For a small business buying one or two pickups at a time, choosing an engine can have a bigger impact than choosing a trim level. General Motors has released full powertrain specifications for the next-generation 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, giving small fleets four engine choices with notably different strengths in payload, towing, power, and driving range.

The lineup includes an enhanced 2.7L TurboMax, 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel, and two new sixth-generation V-8 engines in 5.7L and 6.6L configurations. All four engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Four Engines for Four Different Needs

For businesses carrying tools, equipment, materials, or other payload every day, the TurboMax may be the number worth watching. The updated engine produces 350 horsepower and 455 lb.-ft. of torque, with a maximum payload rating of 2,340 pounds in the Silverado and 2,310 pounds in the Sierra.

Businesses that tow more frequently get a different option. The new 5.7L V-8 produces 402 horsepower and 428 lb.-ft. of torque, while the Silverado can tow up to 13,700 pounds when properly equipped. The Sierra reaches a maximum available tow rating of 13,500 pounds with the engine.

GM's larger 6.6L V-8 moves the focus toward power, producing 481 horsepower and 501 lb.-ft. of torque. Maximum towing is 9,700 pounds in the Silverado and 9,400 pounds in the Sierra.

The returning 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel sits between those options with 305 horsepower and 495 lb.-ft. of torque. Maximum towing reaches 12,000 pounds in the Silverado and 12,100 pounds in the Sierra.

For businesses covering significant highway mileage, GM also says a new 34-gallon fuel tank paired with the Duramax can provide more than 900 miles of highway driving range.

Why Payload and Towing Numbers Matter

The specifications illustrate why small fleets should look beyond horsepower when selecting a truck. A contractor primarily hauling equipment in the bed may have different needs than a business regularly towing a trailer, while companies covering long distances could put more value on fuel capacity and driving range.

The maximum figures also depend on vehicle configuration, trim, and available packages, so businesses will still need to match the engine with the specific cab, bed, drivetrain, and equipment combination required for the job.

Pricing for the new trucks and individual powertrain options has not yet been announced.

When Will the 2027 Silverado and Sierra Arrive

The new 5.7L and 6.6L V-8 engines will launch with the next-generation 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 later in 2026.

GM says the new V-8s are being validated for everyday truck use, including towing, hauling, commuting, and off-road driving. Development teams expect to complete more than 1.5 million miles of real-world on-road validation before the trucks reach dealerships.

Want to get further under the hood? Business Fleet sister publication Work Truck takes a deeper look at GM's new sixth-generation Small Block V-8 engines, including the engineering changes, manufacturing, and development behind the new powertrains.