3.0 vs 6.2

[2001 TX Tahoe]

I'm sure this is the one millionth thread covering this, but here I go... looking for some personal experience feedback. I've had the 6.2L and enjoyed it other than abysmal fuel economy.

Considering the 3.0 vs the 6.2 in a new Yukon. Heavy majority of trips will be short and around town. I know in the "big" diesels this is not ideal. How about the 3.0L? Will this create undue maintenance issues?

Secondly and lastly, how does the pep / get up compare between the two?

 

[olyelr]

Read the other gazillion threads about this with all the answers to the same questions.

Just remember, most of the “answers” are just an opinion. You cant really go wrong with either one. You can get completely fawked with either one, or you could have the best experience of your life with either one.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Yes, there are threads on this topic. Do a search using your thread title.

 

[Jay P Wy]

I'm on my 2nd 3.0l diesel and have also had a L87 6.2. The diesel has more low end pep (lower rpm peak torque) than 6.2l but the 6.2l has more top end. The 3.0l diesel is way more forgiving than the 6.6l diesel as far as short trip driving. A normal regen takes about 10 min at highway speeds. Our Tahoe has gotten a best so far of 31.5mpg. It gets in the low 20s driving around town. The 6.2l Sierra Denali I had would only get around 20mpg empty doing between 60 & 65 mph with the cruise on. You do have to put DEF fluid in and diesel does cost a little more than reg gas but is usually cheaper than the premium that the 6.2l needs. I personally would not buy any truck/suv with the 6.2l L87 until they have some time without the major issues the Trucks/SUVs are currently having.

 

[2001 TX Tahoe]

I'm on my 2nd 3.0l diesel and have also had a L87 6.2. The diesel has more low end pep (lower rpm peak torque) than 6.2l but the 6.2l has more top end. The 3.0l diesel is way more forgiving than the 6.6l diesel as far as short trip driving. A normal regen takes about 10 min at highway speeds. Our Tahoe has gotten a best so far of 31.5mpg. It gets in the low 20s driving around town. The 6.2l Sierra Denali I had would only get around 20mpg empty doing between 60 & 65 mph with the cruise on. You do have to put DEF fluid in and diesel does cost a little more than reg gas but is usually cheaper than the premium that the 6.2l needs. I personally would not buy any truck/suv with the 6.2l L87 until they have some time without the major issues the Trucks/SUVs are currently having.

Very helpful. Thank you.

 

[stope4]

I'm sure this is the one millionth thread covering this, but here I go... looking for some personal experience feedback. I've had the 6.2L and enjoyed it other than abysmal fuel economy.

Considering the 3.0 vs the 6.2 in a new Yukon. Heavy majority of trips will be short and around town. I know in the "big" diesels this is not ideal. How about the 3.0L? Will this create undue maintenance issues?

Secondly and lastly, how does the pep / get up compare between the two?

I have had both the 6.2 L and the 3.0 L. Both are peppy from start. Can't really tell the difference between the two from a start. Towing is about the same. If you go over 85 mph, then the 6.2 is probably better. Gas mileage between the two is not in the same league. The 3.0 is so much better, it's not a real comparison. Knowing what I know about the 3.0 L today, I would probably never own another 6.2 or 5.3 L GM vehicle.

 

[PeepValve]

I have owned both 2025 6.2 and 2025 3.0.

-Diesel idles a little louder

-6.2 is barely faster from stop, but 3.0 still has plenty of punch

-6.2 passes better on the freeway

-3.0 will get 500+ miles per tank, whereas I was only getting 380 with the gas.

-3.0 gets 100,000 miles powertrain warranty, while 6.2 only gets 60,000

I swapped into a diesel for the range, but am happy with either

 

[CAPantherFan]

I just sold my 2024 Silverado with 6.2L b/c of the recall. Bought a Silverado with the 3.0L diesel. So far love the diesel, it's surprising peppy and there's no comparison in MPG however one thing I'll miss is the glorious sound of that 6.2L in Sport mode where the exhaust sounds like a cat back and punching it!

But I'm glad I have the diesel. More reliable, better MPG and longer lasting.

 

[Scarey]

I’m going to pile on. I had a ‘24 tahoe 6.2 and traded into a ‘25 3.0. All the previous posts on this are right on. I’ll add one, the 3.0 idles significantly smoother than the 6.2. Very glad I made the change.

 

[Stbentoak]

I have had both the 6.2 L and the 3.0 L. Both are peppy from start. Can't really tell the difference between the two from a start. Towing is about the same. If you go over 85 mph, then the 6.2 is probably better. Gas mileage between the two is not in the same league. The 3.0 is so much better, it's not a real comparison. Knowing what I know about the 3.0 L today, I would probably never own another 6.2 or 5.3 L GM vehicle.

Here's someone who has finally seen the light....

 

[JayceeP]

I'm sure this is the one millionth thread covering this, but here I go... looking for some personal experience feedback. I've had the 6.2L and enjoyed it other than abysmal fuel economy.

Considering the 3.0 vs the 6.2 in a new Yukon. Heavy majority of trips will be short and around town. I know in the "big" diesels this is not ideal. How about the 3.0L? Will this create undue maintenance issues?

Secondly and lastly, how does the pep / get up compare between the two?

