( and hopefully 15 to 20 percent under capacity ), it makes little economical sense to pay over ten grand more for a truck to tow 3 or 4 times a year for camping and or hunting not to mention the added difficulty driving and parking in town especially crew cab long beds! Then there’s to problem of parking in most residential garages. Happy Holidays! Stay safe and healthy.

[@AdventureRocks]

Great point, thank you for the comment.

[@HighAnxi3ty]

The GMC Denali Ultimate only comes in 3.0L Duramax or 6.2L ICE which actually costs more for the later. The spec's are closer if you compare the TORQUE not HP between these two engines vs the 5.3. Also avg MPG for the Baby Duramax is way to low for Highway miles. Also fuel prices... If you have the available 5.3-liter V8 engine or 6.2-liter V8 engine, Chevrolet recommends using mid-grade 89 octane gasoline or higher. SO it's getting closer to Diesel price. PS... thank for making this video... Great Job!

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you for the comment.

[@williambendig1076]

Great video. But here’s a question. On the fence of which truck to get. I’m towing a 18ft v nose enclosed trailer with 4 wheelers in it plus camping gear. So I’m thinking is around that 5400 to 6000 lbs mark. Plus the trailer is a 7 ft high trailer. We go to the mountains 5 times a year to ride. Now hear my question. 3.0/6.2 with max tow package or a 3/4 ton gas. Now at this time I don’t use my personal truck to go to work. I work at home.

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you for the comment. That's a great question. I think the V-nose trailer combined with 7 ft high, make it significantly more aerodynamic compared to an RV that's 10-11 ft tall or higher. So in that respect I think all 3x of the trucks would deliver a pleasant experience towing. I think the 6.2L would likely rev highest out of the batch while you're towing, so perhaps a bit noiser (especially in the mountains, but it still has plenty of power at that weight you're towing). The 3.0L diesel would likely rev the lowest and be the quietest in the cab given the low RPM and low-end torque. At the same time the 6.6L L8T would likely deliver a slightly more "planted" feeling in terms of sway and "feeling" the tongue weight on the back. And, the L8T would give A LOT of extra future capability if you ever upgraded to a larger trailer or RV (plus a TON of payload north of 3K lbs if you ever hauled something big). So if you ever might have plans to go bigger on trailer, the 6.6L L8T would be most versatile by far. Those are my thoughts on the towing side at least. Unladen, the 3.0L diesel may not be fun to drive, but it sure would be efficient. The 6.2L would probably be the most fun to drive unladen out of the batch, plus the pleasant exhaust note...very nice linear acceleration...some might say even more sporty. The 6.6L L8T would likely feel "bulkier" and less nimble driving unladen around town just due to it's weight and size. The L8T is no slouch, but it isn't tuned to drive like the 6.2L...instead the 6.6L is more of a workhorse and some complain it feels sluggish. Other factors...the 3.0L diesel (and really any diesel) do better longterm with longer trips as opposed to shorter 15-20 min errands...that type of use can lead to DPF issues with all the emissions stuff...not always, but sometimes. The 6.2L takes premium unleaded whereas 6.6L L8T is just regular octane. So anyway, all that to say I think you have 3 very strong contenders, and at the end of the day just have to decide what interests you the most especially if the towing is infrequent. Hopefully I've pointed out some key differences to help, but certainly if others can chime in below that may add to the discussion.

[@TDWP1996]

I have a 2023 1500 with the 3.0. I love the truck. Best one I’ve ever owned. However there are a lot of emission issues. I’ve taken it in 3 times for various emission issues at 30,000 miles. Granted all of them have been covered under warranty. I do plan on doing an emission systems delete after warranty. I have actually been looking into trading in the one I have now and getting a 2025 and have been debating on getting the 3.0,5.3, or the 6.2. And I think I’ve pretty much settled on the 3.0 again. You can’t beat the mpgs.

