Officially: 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 3.0L Diesel 2WD Is Rated at a Maximum 9,700 Lbs of Towing (News)

2019 GMC Sierra Denali

GMC website lists the maximum towing capacity for 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 2WD with a 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel at 9,700 lbs. This rating applies to the smallest and most basic double-cab with a standard bed that is available with a straight-six diesel.

Thanks to Blake B. for letting us know about this GMC website information.

This final rating blows the previously leaked maximum towing figure of 7,800 lbs out of the water. The 9,700 lbs is much more respectable. The popular crew cab short bed configuration is rated at 9,400 lbs.

(source: gmc.com)

The GCWR is listed at 15,000 lbs, and the GVWR are ranging from 6,900 – 7,200 lbs for the diesel. Maximum payload capacities are not yet listed.

How does this compare to the competition? The Ford F-150 with the 3.0L V6 Power Stroke diesel is rated to tow more (11,400 lbs). This is for a base 2WD model. The GM towing number is not class-leading. However, the power specs are quiet a bit higher than in the Ford.

The 3.0-liter straight-six Duramax is rated at 277 horsepower @ 3,750 rpm and 460 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500 rpm. The diesel truck is equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 3.23 rear axle ratio.

This is putting more pressure on the upcoming 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, that Ram says will be available later this year. The new 3.0-liter from Ram needs to stay competitive on power, capability, efficiency, and price.

Speaking of efficiency, the 3.0-liter Duramax I6 EPA economy estimates are not yet available.