Ours is driven on short trips a decent amount but it is also our hockey/road trip vehicle so it gets to stretch its legs on a good highway run every month or 2 (I mean 3-4 hours). We have 10,000 miles on it.

I have the LM2 (2024 Yukon XL) but your final question about pep is important.

Around town, lots of pep/torque. I find even getting up to highway speed quite solid. However, when cruising at or near highway speeds and you want to pass, especially on a single lane highway, it lacks a little bit of passing pull IMO (I mean when you need to punch it).

It’s not terrible, but it’s a reality. I have not driven the 6.2 but I drove a 2.7 eco boost for the last 3 years with 325hp and now in a 3.5 eco boost in my F150 with 400hp and those things boogie.

I haven’t heard the new LZ0 3.0 diesel behaves much different toy despite the HP bump.

Overall, no regrets with the engine choice and I sure do enjoy the 600mi range on highway trips!

 

[Jayhawkeye3]

Has anyone confirmed the 2025 6.2s DO NOT have the engine issues? I know GMC didn’t call out 2025 but I’m skeptical.

 

[Scarey]

Gm supposedly addressed the lower end manufactureing issues on the ‘25s. This still leaves the Dfm concerns on the top and that won’t go away until Dfm goes away.

 

[stope4]

Gm supposedly addressed the lower end manufactureing issues on the ‘25s. This still leaves the Dfm concerns on the top and that won’t go away until Dfm goes away.

DFM = junk!

 

[stope4]

Here's someone who has finally seen the light....

Thrilled to death I have "found the Light"!

 

[Burban22]

I have the L86 6.2 AFM before they went to DFM in the L87. Love the 6.2 exhaust note and getup and go power! I’ve even got 22 mpg at 70mph on flat intestate for an entire tank. Tows my 4k lb 16x7 enclosed trailer like it’s barely there and puts a smile on my face when it gets in the revs.

That said if I was buying new I’d definitely go for the Duramax 3.0. Diesel fuel is more expensive but not much more than premium that is highly recommended for the 6.2. I’ve run mine on both regular 87 and 91/93 premium. I get better mpg on premium but premium costs $.60 to $1 more in my area than regular.

6.2L with magnaflow

Enjoy your 3.0 Duramax!

 

[steiny93]

I'm sure this is the one millionth thread covering this, but here I go... looking for some personal experience feedback. I've had the 6.2L and enjoyed it other than abysmal fuel economy.

Considering the 3.0 vs the 6.2 in a new Yukon. Heavy majority of trips will be short and around town. I know in the "big" diesels this is not ideal. How about the 3.0L? Will this create undue maintenance issues?

Secondly and lastly, how does the pep / get up compare between the two?

We have both a 3.0 and a 6.2 in Denali xl's

3.0 gets better mileage, that's the only benefit, if the mileage wasn't so much better no reason to buy one
6.2 has more power (more noticeable at interstate speeds) and is quieter (mostly noticeable at idle)

the gm 3.0 is way better with short trips then say the ecoDiesel 3.0; we have yet to see a failed regen in the gm 3.0; would get them monthly in the ecoDiesel 3.0's I've owned

'short trips' being < 5 miles in town driving

 

[2001 TX Tahoe]

Sounds like the 3.0 is the winner... now only if I can convince my wife.

 

[Deuce16GMCs]

I have owned both 2025 6.2 and 2025 3.0.

-Diesel idles a little louder

Having owned both as well, 6.2 startup is louder/throatier, 3.0 start up is silent.

Idle and cabin noise on the diesel is louder. You can hear it's a diesel. For some reason, I have a dash vibration when flooring it in the diesel.

6.2 was pretty quiet.

-6.2 is barely faster from stop, but 3.0 still has plenty of punch

Don't really floor omit because of the dash vibration.

-6.2 passes better on the freeway

-3.0 will get 500+ miles per tank, whereas I was only getting 380 with the gas.

Dramatically better fuel mileage with the diesel.

-3.0 gets 100,000 miles powertrain warranty, while 6.2 only gets 60,000

Is this true? Does the diesel have a 100k warranty?

I swapped into a diesel for the range, but am happy with either

 

[Canadiansteelman]

I'm on my 2nd 3.0l diesel and have also had a L87 6.2. The diesel has more low end pep (lower rpm peak torque) than 6.2l but the 6.2l has more top end. The 3.0l diesel is way more forgiving than the 6.6l diesel as far as short trip driving. A normal regen takes about 10 min at highway speeds. Our Tahoe has gotten a best so far of 31.5mpg. It gets in the low 20s driving around town. The 6.2l Sierra Denali I had would only get around 20mpg empty doing between 60 & 65 mph with the cruise on. You do have to put DEF fluid in and diesel does cost a little more than reg gas but is usually cheaper than the premium that the 6.2l needs. I personally would not buy any truck/suv with the 6.2l L87 until they have some time without the major issues the Trucks/SUVs are currently having.

I’m on my 2nd Yukon with the 3.0 diesel. Had a Yukon with 6.2 gas guzzler. You simply can’t beat the diesel for smooth performance, tons of pulling torque and excellent fuel economy in the 29 to 32 mpg range. My new 2025 Denali has the newer version of the 3.0 Duramax and it’s super quiet on the highway and gets better fuel mileage than the older 3.0. Probably one of GMs best engines ever.