The landscape of pickup trucks is evolving, and under the hoods of today’s models, you might find something unexpected: a four-cylinder engine. While smaller trucks have embraced four-pots for some time now – think of the Ford Maverick and Ranger, the Toyota Tacoma, and the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon – the full-size segment, traditionally dominated by robust V6s and V8s, has been slower to adopt this shift. It’s still a bit of a head-turner to consider a four-cylinder powering a truck as substantial as a half-ton pickup.
The Chevrolet Silverado, a name synonymous with powerful trucks, now offers a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, branded as TurboMax. Interestingly, General Motors seems to be navigating the perception challenge of a smaller engine in their flagship truck. You won’t find much marketing material explicitly highlighting the “four-cylinder” aspect. In a move reminiscent of Homer Simpson’s “Max Power” rebranding, Chevy opted for the bolder “TurboMax” moniker, perhaps to emphasize power and modernity over cylinder count.
Close-up of the Chevrolet Silverado TurboMax four-cylinder engine bay, showcasing its compact size within the large engine compartment.
TurboMax: A 2.7-Liter Engine Punching Above Its Weight
While a 2.7-liter displacement might sound modest for a full-size truck, the TurboMax engine is engineered to deliver surprising capability. It’s worth noting that Ford also offers a 2.7-liter turbocharged engine in their F-150, albeit a V6 variant. The Silverado’s inline-four configuration is a different approach, designed to maximize efficiency while still providing ample power for everyday truck tasks.
Driving the Silverado with the TurboMax reveals a capable powertrain. While there’s a momentary pause before the turbocharger fully spools up, the engine delivers a strong surge of torque in the mid-range. This translates to confident highway merging and passing power. While it might not be the top choice for the most demanding heavy-duty towing scenarios, the TurboMax still boasts a towing capacity exceeding 9,000 pounds. This is more than sufficient for many truck owners who regularly tow campers, trailers with recreational vehicles like snowmobiles or ATVs, small boats, or for general hauling needs. Furthermore, the forced induction of the TurboMax engine gives it an advantage at higher altitudes compared to naturally aspirated engines like the 5.3-liter V8, making it a particularly suitable option for drivers in mountainous regions.
In conclusion, the Silverado’s 4-cylinder TurboMax engine represents a significant shift in the full-size truck segment. It challenges traditional perceptions by offering a blend of efficiency and capability that caters to a broad range of truck owners and driving needs. As manufacturers continue to innovate for fuel economy and performance, engines like the TurboMax are likely to become increasingly common, proving that you don’t necessarily need a V8 to get the job done.
