The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 engine options are all worthy candidates. However, with its best-in-class fuel economy and higher bang-for-buck power, the 5.3-liter V8 stands out amongst the other EcoTec3 engines.
Key Points
- The 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500 takes advantage of the EcoTec3 family (4.3 V6, 5.3 V8, and 6.2 V8) of engines to increase fuel mileage without sacrificing power when you need it.
- Unfortunately, the EcoTec3 engine’s Active Fuel Management system is a turn-off for many owners with it leading to premature lifter failure and rough rides. Chevy issued a TSB in response.
- Outside of the lifters, the EcoTec3 engines all offer decent fuel mileage, power, and reliability. Many owners surpass 75,000 miles without an engine-related issue.
4.3L EcoTec3 V6 Offers 305 lb.-ft. of Torque and Up to 24 Miles per Gallon
The Chevrolet 4.3 EcoTec3 V6 is the base engine (standard on all but four-door LTZ and above) in the 2016 Silverado 1500. It was derived from the classic Chevy 350 Small Block V8, removing two cylinders. The 4.3 is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and achieves 285 horsepower at 5,300 rpm and 305 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,900 rpm. Those figures gave it the best torque of any standard V6 in its class. Additionally, any 4.3-equipped Silverado has a towing capacity of 7,600 pounds and a max payload of just under 2,000 pounds.
The Silverado 1500 comes standard in RWD and boasts a 24 mpg highway / 18 mpg city rating from the EPA with the 4.3-liter V6. In the 4WD configuration, those numbers drop to 22 mpg highway / 17 mpg city. To achieve those numbers, the 4.3 relies on Active Fuel Management (AFM) – a process of cylinder deactivation where the engine shifts to using only four cylinders to conserve fuel. This sounds crafty, however, forum members say it can lead to a rough ride. Some drivers even prefer to disable the feature entirely.
Like all EcoTec3 engines, you’ll want to keep up with intake port maintenance, carbon build-up, and fuel injector cleaning in the 4.3 EcoTec3. Also, be aware that there is an E85 FlexFuel version of the engine. All in all, the 4.3-liter EcoTec3 appears to be reliable like the Vortec 4.3 it replaced. The main differences are Direct Injection (DI), AFM, and an aluminum block which are causes for some reliability concerns.
2016 Chevy Silverado Gets its Best MPG-to-Power Combo in the 5.3 Engine
The 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 is the middle-tier engine for the 2016 Silverado 1500. As expected, it claims significantly more power than the 4.3-liter V6 with 355 hp and 383 lb.-ft. of torque. The 5.3 is quite punchy across the band with more than 300 lb.-ft. of torque available from 2,000-5,600 on a tachometer that reaches 6k total rpms. You’ll find the engine paired to either a six-speed auto or an eight-speed auto in the top trims. Towing capacity in the 5.3 reaches 11,100 pounds with a max payload rated at 2,260 pounds.
If you need V8 power, but need to stay conscious of your fueling costs, look no further. The 5.3-liter EcoTec3 earned best-in-class V8 fuel economy for 2016 with RWD trucks earning 23 mpg highway / 16 mpg city and 4WD trucks reaching 21 mpg highway / 15 mpg city. Like the 4.3 EcoTec3, this is thanks to DI and AFM technology.
Once again, keep a keen eye on regular maintenance and the 5.3 should prove to be a trusty, fuel-efficient V8 option with decent power.
6.2L EcoTec3 V8 Earned Best-in-Class Horsepower and Torque
The 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 is the top-of-the-line engine in the EcoTec3 engine family. It’s available only in the LTZ and High Country trims and offers fuel ratings of 21 mpg highway / 15 mpg city in both RWD and 4WD configurations. The standard transmission for the 6.2 V8 is the eight-speed automatic which helps to deliver the 420 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque to the wheels.
The 6.2’s horsepower and torque figures earn it a best-in-class horsepower and torque rating. With a towing capacity of 12,000 pounds and a max payload of 2,140 pounds, you’ve got a decent light-duty truck. Like the 4.3 and 5.3 engines, the 6.2 V8 uses AFM to switch to four-cylinder operation under light loads to conserve fuel.
Other notable traits of the EcoTec3 engines include:
- Continuously variable valve timing
- Cast-aluminum block and head
- Aluminum-alloy pistons
Chevy Enthusiast Site Claims EcoTec3 Engines have Lifter Failure
A quick search on the NHTSA site shows 34 engine complaints for the 2016 Silverado 1500, but most are not actual issues stemming from the engines themselves. Nevertheless, Chevy Trucks argues the engines have considerable lifter failure. These claims aren’t backed up by official data, but numerous comments corroborate lifter failure in the EcoTec3 engines.
Overall, the 5.3L V8 Offers the Best Value of the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Engine Options
All things considered, go with the 5.3-liter V8. Sure, the 6.2 won best-in-class hp and torque, but it only tows 1,000 lbs more. Furthermore, it has a lower max payload and comes at a higher cost. The 4.3 is decent, but it’ll likely be underpowered for anyone needing to work with their truck. You’ll find nearly as much capability in the 5.3-liter as the 6.2 while saving far more at the pump.
Photos: Chevrolet