[@AdventureRocks]

Great points. Thank you for sharing the helpful firsthand perspective.

[@AlaskaErik]

I'll go ahead and chime in. I've owned the 5.3L, the 6.2L and now the 3.0L LZ0. Hands down the 3.0L is the best of the bunch. I tow a 6000 lb GVWR travel trailer and a 4420 lb GVWR travel trailer. I found the 5.3L to be gutless in the mountains and it couldn't maintain the speed limit going up steep grades. The 6.2L and the 3.0L both can maintain the speed limit. The 5.3L and the 6.2L both had the 3.42 axle, while 3.21 is standard. The 3.21 axle is standard with the LZ0 while the 3.73 axle was standard on the older 3.0L LM2. I have the max trailering package on my 2024 Sierra SLT, so I get the 3.73 axle. My experience so far has been fuel mileage in the mid 30s on the highway. When I get to 600 miles I do start looking for a gas station. While towing I'm getting 13-14 mpg, which is still better than either of the gas engines I towed with, which got around 9-10 mpg. Maintenance costs should be about the same as the 3.0L uses 7 quarts of oil vs 8 quarts for the 5.3L and the 6.2L. The fuel filter needs to be replaced every 30,000 miles, but it's about $35. I do my own maintenance. The upcharge on my SLT was $795, but as was pointed out, it varies between trim levels. The upcharge for the 6.2L was $2495. Personally, I would never go back to the 5.3L. I've heard a lot of problems with lifters and the gas engines have DFM, which the diesel does not. But a few things I like about the 3.0L include the use of a turbo charger, so elevation changes don't mean as much power loss as with the gas engines. The longer range is especially more pronounced when towing. And diesel tends to be cheaper where I live, so that's a plus. Especially over the 6.2L which uses premium gas. With the max trailering package I believe the half ton GM trucks are fine up to 6000 lbs and even 7000 lbs. I've had zero stability issues with my GM half tons. But 7000 lbs is my personal cutoff. That's where I would be looking at a 2500 gasser.

[@AdventureRocks]

Great feedback! Thank you for sharing the helpful first-hand insight.

[@maintenancethrottle]

Good video. I agree with your summary at the end with some additional thoughts. Baby diesel would be good for long commutes where that diesel can get up to temp and run hot. Short trips in these modern diesels are not ideal in my opinion - nice long hit runs for DPF regen is ideal. Personally I would run diesel fuel additive in a diesel (I have in my last two Duramaxs) so there’s some additional cost. Finally, reliability with the emissions stuff is a wildcard. If the truck is under warranty, then it is just your lost time dealing with any issues. If out of warranty, could be quite pricey. Personally, I moved away from diesels with my move to a 2024 Chevy 6.6l gasser LTZ. Don’t regret it one bit, quite the contrary, am loving it for my major metro area commuting and towing 10k lb enclosed trailer w/ car once or twice a month to the track.

[@AdventureRocks]

Great points. Indeed the emissions stuff is a wildcard. Thank you for the comment.

[@MattN03]

I'm picking up a 25 Elevation 3.0 max trailering tomorrow. After 30 years of owning Ford trucks (and 1 excellent Tacoma), I decided to go with the LZO over the Ford Powerboost because of overall better MPG while driving interstate highways (road trips) and towing. I will probably average 15,000 miles/year driving and 5,000 towing a 22' car hauler with a small tractor or 1 to 2 side by sides. I think this LZO max trailering will work pretty well for my usage. The Powerboost gets anywhere from 8-11 MPG towing from my research, while the LZO is 14-15 towing similar style trailer and loads.

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you for the comment. I hope all goes smoothly with your delivery.

[@stagalgiz1097]

I have the max trailering package of 13,000 pounds. Towing 4,500 pounds at 80 MPH was nothing in the truck. My father in law complained that his 6.6 gas has a 12,000 pound max trailering package. His 9,000 pound camper was nothing for the 6.6 gas V8 but he was betting that my baby Duramax would out tow it.

