General Motors made the bold decision to introduce a 2.7-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine in the full-size Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 several years ago. Initially known as the L3B, it was renamed ‘TurboMax’ for the 2024 model year and is the only standard four-cylinder mill in a pickup of this size. Already impressive for its mix of high torque and reasonable economy, the four-cylinder TurboMax engine is set to get a boost in power and torque for the 2027 models of these GM pickups, which will enter a new generation soon.
Related: Next-Gen Chevy Silverado Is Arriving This Year — Here’s What It Could Look Like
Silverado and Sierra TurboMax Engine Updates
The Fast Lane Truck/YouTube
The current TurboMax mill has already silenced many doubters who don’t believe a four-cylinder engine suffices in a full-size pickup. It produces 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque; that torque figure is easily more than the 383 lb-ft from GM’s own 5.3-liter V8. It also exceeds the 410 lb-ft from the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 used in certain Ford F-150 variants.
According to GM Authority sources, the 2027 GM pickups will get an improved version of the TurboMax with more horsepower and torque, although the exact figures are unknown. Any increase will give pickup buyers another reason to consider one of these GM trucks over its traditional rivals, though.
The TurboMax engine is developing a solid reliability reputation already, with few major problems experienced by owners. It was affected by fuel injector issues on earlier models, but the four-pot has not experienced anything as catastrophic as GM’s 6.2-liter V8 mill’s problems. This powerful V8 has been hit with multiple lawsuits for outright engine failure, which dents the general perception that larger, naturally aspirated V8s are more reliable than smaller, boosted four-cylinder units.
What It Means
GMC
The fact that GM is doubling down on enhancing its TurboMax engine for 2027 shows the confidence it has in the four-cylinder unit. Many owners have had only good things to say about the TurboMax, so an even more potent version will further eat into the dominance of V8s. That doesn’t mean the TurboMax will replace the V8s entirely, though—Ram already found out the hard way that a V8 engine option still has its place in a full-size pickup.
The new Silverado and Sierra are expected to be revealed later in 2026. Not only will the TurboMax be improved, but a new V8 engine and likely hybrid options are also on the menu. We expect a fresh but familiar exterior look and a more refined interior for the GM twins, which will put pressure on full-size rivals from Ram and Ford.
