Mills Chevrolet - Which 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 engine is best for towing in Moline, IL?
Choosing the right powertrain matters when you plan to tow regularly. The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers four compelling engines, and each one serves a specific type of driver and trailer. If you are weighing payload and towing needs around neighborhoods and job sites near Moline, IL, it helps to match the truck’s strengths to your camper, boat, or equipment weight — and to the way you actually drive.
The standard TurboMax engine packs a surprising punch with 310 horsepower and best-in-class standard torque of 430 lb.-ft. This broad torque curve makes it an excellent everyday choice for mixed use, from weekday errands with a utility trailer to weekend runs with a light-to-medium boat. It pairs with an 8-speed automatic that keeps the engine in its sweet spot without constant hunting for gears. For drivers who want the familiar rumble of a V8 and stronger high-speed passing power with a trailer in tow, the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 adds displacement and a 10-speed automatic that’s tuned for steady, confident acceleration on grades and highways.
When your trailer gets heavier or your route includes hills and longer distances, step up to one of Silverado’s top-tier options. The 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 delivers 420 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque, combining decisive throttle response with a wide, usable powerband — ideal for frequent towing where you want muscle in reserve. For long-haul efficiency with serious low-end grunt, the Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel is hard to beat: 305 horsepower, 495 lb.-ft. of torque, and a relaxed cruising character that makes interstate towing feel less taxing. Both pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission to keep power flowing smoothly.
Engine selection is only half the story. Silverado’s integrated trailering technologies make a noticeable difference in ease and confidence. The in-vehicle Trailering App lets you create custom profiles for different trailers, run step-by-step pre-departure checklists, and monitor key status points. Up to 14 available camera views help with hitch alignment, backing into tight spaces, and monitoring traffic around longer loads. Safety cues like available Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert extend awareness along the length of your compatible trailer, offering visual prompts that support safer lane changes.
If your towing involves frequent highway miles, consider features that reduce driver fatigue while supporting situational awareness. On High Country, available Super Cruise connected by OnStar offers hands-free driver assistance on compatible roads — even while towing when properly configured — helping manage steering and speed so you can stay refreshed and focused. It is a technology designed to complement, not replace, safe driving habits, but it can be a valuable asset on longer trips.
To decide which engine is your best fit, start with your trailer’s actual loaded weight, factor in your typical passengers and cargo, and think about your route. Will you drive at elevation or on rolling terrain? Do you need diesel efficiency for longer hauls, or do you prioritize V8 punch for shorter stints with heavier loads? Once you narrow the engine, select the axle ratio, trailering package, and brake controller that complete the setup for your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is the TurboMax engine enough for weekend towing?
Yes, for many owners. With best-in-class standard torque at 430 lb.-ft., TurboMax handles light-to-medium trailers confidently. If your trailer is modest in weight and you drive mostly local routes, it is a strong, efficient choice.
When should I choose the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8?
Pick the 6.2L V8 if you tow heavier loads frequently, want emphatic acceleration on grades, and prefer the performance character of a high-output V8. Its 10-speed automatic helps keep the engine right where it needs to be.
What are the real-world benefits of the Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel?
Duramax shines in highway towing. It delivers 495 lb.-ft. of torque for confident low-end pull and relaxed cruising, plus exceptional highway efficiency for fewer stops on long trips with a trailer.
Do I need Silverado’s trailering cameras if I’ve been towing for years?
Experienced towers appreciate them too. Multiple views simplify tight maneuvers, confirm clearances around long loads, and ease hitch alignment. They are confidence boosters that turn challenging tasks into simple ones, especially when towing solo.
If you would like help fine-tuning your configuration, Mills Chevrolet is here to walk through your trailer details, route, and preferences, then recommend the engine and packages that fit. We are proudly serving Bettendorf, IA, East Moline, IL, and Moline, IL, with guidance that makes selecting your Silverado straightforward and stress-free.