[@buddyknotts4553]

Great information and advice.. dead on point... get the HD if your towing an RV..

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you for the comment.

[@jamesaford5173]

I have a 2024 AT4X with the DuraMax 3.0 and get around 20-22 mpg all around. I drive conservatively in town and 70-85 on the Interstate. The diesel was standard and didn’t cost me extra. I am glad I got the diesel however it does require more attention to maintenance. I charge the oil every 3-4k and watch where I buy my fuel. I use extra premium fuel and oil filters also. I don’t have to be as concerned with my gas engines. Also my truck weighs 6500 lbs.

[@AdventureRocks]

Very solid, thank you for sharing.

[@mattlimberg5763]

I co pletely agree with you on the HDs diesel vs gas, diesel is a performance upgrade, not a financial savings. With the 3.0l diesel vs gas for GM, I think it just makes so much sense to get it when the price difference is less than $2k, at that point for the overall purchase price, you would never notice it. I did just configure it in the 2025 Tahoe/Suburban and now the diesel is a $4k option over the 5.3. At that price. It just doesn't make sense unless you will keep it for many years and drive a ton.

[@AdventureRocks]

Great point, thank you for the comment.

[@bernarddupuis2113]

What about the lifter issue on gas engines?

[@AdventureRocks]

Great point. I have heard about the lifter issues. No firsthand experience myself, but my understanding is, it's related to the AFM switching between 4 and 8 cylinders. I gather some are using software to delete the AFM essentially. Always something, right?

[@patrickhuebner38]

As long as the baby Duramax has a belt driven oil pump, I would never consider buying it.

[@AdventureRocks]

I hear you. Valid concern. Thank you for watching.

[@AlaskaErik]

I'll have sold my truck long before it gets to that 200,000 mile change interval. That will be someone else's replacement.

[@timmyboy3459]

That’s equivalent to saying you’re not going to have children because when they graduate high school you have to buy them a graduation gift….

[@BC_Hunter]

I’m getting mid 20’s combined with a lift & 35’s. I love my baby max.

[@AdventureRocks]

Very nice. That's solid MPG. Thank you for sharing.

[@robm3357]

I will go slightly different on this. I have a 2018 Colorado diesel with the 2.8 Gets 32 in mixed driving City/hyway and I pull 6500 lb travel trailer and get 16 mpg. You need to look at the cost of the diesel option like your other options, as in just the cost of the vehicle. The real eye opener is how the truck drives. The diesel is so much more impressive than a gas engine. The fact that it doesn’t need to downshift and scream going up hills. How hard it pulls from a stop. Diesels are just so much more impressive with there high torque. Fuel milage is also a great benefit.

[@AdventureRocks]

Great point. Thank you for the perspective.

[@HighAnxi3ty]

One side note not mentioned: Only the half-ton versions get the Super Cruise option, one of the reasons I got the Half-ton Duramax for towing a travel trailer. My 2024 Denali Ultimate will tow 8900lbs . Payload could be better but I'll survive with 1324lbs. And yes range is amazing.

[@AdventureRocks]

Great point. Thank you for the comment.

[@fattie2550]

I just bought a 2024 GMC 5.3. I hope the lifters and cams don’t fail. Pray for me.

[@Carguy012001]

That’s exactly what happened to my 2013 with 5.3 with the addition of the #7 piston rings thanks to the oil consumption issue they have as well.

[@Deleteguest]

Whatever you do, don't idle it. Keep'er moving. NEVER let it sit there and idle to warm it up, ESPECIALLY in the winter. Keep the oil changed every 3-5k miles or every 6 months, whichever comes first. Shouldn't have lifter problems if you do that.

