For 2016, the GMC Sierra has several naturally aspirated engine options, including a 4.3L V6, 5.3L V8, and 6.2L V8. Each offers competitive torque, heavy towing, and decent fuel economy ratings.
Key Points
- The 2016 GMC Sierra 1500’s 285-horsepower, 4.3-liter V6 engine produces a class-leading 305 lb.-ft. of torque, towing up to 7,600 lbs.
- The 5.3-liter V8 makes 355 horsepower and gives drivers class-leading fuel economy with a city/highway combined rating of 19 mpg.
- A limited-production, mild hybrid 5.3-liter V8 with GM’s eAssist technology is also available, but hard to find as few were made.
- The massive 6.2-liter V8 boasts 420 horsepower and bests its non-diesel competition with a max towing capacity of 12,000 pounds.
2016 Sierra 1500’s Base 4.3L V6 is a Reliable Workhorse Capable of Towing Up to 7,600 Pounds
As part of the EcoTec3 engine family, the 2016 GMC Sierra‘s 4.3L V6 uses several features shared with other EcoTec3 engines, including direct injection, continuously variable valve timing, and cylinder deactivation (shuts down up to two cylinders in the V6). Utilizing these technologies in lieu of engine downsizing and turbochargers allows the 4.3L V6 to run with a higher compression ratio (11.0:1), boosting power while improving fuel efficiency.
The 285-hp V6 throws down a whopping 305 lb.-ft. of torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the 2016 Sierra V6 moves from zero to 60 in approximately 7.4 seconds. In addition, the V6’s best-in-class torque curve allows the 2016 GMC Sierra to tow up to 7,600 lbs.
In terms of fuel economy, the EPA reports an estimated 20 city/highway combined mpg for two-wheel drive 2016 GMC Sierras. Opting for four-wheel drops the combined rating to 19 mpg. Compared to competitors’ base engines, such as the 2016 Ford F-150, Nissan Titan, RAM 1500, and Toyota Tundra, only the RAM 1500 V6 bested the 2016 GMC Sierra.
The 4.3L V6 is available on the 2016 GMC Sierra SLE trim level, as well as the styling-enhanced Elevation Edition. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has no complaints nor recalls reported specific to the Sierra’s 4.3L V6 engine.
2016 Sierra’s 5.3L Engine Boasts 355 hp, is Available Paired to an Eight-speed Automatic Transmission
GM’s 5.3-liter V8 of the EcoTec3 engine family was first introduced in 2014. It significantly improved the capabilities of the GMC Sierra and the rest of GM’s truck and SUV lineup thanks to the engine technologies noted above, as well as improved construction using an aluminum block (replacing its predecessors iron block), oil-jet piston cooling, positive crankcase ventilation (PCV)-integrated rocker covers (intended to enhance oil life and reduce oil consumption and emissions), and new exhaust manifolds designed to improve durability and reduce operating noise.
Available on the SLE, SLT, and Elevation Edition trims, the 5.3L V8 remains unchanged for the 2016 GMC Sierra, however, upper trim levels utilizing this engine could be mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission instead of the standard six-speed. Regardless of transmission choice, the 5.3L V8 churns out 355 hp and 383 lb.-ft. of torque, which moves the 2016 GMC Sierra from zero to 60 in approximately 7.5 seconds.
For 2016, the two-wheel drive, six-speed GMC Sierra with the 5.3L V8 achieves a class-leading 19 mpg combined. Adding four-wheel drive only drops the Sierra’s fuel efficiency by one mpg. With the eight-speed automatic, two-wheel Sierra models are rated at 18 mpg combined, while adding four-wheel drive drops fuel efficiency to 17 mpg combined. The AFM cylinder deactivation system can shut off up to four cylinders on the 5.3L V8, bringing small improvements to the Sierra’s fuel efficiency.
2016 GMC Sierra with eAssist Combines Electric Motor and 0.45-kWh Battery Pack with 5.3L V8
Following up on the previously poor-selling GM hybrid trucks and SUVs, GM began offering hybrid trucks again in limited production for the 2016 model year. The 2016 GMC Sierra eAssist combines a small electric motor and 0.45-kWh battery pack with the 5.3L V8. The addition of electrification brings many benefits, including:
- Stop/start capability
- Electrified power boost off the line and for passing (while keeping cylinders deactivated longer)
- Regenerative braking
- Better aerodynamics
The mild hybrid system doesn’t change the 5.3-liter engine’s power output, but reduces max. towing capacity to 9,400 lbs. The electrification does improve the engine’s EPA-estimated fuel economy rating by two mpg–up to 20 combined mpg for two-wheel drive models mated to an eight-speed automatic, and up to 18 combined mpg for four-wheel drive models.
If a 2016 GMC Sierra eAssist sounds enticing, finding one will be a challenge. Only a few hundred models were produced, and they were only sold at dealers in a few select locations.
6.2L V8 is the Model’s Most Powerful Engine, Hauling as Much as 12,000 Pounds, and Reaching 0-60 in Six Seconds
Sierra’s flagship engine for 2016 is the 6.2-liter V8, which is available on the 2016 Sierra SLT and Denali trims and serves up a mighty 420 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque. As with the other EcoTec3 engines, the 4.3L V6 and 5.3L V8, the 6.2L utilizes the same design elements and performance/efficiency enhancing technologies discussed above.
All models using the 6.2L engine are mated to an eight-speed automatic. The added power and extra gears move the 2016 GMC Sierra from zero to 60 around 1.5 seconds faster than the 5.3L with the eight-speed.
The increased power output also allows the 2016 Sierra to tow up to 12,000 pounds, more than its competitors with naturally-aspirated, gas-only engines. Interestingly, both two-wheel and four-wheel drive 2016 Sierra’s return an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 17 mpg combined.
2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Engine Options are Capable Across the Board, but the 5.3L V8 Offers the Best Value
So, which 2016 Sierra 1500 engine is right for you? The 4.3L V6 is a modest base engine, with a towing capacity that still makes it viable as a workhorse. For those wanting a bit more pushback when they press the pedal, the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8’s 355 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque propel the pickup to 60 mph in just 7.5 seconds.
If you’re sold on the 5.3L but want something a bit more efficient, the Hybrid powertrain with eAssist gets two mpg more but is much harder to find since few units were made. At the top of the list is the 6.2L V8, a 12,000-pound towing machine thanks to its 420 hp and 460 lb.-ft. of torque. Overall, the 5.3L offers the most value, especially since the upgrade costs just $1,100 more than the V6.
Photos: GMC
