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.