[@fattie2550]

@ yup thats what I plan to do. Found a dealership with lifetime unlimited oil changes for 700.00

[@fattie2550]

@ new ones are DFM and you can’t turn off. You can only turn off auto start stop or drive in L9

[@skslone9450]

@@Deleteguestthat doesn’t help anything, done that with mine, lost #7 cylinder anyway.

[@ThunderRunner]

I’ve owned both in recent years with very similar setups on my truck (at4). Granted, it was the first version of the 3.0. Lifetime averaged about 23mpg with the duramax and 16.5 on the 5.3. High on 5.3 was 20-21 and on the duramax over 30 under the right conditions. Trips average down due to regen cycles on the duramax to maybe 26-27. I think the duramax was more engaging to drive and would pick it if I had to do it over again.

[@AdventureRocks]

@@ThunderRunner that is very helpful first-hand feedback, thank you for sharing

[@angelolamantia]

You can really save on the diesel cost if you use mudflap or open roads app depending on where you live. In my area I can get diesel for about .15 cents more than 87 octane using either app. When I drove to Florida this fall diesel was actually cheaper in several states.

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you for the comment.

[@ryanlogan2911]

I just traded off my 21 AT4 3.0 earlier this week. Blackstone labs flagged 2 oil samples in the 60-70k miles range as engine making metal and a bearing going out. GM had not figured out these engines.

[@AdventureRocks]

Sorry to hear, the metal is alarming. Good you caught it with the sample.

[@AlaskaErik]

You had the LM2. The LZ0 has been extensively reworked.

[@mickeybrumfield764]

I agree with everything you say you're right on target. GM does have something special with the Baby Duramax Diesel, and with my shopping for a half ton truck, GM seems to know this. The deals are not to be had with the Baby Duramax as they are with the 5.3 and especially the 2.7. Real world, I'm thinking it's going to cost $3k, maybe more for the baby diesel if you're taking into consideration the specials the dealers are willing to let these trucks go for. In my observation, they simply don't discount the baby diesel as much. I do give a very, very small edge on reliability to the naturally aspirated engine over the turbo engine unless your one of the unlucky few who has problems with the active fuel management system that the 5.3 employs. Good discussion. Especially for me since I just bought a 2024 Sierra 1500 with the 5.3.

[@AdventureRocks]

Great points, those discounts can really make a difference. Thank you for the comment.

[@kc2giw]

Now that I have an lz0, I have had them all - half ton and HD. if I buy another HD it will be an L8t again, my next half ton will be a 6.2. That said, the 3.0 is pretty great. Economy is awesome but I short trip a lot and the gas motors heat up faster, get through an intersection faster (lag is barely there, but it’s there) and don’t have to regenerate. None of them are bad by any stretch. I still go back to the snappy v8.

[@AdventureRocks]

That is great firsthand feedback from an actual owner. Thank you for the comment. I hear you on the snappy power delivery.

[@nowayoutstp4]

I can get to the mountains 4 times in my 24TB from home vs 2.5 with my 5.3. I also have the L5P that gets the same range as the 3L with a way bigger tank…..needless to say the Z71 Tahoe with the 3L might be in my future.

[@AdventureRocks]

Z71 + 3L in Tahoe is a pretty cool setup.

[@solis4920]

I went from a 5.3 to a 6.2 then 3.0 and my favorite truck is the 3.0 pulls the trailer so smooth vs my gasers I had.

[@AdventureRocks]

Very nice! Thank you for the firsthand feedback. Very helpful!

[@AlaskaErik]

Same here. I've had all three in the same order and the 3.0L is my favorite.

[@budlite8207]

We have two. A 2021 sierra 1500 AT4 and a 2023 yukon diesiel. Wife get's 30Mpg at 80 mph while I get about 26mpg in the Sierra. Biggest thing is not the mpg, its the torque. Way better torque.

[@AdventureRocks]

Great point, thank you for the comment.

