The GMC Sierra 1500 V (GMTT1XX) Crew Cab Short Box, equipped with the 3.0 Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine producing 277 horsepower, represents a significant entry in the increasingly popular light-duty diesel pickup truck market. Produced from 2019 to 2021, this variant aimed to bridge the gap between gasoline-powered Sierra 1500s and the heavier-duty 2500/3500 models, offering a blend of capability, fuel efficiency, and refinement. It occupied a mid-range position within the Sierra 1500 lineup, appealing to buyers seeking diesel torque for towing and hauling without the higher price tag and bulk of the larger trucks.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | GMC |
| Model | Sierra 1500 |
| Generation | Sierra 1500 V (GMTT1XX) Crew Cab Short Box |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 Duramax TD (277 Hp) 4WD Automatic |
| Start of production | 2019 |
| End of production | 2021 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.7 l/100 km (22 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 9 l/100 km (26.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 277 Hp @ 3750 rpm |
| Torque | 623 Nm @ 1500 rpm (459.5 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm) |
| Maximum engine speed | 5100 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | LM2 |
| Engine displacement | 3000 cm3 (183.07 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90 mm (3.54 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 15:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.6 l (6.97 US qt | 5.81 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 19.1 l (20.18 US qt | 16.81 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2286 kg (5039.77 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3311 kg (7299.51 lbs.) |
| Max load | 1025 kg (2259.74 lbs.) |
| AdBlue tank | 20.3 l (5.36 US gal | 4.47 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 3855 kg (8498.82 lbs.) |
| Length | 5886 mm (231.73 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2063 mm (81.22 in.) |
| Height | 1918 mm (75.51 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3745 mm (147.44 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | All wheel drive (4×4). ICE drives rear wheels, front wheels engaged via clutch. |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 10 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 330×30 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 345×20 mm |
| Tires size | 255/70 R17; 265/70 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Sierra 1500 variant is the GM LM2 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder Duramax turbo-diesel engine. This engine represents a departure from traditional V-style diesel configurations, offering a more compact design. The LM2 utilizes a common-rail direct fuel injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressures for optimized combustion. A variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) and intercooler work in tandem to boost power and efficiency. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its responsive nature. The engine is longitudinally mounted in the chassis. Paired with the LM2 is a sophisticated 10-speed automatic transmission, providing a wide range of gear ratios for both fuel economy and towing performance. This transmission is electronically controlled and features a tow/haul mode for enhanced control when hauling heavy loads.
Driving Characteristics
The 277 horsepower and 459.5 lb.-ft. of torque produced by the 3.0L Duramax, combined with the 10-speed automatic, deliver a noticeably different driving experience compared to the gasoline-powered Sierra 1500s. While not as quick off the line as the larger V8 options, the diesel provides strong low-end torque, making it ideal for towing and hauling. The 10-speed transmission keeps the engine in its optimal power band, resulting in smooth and confident acceleration. The gear ratios are tuned to prioritize fuel efficiency during highway cruising, while still providing ample power for passing maneuvers. Compared to the 5.3L or 6.2L V8 models, the diesel offers superior fuel economy, but sacrifices some outright performance. The automatic transmission, while refined, doesn’t offer the same level of driver engagement as a manual transmission, which wasn’t available with this engine option.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 3.0L Duramax was typically offered on SLE, Elevation, and AT4 trim levels of the Sierra 1500. Standard features included air conditioning, power windows and locks, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a rearview camera. Higher trim levels, like the AT4, added features such as leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a premium audio system, and advanced safety technologies like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. Optional extras included a sunroof, a bed liner, and various towing packages.
Chassis & Braking
The Sierra 1500 V (GMTT1XX) utilizes a fully boxed frame for enhanced rigidity and durability. The front suspension consists of independent coil springs, while the rear suspension employs a traditional leaf spring setup. This configuration provides a comfortable ride while maintaining a respectable payload capacity. Braking duties are handled by ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, with the front discs measuring 330x30mm and the rear discs measuring 345x20mm. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard. The steering system is an electric power-assisted rack and pinion setup, providing precise and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 3.0L Duramax Sierra 1500 received generally positive reviews from automotive critics. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, strong towing capability, and refined driving experience. However, some reviewers noted that the engine could be somewhat noisy compared to gasoline engines. Compared to the gasoline-powered Sierra 1500s, the diesel offered significantly better fuel economy, particularly during highway driving. Against competitors like the Ford F-150 Power Stroke diesel and the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, the Sierra 1500 Duramax held its own, offering a competitive combination of performance, efficiency, and features.
Legacy
The LM2 3.0L Duramax engine has proven to be a relatively reliable powertrain. While some early models experienced issues with diesel particulate filter (DPF) regeneration, these were largely addressed through software updates. On the used car market, Sierra 1500s equipped with the 3.0L Duramax command a premium over their gasoline-powered counterparts, reflecting the engine’s fuel efficiency and durability. The engine continues to be offered in newer generations of the Sierra 1500, demonstrating its ongoing popularity and effectiveness as a light-duty diesel option.
