Upgrade to a 2026 AT4 with the 3.0L Duramax

Blade8971 · July 10

Looking at trading in my current ride a 2020 Trailboss with the 6.2L for an 2026 AT4 with the 3.0 Duramax.

From what I heard that the 3.0 Duramax is a very good engine.

Just wondering from others who have similar trucks with this engine - pro's and con's.

Thanks

Coastie05 · July 10

For reliability, that would be my second choice but it’s better than the 6.2 and 5.3. The plus is that the fuel economy is excellent.

StingerZ16 · July 10

I have really enjoyed my 3.0.

Quite with lots of power and get great fuel mileage.

Not had any problems but still in break in period.

Jus Cruisin · July 10

I have a 2025 GMC 1500 Sierra Denali Ultimate with the 3.0l. I had an issue with mine at 5,000 miles. Engine siezed. It was replaced and trouble-free with the replacement. I'm going to order a 2027 GMC Yukon once the order banks open and it'll be another 3.0l.

Atlas · July 21

+1 for the 3.0

Perfect for 1500 pickup towing duties.

Perfect engine for a 1500 pickup period. Huge torque at stunningly low RPM makes it feel a lot lighter than it is. The fuel mileage is insane for a tall and heavy 1500... 30+ on the highway. Mid 20's around town.

It's probably not perfect if you bought a 6.2 for the braaaaaaapppppp V8 noises and wrapping it out to 6k. The LZ0 acts and sounds like a small turbo diesel and there's nothing you can do to make a small turbo diesel sound like a big one, and you can't make an inline diesel sound like a V8 diesel/big Duramax. It's a different driving experience altogether.

Drive one, I think you'll like it, though...

Blade8971 · July 28

On 7/21/2026 at 9:59 AM, Atlas said:

+1 for the 3.0

Perfect for 1500 pickup towing duties.

Perfect engine for a 1500 pickup period. Huge torque at stunningly low RPM makes it feel a lot lighter than it is. The fuel mileage is insane for a tall and heavy 1500... 30+ on the highway. Mid 20's around town.

It's probably not perfect if you bought a 6.2 for the braaaaaaapppppp V8 noises and wrapping it out to 6k. The LZ0 acts and sounds like a small turbo diesel and there's nothing you can do to make a small turbo diesel sound like a big one, and you can't make an inline diesel sound like a V8 diesel/big Duramax. It's a different driving experience altogether.

Drive one, I think you'll like it, though...

A few days ago, I've test drove a 2026 AT4 with the 3.0L diesel and was impressed at how quick it moves due to the insane 495 ft-lbs of torque, and hardly heard any engine noise. Earlier today, I traded in my 2020 6.2L TB for it. I pickup my new ride later this week. This is my first diesel powered vehicle and I look forward to the experience of owning one.

Atlas · July 28

10 hours ago, Blade8971 said:

A few days ago, I've test drove a 2026 AT4 with the 3.0L diesel and was impressed at how quick it moves due to the insane 495 ft-lbs of torque, and hardly heard any engine noise. Earlier today, I traded in my 2020 6.2L TB for it. I pickup my new ride later this week. This is my first diesel powered vehicle and I look forward to the experience of owning one.

Welcome to the party!

StingerZ16 · July 28

I think you will like it.

I have enjoyed my 2025 with the 3.0

Grumpy Bear · July 28

There is a very good video linked to this article I think the OP would find some confidence in.

https://www.duramaxnews.com/post/the-10-000-3-0-duramax-timing-chain-flaw-what-gm-fixed-and-how-to-protect-your-truck

Blade8971 · July 28

1 hour ago, Grumpy Bear said:

There is a very good video linked to this article I think the OP would find some confidence in.

https://www.duramaxnews.com/post/the-10-000-3-0-duramax-timing-chain-flaw-what-gm-fixed-and-how-to-protect-your-truck

Thanks for the link to the article. After reading it, no worries with getting the 3.0L AT4.

Jus Cruisin · July 28

I just ordered a 2027 Yukon today with the 3.0l in it.

Blade8971 · July 30

Picked up the new ride earlier today.

parthery · August 19

Welcome to the group! My '22 just crossed 150K miles. Runs perfectly. Oil pump belt will be done in the next 30 days or so and onward hopefully for another 150K. Love the truck.

Blade8971 · August 25

On 8/19/2026 at 7:58 AM, parthery said:

Welcome to the group! My '22 just crossed 150K miles. Runs perfectly. Oil pump belt will be done in the next 30 days or so and onward hopefully for another 150K. Love the truck.

Thank You.

So far my new ride is making me look like a genius for going with the 3.0L, as my first fuel refill occurred over three weeks from when I took delivery. This engine combination is very amazing. So far no issues and had not done a regen yet.