​​Which Duramax Is Right for You?​

Duramax diesel power has been a part of GMC’s story for decades now, providing the power to do more in your vehicle. The towing capacities, payloads, and the fuel economy delivered by GMC’s diesel engines are part of what separate Duramax-powered GMC trucks and SUVs from the competition.  

Did you know that GMC offers two Duramax turbocharged diesels in the current truck and SUV lineup? The 2025 Sierra 1500 pickup truck, Yukon, and Yukon XL SUVs can be equipped with the 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged Duramax diesel. This engine puts down some serious numbers: 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque. In GMC’s larger 2025 Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD pickup trucks, an optional 6.6-liter V8 turbocharged Duramax diesel produces massive power. In all, this engine puts down 470 horsepower and 975 pound-feet of torque.  

These two Duramax engines are obviously far from similar, having specific purposes for the vehicles in which they are equipped. One major difference is seen in the maximum towing numbers. Here is a rundown of the maximum towing numbers for each model equipped with a Duramax turbocharged diesel engine:  

• 2025 Yukon (3.0-liter I-6): 8,400 pounds 
• 2025 Yukon XL (3.0-liter I-6): 8,200 pounds 
• 2025 Sierra 1500 (3.0-liter I-6): up to 13,300 pounds  
• 2025 Sierra 2500HD (6.6-liter V-8): up to 21,900 pounds 
• 2025 Sierra 3500HD (6.6-liter V-8): up to 31,600 pounds  

The two Duramax turbocharged diesel engines also yield some serious payloads for the ½-ton and ¾-ton Sierra pickup trucks. Here is a rundown of the maximum payloads for each pickup truck equipped with a Duramax turbocharged diesel engine:   

• 2025 Sierra 1500 (3.0-liter I-6): up to 1,970 pounds 
• 2025 Sierra 2500HD (6.6-liter V-8): up to 3,576 pounds 
• 2025 Sierra 3500HD (6.6-liter V-8): up to 6,820 pounds 

Additionally, Duramax turbocharged diesel engines generally return higher fuel economy than their gasoline-fueled counterparts. For the 2025 Sierra 1500, the Environmental Protection Agency rates models equipped with the 3.0-liter Duramax turbocharged inline six-cylinder diesel engine for 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. 

The benefits of owning a GMC equipped with a Duramax turbocharged diesel engine are substantial. Which one would you choose? It depends on your needs.  

The 2025 Yukon and Yukon XL offer superb towing power that matches their utility and capability. Their comfortable interiors seat up to eight people (including luggage) to go anywhere across the state of Texas, while passing up miles of diesel pumps along the way. You can also enable Super Cruise to make the trip easier to manage. 

For the 2025 Sierra 1500, it is not just fuel economy that gives the Duramax turbocharged diesel the advantage. It is towing power and payload. If you compare the 2025 Sierra 1500 to its competition, you will find that you can do more in terms of towing and payload management. Add the available Prograde Trailering System to your pickup truck to make towing easy to handle.  

The 6.6-liter Duramax turbocharged V8 diesel is a huge reason to get a 2025 Sierra 2500HD or 3500HD. The maximum towing capacity and payload numbers speak for themselves. You can tow much more than the other person when going on vacation with your large towable camper behind you or bringing home a new set of toys for the ranch. 

Diesel fuel is widely available across the Metroplex and beyond. Perhaps this is your call to look at a Duramax turbocharged diesel for your next GMC. It all starts by contacting us at Ewing GMC of Plano to see our lineup of diesel-fueled pickup trucks and SUVs soon.