2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Engine Options & Towing in Mount Pleasant, IA
When it comes to serious performance and towing prowess, the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 is a full-size pickup truck powerhouse that brings its A-game with four distinct engine options. Whether you need confident muscle on the jobsite or on the trails, each powertrain option in the GMC Sierra 1500 delivers the reliability you need to get the job done. Discover which engine option best meets your needs with this comprehensive engines and towing guide prepared by the team at Mount Pleasant Chevrolet GMC Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.
Browse our inventory to find the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 for sale that will keep pace with your toughest demands. Schedule a test drive at our GMC dealership in Mount Pleasant, IA. Match your preferred trim with an attractive finance or lease offer to lock in a GMC Sierra 1500 price that works for your budget. Reach out to our experts with any questions you may have about the Sierra 1500. Give us a call at (319) 552-7200 or contact us online.
Quick Jump
Navigate to a specific research section to learn more:
2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Engine Differences
Built for real-world demands, the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 offers a diverse lineup of powertrains designed to balance strength, efficiency, and capability. From responsive turbocharged performance to more formidable V8 and diesel options, each engine brings the hardworking strength and assurance you need. Which engine strikes the ideal balance of power for your drive?
2.7L TurboMax™
Delivering a strong balance of power and efficiency, the 2.7L TurboMax™ engine gets the job done with its 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, paired with a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. Engineered for capability and durability in both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD), the powertrain’s turbocharged design supports confident acceleration and consistent performance under demanding conditions.
View 2.7L TurboMax engine specifications in the accompanying table.
- Engine: 2.7L TurboMax
- Horsepower: 310 HP
- Torque: 430 lb.-ft.
- Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: RWD / 4WD
- RWD MPG: 18 city / 21 hwy
- 4WD MPG: 17 city / 20 hwy
5.3L EcoTec3 V8
The 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine brings confident performance with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, providing the capability required for a wide range of driving and hauling needs. Features like variable valve timing and Dynamic Fuel Management help balance robust output with improved efficiency. This results in a capable powertrain engineered for dependable versatility and everyday drivability.
View 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine specifications in the accompanying table.
- Engine: 5.3L EcoTec3 V8
- Horsepower: 355 HP
- Torque: 383 lb.-ft.
- Transmission: Ten-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: RWD / 4WD
- RWD MPG: 16 city / 21 hwy
- 4WD MPG: 15 city / 18 hwy
3.0L Duramax® turbo diesel
Setting a high standard for durability, responsiveness, and long-term reliability, the 3.0L Duramax® turbo diesel engine is built for performance without compromise. Producing an impressive 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque, the 3.0L Duramax turbo diesel I6 provides confident low-end performance for demanding work and towing prowess.
View 3.0L Duramax turbo diesel engine specifications in the accompanying table.
- Engine: 3.0L Duramax turbo diesel
- Horsepower: 305 HP
- Torque: 495 lb.-ft.
- Transmission: Ten-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: RWD / 4WD
- RWD MPG: 23 city / 28 hwy
- 4WD MPG: 22 city / 26 hwy
6.2L EcoTec3 V8
Leading the pack, the available 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 delivers a formidable 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque on select GMC Sierra 1500 trims. Its advanced engineering, including variable valve timing and Dynamic Fuel Management, enhances efficiency while preserving robust capability. The result is a naturally aspirated engine that balances refined power with intelligent performance optimization.
View 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine specifications in the accompanying table.
- Engine: 6.2L EcoTec3 V8
- Horsepower: 420 HP
- Torque: 460 lb.-ft.
- Transmission: Ten-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: 4WD
- 4WD MPG: 15 city / 19 hwy
2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Engine Model Availability
Explore how each engine configuration is matched with the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 trim lineup. Base models are equipped with the responsive 2.7L TurboMax engine, while mid-level trims are matched with the 5.3L EcoTec V8 engine. Off-road-focused configurations rely on the torque-heavy 3.0L Duramax turbo diesel engine, while luxury trims are powered by the commanding performance of the 6.2L EcoTec V8 engine.
See which Sierra 1500 trims are available with each engine.
2.7L TurboMax
Trim Availability: Pro, SLE, Elevation
5.3L EcoTec3 V8
Trim Availability: Pro, SLE, Elevation, SLT, Denali
3.0L Duramax turbo diesel
Trim Availability: SLE, Elevation, SLT, Denali, AT4, AT4X, Denali Ultimate
6.2L EcoTec3 V8
Trim Availability: SLT, AT4, Denali, AT4X, Denali Ultimate
2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity
The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 brings workhorse towing capability when and where you need it. The standard 2.7L TurboMax engine provides reliable hauling might with its 9,400-pound tow rating, while the available 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel engine packs a massive punch with its powerhouse 13,300-pound towing capacity. Also flexing its towing muscle is the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine, offering up to 13,100 pounds of maximum towing capability.
View towing capacities by engine configuration in the accompanying table.
| Engine | 2.7L TurboMax | 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 | 3.0L Duramax turbo diesel | 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max. Towing | 9,400 lbs. | 11,200 lbs. | 13,300 lbs. | 13,100 lbs. |
Learn More About the GMC Sierra 1500
Mount Pleasant Chevrolet GMC CDJR has prepared a selection of helpful research tools to assist you in making an informed decision. For an in-depth exploration of key features in the GMC Sierra 1500, including interior amenities, innovative technologies, and exterior color options, refer to our comprehensive model review. Learn more about the standard equipment in each of the available trim levels using the detailed lists of features in our trims guide.
Questions? Reach out to us at (319) 552-7200 or message us online.
Advertised price does not include tax, title, license, registration, or dealer fees. A $180 documentation preparation, compliance & retainage fee applies to all purchases. Optional protection products, including paint and fabric protection and Vehicle Theft Protection – Reimbursement Benefit, may be available at an additional cost and are not required for purchase or financing approval. All offers are subject to approved credit.