[@stagalgiz1097]

Maintenance cost on my 2024 3.0L Duramax if I go through the dealership I bought the truck is $123.00 for the oil change and $84.00 for fuel filter and air filter. I do it myself, with AC Delco filters and oil, I'm looking at $78.00 for oil changes and $60.00 for fuel and air filter changes. I can use my companies shop. When it comes to DEF, only time I've run into issues towing was in high winds. I'm talking 55 plus MPH sustained winds. My 2024 Duramax is my daily driver. It is also my hunting truck, my family's travel truck. I will take this over my father in-law's 6.6 V8 gas engine. Best he gets on the highway is 21 MPG.

[@oceanemerson]

I currently have a 2017 F150 4x4. I do have 33 inch tires and a level kit get roughly 16mpg maybe close to 18 on a long trip with a tail wind--ha! I don't tow much at all, but would consider this baby Duramax as I have twins that play travel sports. We have a couple more years of travel sports so the appeal of better mpg is intriguing. Do these baby Duramax engines have good passing power? If you're going 70 and need to pass some folks on the freeway--is it a dog at that speed? I know it's a silly point, but I've been spoiled with the 5.0, gets up and goes, just wish it got better mpg. My next truck. I'm not going to level and stay with a smaller tire, since I don't off road much anymore either. Getting killed living in California with all the taxes and higher priced everything.

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you for sharing.

[@clhbrickhouse]

Walmart has Mobil 1 dexos d espx2 ow20 for 27.97 5 quart jug. And a pf 66 filter 7.97. It cost me 53.50 plus tax to do my 3.0 duramax oil change myself.

[@nationaltrails9585]

How about a comparison between a current E-pickup and gas pickup?

[@AdventureRocks]

Great idea!

[@AlaskaErik]

@@AdventureRocks I would love to see how the EV compares to the 3.0L, so a three way comparison.

[@AdventureRocks]

@@AlaskaErik Indeed, that would be very interesting!

[@В.Блогер]

HI.What was the best fuel economy on your 6.6 gasoline ?

[@AdventureRocks]

@@В.Блогер 16.6 on a 200 mi highway stretch, unladen.

[@crusher0427]

I see the fuel economy numbers that some of these people claim to get in the comments, but I don't get anywhere near those numbers. I have a 24 Yukon with the 3.0 Duramax LM2 engine. I have had several runs to upstate NY on I87, averaging 220 miles each way. The best fuel economy I got was 24-25 MPG until I got closer to NYC and had to bring the speed down to 60-65. If you're averaging 75 MPH on the road with the cruise on, you're lucky to get 24 MPG. The Yukon is shy of 4,000 miles on it since it is new, and my computer shows 23.9 MPG. My 21 GMC Acadia with the 3.6 gas engine averaged 22.1 MPG over 75,000 miles. Diesel is 50 cents more per gallon than regular, but even with the higher MPG on the diesel, I would still spend $1,169 more for fuel over the same 75K miles, and that's not including the cost of DEF. While I like the Yukon, I am very disappointed with the fuel economy.

[@AdventureRocks]

I hear you. Thank you for sharing. Nice to hear actual numbers from real owners.

[@davidjcondron]

But which engine is quicker off the line?

[@AdventureRocks]

I'd go for the 6.2 in that case! 😎

[@briankennedy7992]

I own a 2020 with the baby D. I average 26 / 27 MPG. I like the motor. Having said that, I do have concerns about the belt driven oil pump. I only have roughly 40k on the odometer. As Opatrickhuebner38 indicated, I hope the next iteration of the motor will have a chain or gear driven oil pump. Other than that, the motor has been great!

[@AdventureRocks]

Great feedback, thank you for the comment.

[@stagalgiz1097]

At 70 MPH my baby duramax 4x4 with max towing and the 20 inch rims (LT) I have gotten 36.5 MPG to and from a city up and down hills through a canyon. In the mountains I have gotten 55 MPG on county roads going 50 MPH. My honest opinion, I'll take my baby Duramax. I have 14,000 miles on my 2024. I have towed in Wyoming winds with it. I have hunted with it. I have driven the highways with it. Even in the city I get 24 to 28 MPG.

