The Compact Turbocharged Powerplant

=====================================================

When you think of a robust American pickup truck, you probably aren’t envisioning a four-cylinder under the hood. Despite that, the 2.7-liter TurboMax engine pushes out impressive performance figures, generating 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. However, our recent test of the 2025 GMC Canyon AT4 resulted in a mixed bag of results. We noted that while the engine’s paper specs were impressive, the actual performance fell short of expectations. On the other hand, our test of the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado with the same engine yielded a much more favorable experience. The engine’s fuel economy figures also looked more promising, with an EPA estimated 19 miles per gallon city and 23 miles per gallon highway. This is a significant improvement over other trucks that feature the same engine, like the four-wheel drive Chevrolet Colorado, which fared a little worse in terms of fuel economy. But what are everyday drivers getting in terms of fuel economy with their TurboMax engine? The results are mixed, with some drivers reporting an average of 16 miles per gallon, while others claim to get as much as 22 miles per gallon on the highway. However, a comparative test between GM’s 5.3-liter V8 and the 2.7-liter TurboMax found that the larger V8 beat out the turbo-four in city, country, and highway mileage tests.

Why the TurboMax Engine May Not be Meeting Expectations

There are several reasons why the TurboMax engine may not be delivering the fuel economy figures that some drivers are expecting. One major factor is the turbocharger itself. The turbocharger compresses and moves significant amounts of air through the engine, which requires more fuel. Additionally, smaller turbocharged engines can suffer from something called knock, which is a phenomenon where the engine experiences greater pressures and temperatures during combustion. Another factor is the engine’s design. The GM engines, such as the 5.3-liter V8, come with Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM), which is a more advanced version of Active Fuel Management (AFM). This technology allows the engine to deactivate cylinders when they’re not needed and utilize a wide range of firing patterns to reduce fuel consumption. The TurboMax engine has AFM, but it shuts down cylinders differently than DFM-equipped V8s.

Fuel Economy Figures

• The 2025 GMC Canyon AT4 has an EPA estimated 19 miles per gallon city and 23 miles per gallon highway with the 2.7-liter TurboMax engine.
• The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado has an EPA estimated 19 miles per gallon city and 23 miles per gallon highway with the 2.7-liter TurboMax engine.
• The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado, in particular, has a more favorable fuel economy figure compared to the four-wheel drive model.

Comparative Test

In an interesting comparative test, a enthusiast found that the 5.3-liter V8 beat out the 2.7-liter TurboMax in city, country, and highway mileage tests. This is likely due to the larger V8’s greater displacement and more advanced engine technology.

Price and Value

One of the main reasons to consider the TurboMax engine is its price. The two-wheel drive 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 WT starts at $44,895 with the TurboMax engine. This is significantly lower than the cost of the 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine, which retails for $46,885. Another reason to opt for the TurboMax engine is its added strength and durability. Kevin Luchangsky, the engine’s assistant chief engineer, said that the engine was “a purpose-built, turbocharged truck engine. Every detail was designed as such.” The engine’s components, such as the billet steel camshafts and reinforced aluminum block, are designed to withstand the rigors of pickup hauling and towing.

Advanced Engine Technology

The 2.7-liter TurboMax engine features advanced engine technology, including:

1. AFM (Active Fuel Management): The engine shuts down cylinders when they’re not needed to reduce fuel consumption.
2. Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM): The engine utilizes a wide range of firing patterns to optimize fuel consumption.
3. Offset cylinder design: The engine’s design helps achieve maximum torque and produces 47 lb-ft of torque more than the 5.3-liter V8.

Conclusion

The 2.7-liter TurboMax engine is a compact and powerful powerplant that offers impressive performance figures. However, its fuel economy figures may not be meeting expectations for some drivers. The engine’s design and technology, such as AFM and DFM, are advanced features that help reduce fuel consumption. However, the engine’s performance may be compromised due to its smaller displacement and turbocharger. Overall, the TurboMax engine offers a great balance of price, power, and durability, making it a compelling option for truck buyers.