The lines between what is considered an American company versus what is considered a foreign company have blurred. The truck industry is no exception, specifically when it comes to the legendary Duramax diesel engine.

The ability to buy just about anything that is made in America (not just assembled) with American parts is dwindling. The pickup truck industry has not escaped this reality either, not that this is all bad, especially when it comes to the Duramax diesel engine. We as consumers have greatly benefited from international collaboration, specifically when it comes to having a great lineup of Duramax powered trucks to choose from.

Long story short, GM and Isuzu got together and created a company called DMAX ltd back in 2000. 60% is owned by GM and 40% is owned by Isuzu, which is a Japanese company. There is a DMAX plant in Moraine Ohio, and of November 2019 there is a huge investment in the $175 million range to build another plant that will build Duramax diesel engine components in a suburb of Ohio called Brookville. The building of this new plant speaks volumes to the popularity and overall success of the Duramax engine. Why else would a company expand production unless demand is higher than production?

It shows just how successful a joint venture can be when two companies (successful in their own right) can come together to produce a great product.

Trucks That Run With A DuraMax

Full size Chevy pickup

Broadly speaking, Duramax engines can be found in both GMC and Chevy trucks. Regarding GMC specifically, the Duramax is included within the Canyon, the Sierra HD, the Topkick and the Savana. The Savana, which is not a pickup but a full-sized van that can be used for moving cargo or as a passenger van. And of course, each vehicle had a number of different engine sizes to choose from. In 2021 Chevy will offer a Duramax diesel in SUVs, including the Suburban and the Tahoe. Options will include a 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V-8 engine. Like the newer pickups, there will also be a 3.o-liter V-6 option for the SUVs as well.

As far as the Chevy selection goes, the Duramax engine is in the Kodiak, Silverado, Express, Colorado/S10, and the Trailblazer. The Chevy Express is also a van that closely resembles the GMC Savana. For all intents and purposes, the vans (both GMC and Chevy) are practically identical except for some cosmetic differences. Please keep in mind that not every vehicle listed is still in production. That just goes to show you the durability and history of the Duramax engine.

Evolution Of The Duramax Diesel Engine

GMC Duramax passenger van

GM started off with the diesel engine named the LB7. In 2004 the LLY was put into production vehicles. The LBZ hit the market in 2006. Each iteration brought better horsepower to the table as well as other enhancements. What was special about the LBZ is that an onboard computer chipped in increased efficiency. In all fairness, this introduction of increased technology probably brought some maintenance complexity to the table. The reality is, by this time computers were becoming an integral part of fuel efficiency for all types of vehicles.

In 2007, the LMM was introduced. This iteration of the Duramax engine resulted in a decline in fuel efficiency to uphold newer emission regulations. Everything changed in 2011 with the release of the LML. This engine could really crank out the horsepower and still exceed emission requirements.

Related: 2020 Ford Super Duty Beats Ram With Massive 1,050Lb-ft Turbodiesel Engine

Duramax Competition

Ford F150 6 cylinder Diesel

The primary competition for the Duramax engine comes from Cummins and PowerStroke. According to Cummins, their diesel engines are currently available in the heavy-duty RAM 2500 and RAM 3500 pickup trucks. The engine can also be found in larger chassis cabs. As of 2019, there is also a turbo diesel option. The first Cummins engine was created in 1919.

The PowerStroke engine is produced by Ford Motor Company, and has been around since 1982. The engines were being made in Mexico but there has been movement to move production to the United States.  Like the competition, the PowerStoke has gone through several iterations, striving for better gas mileage, an increase in power while still reducing emissions. The PowerStroke engine runs not only Ford pickups but also the Ford Transit cargo van and the passenger van version.

All three automakers, Dodge, Chevy, and Ford now offer a 6-cylinder diesel truck and all three get over 30 miles per gallon. How is that for progress? So, which of the three diesel engines are best? Well, the great thing about competition is that it drives innovation and promotes a lean mentality. Fortunately for us consumers, all three engines are quite sound and with proper care should last for a couple hundred thousand miles. The Duramax diesel engine has cemented itself in the upper tiers of truck/van engine regime and its legend should remain within the trucking realm for quite some time, both in America and overseas.

NEXT: The Hidden Truth Behind The Cummins Diesel Engine