How do you like the 5.3 in 2023 TBs?

[Savatage79]

Hi everyone first post, potential TB buyer here... Looking at getting one, I admit I'm a ram guy but I have had Chevys in my life so I always liked both. I'm fond of my Hemis tho. But I can't get over how good these TBs look and Its been awhile since I had a chevy.

But reading YouTube comments you'd think the 5.3 is virtually motionless compared to the 6.2...whats your experience? Is that overblown?

Whats wild tho is in my neck of the woods I can't even find 6.2s, they're all 5.3.

But anyways yea just curious to hear from some actual owners as opposed to the likes of YT comments section. Thanks

 

[JustJohn8511]

When I was shopping for my '21, I too struggled to find one with the 6.2. I found one, and I'm glad I made the drive to get it. I LOVE the way this motor performs. I've owned a Ram with the Hemi, and this engine is more responsive and pulls harder; this is not surprising, given that the 6.2 has more power and torque than the Hemi. The difference in fuel economy from the impotent 5.3 is not enough to convince me to make the step down in power and torque. Here's a pretty straightforward article on the topic: https://www.motortrend.com/features/chevy-silverado-1500-engine-comparison

 

[theUSAchevy]

From what Ive seen it depends on what you want from the motor/truck. Im on my 2nd 5.3 silverado after i upgraded from a 2016 Z71 and the TB being paired with the 10speed I can really tell the difference getting down the road. With a CAI upgrade and some exhaust or even just a plug and play tuner it really helps with the sound and the throttle response. The 5.3 has the advantage in MPG and tow rating but the obvious big difference is the power but also has a lower payload.

 

[Gangly]

I have the 5.3 and it has plenty of power for everything I have wanted to do: towing, off roading, commuting. However, my truck is used as a tool so I don't care how fast it can get up to 80 mph, I just want it to get there reliably and have enough grunt to pass a car doing 70mph.

If all you are really concerned about is how fast it feels, then what you need to figure out is whether or not the "seat of the pants" feeling will meet your requirements and a simple test drive will answer that question quickly.

 

[2KWIK2C]

If you lived closer I'd give you a ride and let you drive my 5.3!

 

[Chi1li Peppers]

I have the 5.3, love it. It’s got plenty of get up and go but this was my first fresh off the lot purchase ever and was used to driving vehicles with 100k+ miles on it.

 

[ES44AC]

The 6.2L is worth it for me for the extra power. I had a 6.2L in my 2018 LTZ and have been hooked every since. My Father in law had a 2016 5.3L truck and there was no comparison for the power range. When I ordered my 22' Refreshed 6.2l Trail Boss it just had to be .

Absolutely nothing wrong with the 5.3L .

 

[redman733]

I had a 5.7 Tundra before getting my 5.3 w/10 speed, and I too was worried it was going to be a pig. My Tundra (to me) was pretty impressive power wise, but after driving the 5.3 i can say I do not notice it having any less power.
I climb a long steep hill going home from work every day, and the 5.3 cruises up it like its not even there.
I'm happy with the 5.3 but I don't tow too much. I get pretty good fuel mileage too about 17.5mpg average compared to 12 on my Tundra. I can get over 20 easily on highway if I keep it around 60. I cruise at 70 ish and it goes down to about 18ish.

 

[PistolsFiring]

If you’ve driven a pre-10 speed 5.3 it’s night and day difference. The sluggishness and high rev has been resolved with the 10 speed. Gas mileage has also been greatly improved. The only 6.2 I had was a 2016 Yukon and the “thrill” of mashing on it will not be found in the 5.3.

If the added hp and driving experience are important and the added cost is not an issue then the 6.2 is for you. In all other aspects the 5.3 is/has been more than adequate for my use.

 

[Jmzvet]

The 5.3 is more than sufficient for me. I occasionally tow a 20ft boat but that's it. Pretty good fuel mileage for a V8 and a heavy truck with big tires. I was a year too early for the 3.0 diesel TB but I absolutely love it in our 23 Yukon Denali

 

[Savatage79]

Ended up with the 5.3 and it's fine, it absolutely isn't as sluggish as people want to make it out to be imo... Sure maybe I'm not winning any drag races but I can count on one hand how many times I've drag raced lol so it's a non factor.

I would've loved to buy a 6.2 but I literally couldn't find one anywhere so it is what it is.

The body style of the new TBs are so bad ass that to me that's what counts, but the 5.3 is more than fine... I can blow past people still... It's a non issue. Loving it

 

[Scottnweeze]

Originally ordered the 6.2, but when I was called regarding a running board constraint I switched to the 5.3 (premium gas was at $6). Glad I did. It tows my 6k + trailer fine and with the Borla S and CAI it sounds like a 6.2 when I want it to.... 6.2 would just get me in trouble in any case.

 

[Savatage79]

Originally ordered the 6.2, but when I was called regarding a running board constraint I switched to the 5.3 (premium gas was at $6). Glad I did. It tows my 6k + trailer fine and with the Borla S and CAI it sounds like a 6.2 when I want it to.... 6.3 would just get me in trouble in any case.

Yea I am totally fine with this and the gas actually feels really good. I drove a ton from where i picked it up and then a lot of other running around nonstop and I couldn't believe when I was only at half tank so well worth it.. I mean in a perfect world sure id get a 6.2 but I'm more than fine here with the 5.3.

 

[The Raven]

Yeah I drove both before I bought my 5.3l and I have to imagine that the guys talking about the 5.3l being "impotent" or "sluggish" must be talking about older versions. I barely felt a difference between the 6.2l and the 5.3l with the 10-speed. The 5.3l is WAY more than powerful enough, i'll happily take the fuel savings thanks.

I dunno maybe most guys expect their pickup to keep up with fast cars or something...but this is the fastest truck i've ever driven by far...I have no idea why you'd want more in a truck, unless you are towing big things and then you should probably be looking at the HDs.

 

[Savatage79]

Yeah I drove both before I bought my 5.3l and I have to imagine that the guys talking about the 5.3l being "impotent" or "sluggish" must be talking about older versions. I barely felt a difference between the 6.2l and the 5.3l with the 10-speed. The 5.3l is WAY more than powerful enough, i'll happily take the fuel savings thanks.

I dunno maybe most guys expect their pickup to keep up with fast cars or something...but this is the fastest truck i've ever driven by far...I have no idea why you'd want more in a truck, unless you are towing big things and then you should probably be looking at the HDs.

Yea totally. Here's what Ill say tho because I'm a ram guy also, the hemi is a great engine and there is a feel to it that I do love... But I'm more than happy with this. It can do everything I did with my ram and that's what matters. It has power and feels great but is also a little better in gas and I love that trade off.

My dad has an older 5.3 and that to me always felt sluggish, but these new ones not at all... I really like it