Does anyone regret getting the 5.3L over the 6.2?

[OnTheReel]

1 hour ago, TNTSilverado said:

I agree.  I’m still a kid at heart sometimes and love mashing on it

Also I’ve owned 2 K2 5.3L and they were hindered by the transmissions. The new 5.3L 10 spd combo and weight loss really wakes the 5.3L. Drove stepfathers all weekend at cabin and it’s nice and peppy. He is also averaging 21 mpgs with just over 2k miles.  The best he ever achieved with his eco bust was 17 mpgs 

Yeah, my ‘16 with the 5.3 was a pooch. Very lazy throttle response. A tune would have helped a lot, but trading it for a 6.2 helped more. The new 5.3 8 speed is pretty good and I bet it’s even better with the 10 speed.

[Mac-427]

I recently purchased my 2020 Custom Double Cab 5.3 six speed with the tow package, Sirius/XM, and Katzkins heated leather seats.  I added the GM hard folding Tonneau, N-Fab nerf bars and LED headlights.  The whole package was around 40,000 bucks with promotional, and Friends and Family discounts. The truck has plenty of power and feels like a luxury car.  To me, the extra dough for a 6.2 would be a waste and I don't have to deal with the stupid stop start feature.

Edited October 25, 2020 by Mac-427

[KARNUT]

After driving by wire for awhile I surprised how responsive my old truck is. It feels very peppy at 285 HP and a 373 rear. I guess that’s why people like throttle boost so much.


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[Glenn Kirby]

I have owned both the 6.2 and the 5.3 (currently have). It serves my purpose fine as I don't do any towing. There is a noticeable difference in power acceleration and fuel mileage and costs. I just totaled a 2 liter silverado and it had acceptable power for me with the twin turbos and averaged 23 miles per gal. I went up to the 5.3 with my replacement and am very happy with it.

[Fiona]

I have to say that I'm pretty pleased with the mileage with my 6.2. Although the truck is really quite new and not really broken in, I'm seeing an average of around 18 mpg. From what I understand, it should improve slightly as the engine fully breaks in, so I hope to see perhaps slightly higher numbers down the road.

[SSsierra]

I traded my 2014 5.3 with 6 psd for a 2020 5.3 with a 10 psd and the 2020 is much responsive and quicker than my 2014 was and it had a custom tune

[greatmizzou]

On 10/18/2019 at 10:10 AM, greatmizzou said:

Ive heard the 6.2 is for playing and the 5.3 is for towing.  

 

the 6.2 might have the edge in every circumstance, but it does seem likely it is not going to be as durable as the 5.3.   An example was cited comparing the 6.0 HD engine to the 6.2. Or even the 6.6 gas to the 6.2.  

 

 

 

Just read the NHTSA media release about 6.2 engine failures for L87 2019-2024

 

Reminded me of this thread!

[Bikerjon]

I have had 5.7s and 3 -5.3s. 2017, 2021 and 2023. Just got a new Trail Boss with the 6.2. This engine is not broken in yet but holy sh*t this thing is fast. I do not regret buying the 5.3 trucks but I feel like a teenager when I drive this new truck with a 6.2L.

[AirMech74]

I got a 24 SLT with the 5.3 and I'm very happy with it so far, then again, I came from a V6 Toyota Tacoma, so the 5.3 feels really good to me. I didn't feel that I needed the 6.2 and to get it here locally, I would have had to go up to Denali or AT4. I've also had two friends that had 6.2's and both of them had lifter issues. One was a Denali and the other was an AT4

[newdude]

5.3 for me.  I have a 2.7 Turbomax at the moment, if I stay truck on my next lease its either another Turbomax or the 5.3 as the Turbomax has been fantastic.  

 

I've driven 6.2s in the trucks and in Camaro/Corvette.  Its fine in the trucks but it really shines in the cars. 

 

Only benefit for me getting a 6.2 truck right now is they added the dual mode exhaust.  I wish they'd offer it on the 5.3 as well.  