[@marquiserobinson895]

I have a baby duramax and when i run about 70 mph I consistently get 30 mpg. When im towing my 6500lbs camper with the family i get anywhere from 13-16 mpg

[@AdventureRocks]

Very impressive, thank you for the comment.

[@BabyGators]

@@marquiserobinson895that’s much more realistic. The only way they’re getting 55 mpg is going downhill on the 25 mpg average. Great efficiency for these engines but absurdly high reports should be ignored because they’re a very limited set of circumstances.

[@marquiserobinson895]

@ lol 100 percent agree

[@nahbro3240]

​@@BabyGatorsi have one. And my average for the last 40k doing 90% highway @70 with no towing at all is 28.8. Take it or leave it if you gwt 38 mpg you in the right lane rolling under speed limit like a nerd.

[@agentstevehaines9164]

I loved my 2017 Silverado with the 5.3. But it probably averaged 14 MPG combined and never got over 18 no matter how hard i babied it, and it was NOT enjoyable to drive it like that.. My 23 LZ0 is getting 25 combined and over 30 if im being civilized on the highway. Literally doubled my mpg and range and its even more fun to drive. Cant say enough good things about the 3.0 Duramax!!

[@AdventureRocks]

Great points. Thank you for sharing your firsthand experience!

[@johnmorris77]

I have a 24 ZR2 w the Duramax. Love the truck I usually average 25 but I’ve gotten 27 on a tank. 23 is the worst tank I’ve had

[@AdventureRocks]

Very nice, thank you for the firsthand experience.

[@davidporter7051]

Averaged nearly 27MPG on my B-Duramax in 57K miles with my 23 Silverado. Where I live about 80% of the time diesel is less than gasoline. I had a 21 Silverado with the 6.2 in 49K miles I averaged 19.2MPG. Its a no brainer if the 3.0 was reliable and in my experience it isn't. Its been down since Thanksgiving with a bad coolant control valve.

[@Sunny-jr5zc]

Next Video idea: F150 Hybrid vs GMC 3.0 Diesel vs CybertTruck/Rivian Miles: 17000 miles per year. Which ones these would be the most efficient in 7 and 10 years. Need to save money on Fuel/Charging

[@AdventureRocks]

😎 I like your idea.

[@Sunny-jr5zc]

@@AdventureRocks If you make this video, we need to find which one is the cheapest truck to operate over the next 7-10 years. Thanks !!

[@TimHancock-h6e]

Myn LM2 averages about 32-35MPG. She's got about 100K, watch OIL CONSUPTION sometimes it's 3 quarts low, and other it's a quart over. Just check every fillup and you'll be fine.

[@AdventureRocks]

Very nice, that's solid MPG. Thank you for the comment.

[@nahbro3240]

Mine is having a valve body problem since day one and the transmission still doesnt want to grenade after 60k

[@markm499]

Why is the premium 1000 price tag every year? Wouldn't it be $200 over the 5years??

[@AdventureRocks]

Great question. And thank you for the comment. In this example, the gas savings are accumulated throughout the years, so it's a break-even analysis. Think of it more in terms of how many years it takes to be in the positive after spending the upfront cost.

[@DonaldEdwards-h6m]

I pay $65 dollars a month for fuel in my. 24 Denali 3.0. i had a 5.3 and spent several hundred a month lol. I usually get 600 miles out of a tank in my 3.0 and def i think i bought 4 boxes but because i dont let it get below have and at half its exactly one jug of def. I have 12,000 miles on the clock.

[@AdventureRocks]

Very nice, thank you for sharing.

[@lonerunner1228]

Don't forget the $3K bill to change the stupid oil pump belt on the 3.0L. Dumb design. GM says every 150k to 200k but that is based on a certain failure rate. In reality they need to be done at 100K.

