Gas or Diesel

Phantom 4D · September 26, 2023

I know this is subjective. I have the opportunity to buy a 2023 Sierra SLT with the 3L diesel. The salesman, a good friend, talks this truck up big time. Mileage and performance. However, I've never owned a diesel vehicle. So my question, how is the diesel.

I'm also looking at the 2024 SLT 5.3. I currently own a 2019 SLT. I know how the 5.3 performs with the 8 speed. Looking forward to the 10 speed.

redwngr · September 26, 2023

I'm really happy with my '23 3.0.

(was happy with the '21 too but decided I wanted the refreshed interior)

I do detest the console shifter in the '23.

(They didn't force the console shifter on the HD's -- which received the cab refresh for '24 model.)

MrMagloo · September 26, 2023

I ended up with the 3.0L RST with the Max Tow, and this powertrain is unbelievable. The mileage is unreal. On my last 5.3L Tahoe, I was lucky to get 17 on the highway, and around town was 15-ish. This 2023 3.0L is pretty quick out of the hole but not surprisingly, runs out of breath on the high end, but I'm seeing a 50 miles highway ave of 33+ mpg. Around town with stop and go, it's around 25, essentially doubling the mileage I used to get, with way more towing capacity too. It's absolutely crazy. I've only towed around 6,000 lbs and it was a breeze. That weight behind the Tahoe was a bit of a struggle. I'm looking forward to getting up near 10K to see what this thing will really do.

I on the other hand really like the console shifter.

Bikerjon · September 27, 2023

I love my 5.3 gasser. I was a mechanic before becoming a Fleet Manager at The City of Minneapolis. I have never owned a diesel but purchased hundreds of them in my former position. Not a very definitive answer to your question but it really is a personal choice.

Phantom 4D · September 27, 2023

Thanks for the replies. After doing other research and talking to folks, looks like I'll be going with the '23 3.0. Still working out details with the dealer on the money side.

Jus Cruisin · September 27, 2023

Guys that have them seem to like them. I've owned a number of diesels over the years and I didn't like smelling like a diesel mechanic everytime I filled up. Also the diesel islands usually share with gas and you could have multiple gas only islands open and of course the dual island would be tied up with a gasser.

Phantom 4D · September 29, 2023

On 9/27/2023 at 1:55 PM, Jus Cruisin said:

Guys that have them seem to like them. I've owned a number of diesels over the years and I didn't like smelling like a diesel mechanic everytime I filled up. Also the diesel islands usually share with gas and you could have multiple gas only islands open and of course the dual island would be tied up with a gasser.

I understand. Diesel fuel smell is not as strong as it use to be. Especially since most of the Sulphur has been removed. My main complaint, and has been for years, is the tax difference between on road and off road diesel. There is no difference in the fuel except color. Off road is tinted red while on road is clear or slightly green. That's why on road is so expensive vs off road. If you get caught running off road in an on road vehicle, there's a substantial fine.