Edited January 20, 2025 by newdude

[JeffKirk]

I know we beat this to death and opinions are all over the board, but here is my experience and thoughts.

• Bought a 2018 GMC Sierra SLT new with the 5.3 and 8 speed transmission.  Owned that over 6 years and 65K miles using it as a typical homeowner would.  I do tow a 6000 pound tri-toon boat which the 5.3 handled well.
• Traded in my 2018 for a 2024 GMC Sierra Denali with the 6.2 and 10 speed transmission.  The difference in power and all around drivability is obvious and I do think the 10 speed contributes to that.  Pulling my boat is a different experience now in terms of power.  This is where you really notice the increased torque and my pulling mileage improved by 1.5 mpg (calculated running the same 8 hour roundtrip we do every year).  I do run 93 octane gas even though this is debated up and down, I don't care for one minute about spending the extra dollars at the pump.  I'm not rich, but capable of owning this truck and putting 93 in it.  
• Bottom line, I would never look back at the 5.3 after owning the 6.2, to me it would now be a deal breaker.  That said, no disrespect for the 5.3 and I had a great experience with mine.  No mechanical failures and only routine maintenance in 6 years of ownership.  I do hope the 6.2 gives me the same experience, but time will tell.

One happy 6.2 owner here!

 

 

[KARNUT]

1 minute ago, JeffKirk said:

I know we beat this to death and opinions are all over the board, but here is my experience and thoughts.

• Bought a 2018 GMC Sierra SLT new with the 5.3 and 8 speed transmission.  Owned that over 6 years and 65K miles using it as a typical homeowner would.  I do tow a 6000 pound tri-toon boat which the 5.3 handled well.
• Traded in my 2018 for a 2024 GMC Sierra Denali with the 6.2 and 10 speed transmission.  The difference in power and all around drivability is obvious and I do think the 10 speed contributes to that.  Pulling my boat is a different experience now in terms of power.  This is where you really notice the increased torque and my pulling mileage improved by 1.5 mpg (calculated running the same 8 hour roundtrip we do every year).  I do run 93 octane gas even though this is debated up and down, I don't care for one minute about spending the extra dollars at the pump.  I'm not rich, but capable of owning this truck and putting 93 in it.  
• Bottom line, I would never look back at the 5.3 after owning the 6.2, to me it would now be a deal breaker.  That said, no disrespect for the 5.3 and I had a great experience with mine.  No mechanical failures and only routine maintenance in 6 years of ownership.  I do hope the 6.2 gives me the same experience, but time will tell.

One happy 6.2 owner here!

 

 

Did they continue to not offer the E-85 option in the 5.3? Mine had it. It on E-85 was just under the 6.2 by 20 HP on it. I like choices. On trips I ran regularly gas. In town I ran E-85. It’s on par what you can do with Ford these days. Buy even a regular cab 5.0 and put the Roush package on it. I know a guy who did it and smoked my brother’s super snake. For 1/4 of the price. GM it’s still you want the 6.2 buy this up model. 

[JeffKirk]

My 5.3 was not E85 capable.

[redwngr]

On 1/21/2025 at 1:28 PM, KARNUT said:

Did they continue to not offer the E-85 option in the 5.3? Mine had it. It on E-85 was just under the 6.2 by 20 HP on it. I like choices. On trips I ran regularly gas. In town I ran E-85. It’s on par what you can do with Ford these days. Buy even a regular cab 5.0 and put the Roush package on it. I know a guy who did it and smoked my brother’s super snake. For 1/4 of the price. GM it’s still you want the 6.2 buy this up model. 

2025 shows only available on work truck and 

E85 FlexFuel capable, capable of running on unleaded or up to 85% ethanol

1. Requires a fleet or Government Sales order, 4WD Crew Cab, (L84) 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine and (JL1) trailer brake controller. Not available with (PQA) WT Safety Package, (UD5) Front and Rear Park Assist, (ZW9) pickup bed delete or (9C1) Police Pursuit Package. Deletes (KL9) automatic stop/start.

and it deletes stop/start