GM 6.2 Liter

[We_ll_See]

I'm considering ordering a new GMC Sierra 1500 with the max tow package. It would be a crew cab short box SLT trim. I can either get the 5.3 or the 6.2 liter. Both have the 8 speed transmission.

I have looked at GMC's brochure, looked on their website, and done some searching of forums and it does NOT appear that the 6.2 requires premium fuel for the 2016 or 2017 model year. Has anyone heard or read differently?

The 6.2 obviously has a lot more power and torque but it is a $2,500 option and I have no desire to pay for premium fuel.

[The_Texan]

My truck is the 6.2L NHT and I could not be happier. I run 87 NON- ethanol and have never had a problem or a knock, even at sea level. I tow ranch trailers that scale 10K on many occasions out here in the mountainous west, but 6K is my normal tow. You will be very happy with both the power AND the drive/ride of the truck. All the naysayers have NEVER driven the new 1500 NHT so their putting it down is based on NOTHING. It is the same truck that a ¾t was just a few short years ago.

[nevadanick]

We had a 2015 Yukon Denali with 6.2 and didnt use premium. It also got 20 mpg empty on the highway. I loved that thing but it was to big for my wife to drive.

[JIMNLIN]

The wife sold her '06 1500 crew cab chevy 5.3 engine 4l60E 3.73 gears Z71. She test drove the 6.2 NHT package in a 1500 truck and was impressed with its performance. However the salesman was using one and reported some low mpg even compared to her old '06 truck.
So she opted for a 5.3 new 6 speed 3.42 gears 4x4 crew cab instead. The new LS3 5.3 has much more torque any rpms especially down low (1700-2000)....3-4 mpgs better overall towing and non towing.....and much better towing performance pulling the same GN/bumper pull trailers I have than her '06 5.3 did.

I think the NHT can be ordered for '17 with the 5.3. This gives you a 7600 GVWR with 4600 rawr and and 3.73 gears. Check it out.

IMO you will be impressed with either 5.3 or 6.2 engine compared to a '07 5.3

[Dadoffourgirls]

From the 2017 Manual:
For the 6.2L engine, premium
unleaded gasoline meeting ASTM
specification D4814 with a posted
octane rating of 93 is highly
recommended for best performance
and fuel economy. Unleaded
gasoline with an octane rated as low
as 87 can be used. Using unleaded
gasoline rated below 93 octane,
however, will lead to reduced
acceleration and fuel economy.
If knocking occurs, use a gasoline
rated at 93 octane as soon as
possible, otherwise, the engine
could be damaged. If heavy
knocking is heard when using
gasoline with a 93 octane rating, the
engine needs service.

[GeoBoy]

We'll See wrote:
3/4 ton won't fit in the garage at home or at work and that is a requirement. Too long and too tall.

The max tow adds an extra 300 to 400 pounds of payload so likely 1,700 to 1,900 pounds of payload which is plenty for what I need.

The GM 2500 is 4" taller and 9" longer than a 1500 four wheel drive truck.

[dodge_guy]

I would get the 6.2L and run premium only when towing. If your spending $50-$60k, the extra price of premium is negligible!

[Bionic_Man]

Not the same as you are asking about, but I do have the 6.2 in my Yukon Denali. I run premium in it, and am very impressed with the engine.

More power, and better MPG than the 5.3. What's not to like?

[We_ll_See]

3/4 ton won't fit in the garage at home or at work and that is a requirement. Too long and too tall.

The max tow adds an extra 300 to 400 pounds of payload so likely 1,700 to 1,900 pounds of payload which is plenty for what I need.

[old_guy]

yes consider the 3/4 ton before you wind up unhappy down the road. best thing that ever happened to me is buying a 3/4 ton over the half I once had. get a HD 3/4 ton

[SouthpawHD]

It is my understanding that the 6.2L does not "require" premium fuel, but "recommends" it.

Guys on the GM forums mostly run premium, but some don't and have no real reported problems, at least in the short run. Over time, who knows. Honestly, running premium usually only costs a few $ more each fill up, so are you willing to chance on it a $50k truck?

What are you planning on towing? Because at the price of the 6.2L, you can get a nicely equipped 3/4 ton. And while the 6.2L has the power, the 1/2 ton can run out of payload quickly, unless you are looking at the max tow.