[@AdventureRocks]

Great point. Thank you for pointing that out.

[@youarerightboss]

I'm taking the 6.2 liter ecotec V-8 and the Duramax 6.6 liter diesel engine

[@keithundefined6453]

you need to account for oil consumption the 3.0 Most everyone I talk to says about a quart 1500 miles at $10 to $12 per quart

[@raylewis3355]

I have a 3.0 diesel dose not burn a noticeable amount of oil truck has 28,000 miles on it

[@michaelsell6928]

Mine doesn’t burn any at all at 45k miles

[@AdventureRocks]

Great point. Thank you for the comment.

[@angelolamantia]

My 5.3 uses oil at 2 quarts per oil change, it is a GM luck of the draw no matter what platform.

[@NMTRUCKER]

Not true. A 5 quart jug of Mobile 1 ESP2 Dexos D 0W-20 oil is $37 which is $7.40 per quart at AutoZone.

[@philblock]

On the current Chevy/GMC websites the 3.0 Duramax is at least a $3,000 option on any trim. Not $1,000.... That wipes out any fuel savings.

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you for pointing that out. There might be some pricing changes coming for 2025. I noticed it's confusing as sometimes they force you into other options packages to get the 3.0L, but then on the final window sticker it shows up $595 to $995 higher than the 5.3L.

[@philblock]

@@AdventureRocks yeah and it's a bigger difference from the base engine 2.7L turbo 4.

[@AdventureRocks]

@@philblock great point, thank you

[@DonaldEdwards-h6m]

I did not pay that much. I paid $795 for my 24 3.0 Duramax

[@philblock]

@DonaldEdwards-h6m over the base engine?

[@DonaldEdwards-h6m]

Towed 7,500 pounds with my ' 24 Denali 3.0 and got 16 mpg. My previous truck 5.3 Silverado it would struggle and get at best 10 mpg with the wind at my back lol.

[@johndennison6093]

How does it handle your trailer?

[@DonaldEdwards-h6m]

@@johndennison6093 it handled it fine but remember it's not an HD and if you plan on towing heavy this not that truck. The 7500 was a test I did to see what it could do if I needed to do it in a pinch. My plan is to tow no more in the 5000 range and this truck is perfect for that. Yes I could have 5.3 do it but the 3.0 is the better option. The power train is best for what I plan on doing recreationally and is my daily driver.

[@Hesled_shesled]

Towing with the baby duramax is where you save.

[@Ogdin3]

Once you get into a boating accident and the emission equipment falls off the diesels are very reliable.

[@Ryan-719]

Don’t forget the maintenance cost with the diesel!

[@AlaskaErik]

And what would that be in addition to replacing the $35 fuel filter every 30,000 miles?

[@davidgroves8049]

Funny I got $1500 discount for getting the LZO in my 2024 sierra

[@Sahasra_doesrandomthings]

What the otd price ? And listed msrp

[@AdventureRocks]

Very nice!

[@tag_76]

This is all well and good, but wait until you have to replace your DEF exhaust system and you likely will if you plan on keeping it more than 5 years. Minimum price is around $2500 but it can be as much as nearly $10K depending where you live. Diesels were great before the DEF crap but there's no way I'd buy one now.

[@AdventureRocks]

Great point, thank you for the comment.

[@Holeshot260]

The 5.3 requires upgraded packages and in some cases cost more than the 3.0.

[@AdventureRocks]

Great point. Thank you for the comment.

[@garrettsmith7244]

Just bought a 2025 1500 ZR2 that had a $1,000 discount for the duramax.

[@AdventureRocks]

Very nice. I love the ZR2 😎

[@markman7]

GM priced the 3.0 like they did for CORPORATE AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY. The whole cylinder deactivation system on the gas V8 engines is for the sake of 1mpg. It's about the FLEET fuel economy. GM does this to sell more Escalades.

[@paulcampanella9124]

Your dream and if you ever think a 5.3 L is gonna get 17 miles per gallon I own one at best around town. It gets 14 my 3.0 diesel gets 24 around town.

[@AdventureRocks]

I like to dream BIG :)

[@MADAmechanical]

I talked to a few people with the 3L dmax and they average 25-27.5mpg per tank. My wifes 5.3 averages 22mpg on most trips, with a lifetime average over 60,000miles of 20.5 mpg including city and northern canadian winter driving. Here gas is $1.329 per liter, and diesel is $1.529 currently

[@AdventureRocks]

Great points! Thank you for the comment.

[@MrTHORN74]

In general don't diesel engine out live gas engines by 2 or 3 x? Don't diesel engines hit 3-400k miles pretty normally and gas engines ur lucky if u hit 200k?

[@AdventureRocks]

Great point. I think that used to be the case pre-2007 before all the emissions stuff. Plus now days turbo-charged engines are pushed to the limits, which lessens longevity. Each brand keeps uping it's HP and torque magically by re-tuning and making little changes to the engine itself, which I think takes away from longevity. It's interesting in the HD truck space if you buy a consumer 3500 with diesel, the commercial counterpart (chassis cab, etc.) typically is de-rated on the horsepower and torque significantly to make the engine last longer in fleet situations.

[@golfbravowhiskey8669]

We have two of those little Dura’minis in our oil field trucks both have about 120k miles on the and they have been nothing but pure junk since we have owned them. They are about 2 1/2 years old as they are 22 models and we have to get away from those turds, severely under powered not to mention that def and EGR is the biggest killer of those engines. Each one has had all the EGR coolers replaced ( because you can’t breathe your own💩 and expect anything to last. Now we have five other 6.2 L trail boss chevys that all have over 200,000 miles on them and they have never been in the shop once and they average about 18 miles to the gallon and the best we ever got out of those sorry little diesels is about 20mpg. Out here in West Texas we deal with reliability, those little diesels are just not reliable enough to run every single day in the Dusty and hot environment that we operate in.

[@AdventureRocks]

Sorry to hear about all the troubles. Sound frustrating.

[@johndee9719]

Add 10k for engine, higher gas price, costly maintenance and a 4k cost to replace the oil pump belt and you are losing money.

[@DonaldEdwards-h6m]

Not really. I can literally go 3 weeks without filling up . Changed oil every 4,000 miles. Did fuel filter at 12,000. I travel 40 miles everyday for work. Sips def. It's a great truck.

[@AdventureRocks]

I hear you, diesels normally cost a lot to upgrade. GM really priced the baby duramax right being only $500-$1K over the 5.3 in most trims. It's one of the few times I'd say the cost may be worth it for some. Although the belt driven oil pump $$ is a concern for longterm ownership.

[@AlaskaErik]

The 3.0L was a $795 option. $10k is for the 6.6L in the HD trucks. Diesel is cheaper than regular where I live. The only extra maintenance is a $35 fuel filter every 30,000 miles. And the oil pump belt doesn't need replacing until 200,000 miles, which is way beyond the length most original owners will keep their truck.

[@johndee9719]

@@AlaskaErik It is a $5,000 option on the Yukon.

[@damasofuentes5765]

So buy a used baby max. Got it 👍🏻

[@paulhafner9781]

Is the oil pump r u n off of a belt at the rear of the engine? If so to replace the oil pump belt one must drop the transmission. $$$$. Stupid design using belts for something as important as a n oil pump, or valve timing. Let the buyer beware!

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you for the comment. I think you're the 2nd one to mention this. Sounds like a potential major shortcomming in the long haul if the owner keeps it.

[@DonaldEdwards-h6m]

Don't worry your transmission will fail before that oil pump belt. Then you can change that while they put a new transmission in lol.

[@rothschwarz5969]

I love my baby dumb mike's I was buying another one 😊