Are Your GM Rides L87 Powered? Here's The Full Map
- 01. Which GM Vehicles Have the L87 Engine? The Complete List
- 02. Engine Overview: Why the L87 Matters
- 03. Complete Vehicle Applications Table
- 04. Trim Levels Where the L87 Appears
- 05. Key Technical Differences: L87 vs. L86
- 06. Recall History and Reliability Concerns
- 07. Fuel Requirements and Maintenance
- 08. Why Buyers Choose the L87
- 09. Future of the L87 Powertrain
Which GM Vehicles Have the L87 Engine? The Complete List
The GM vehicles with the L87 engine are the 2019-and-newer Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2019-and-newer GMC Sierra 1500, 2021-and-newer Chevrolet Tahoe, 2021-and-newer Chevrolet Suburban, 2021-and-newer GMC Yukon, 2021-and-newer GMC Yukon XL, and 2021-and-newer Cadillac Escalade (including the ESV variant). This 6.2-liter V8 produces 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque across all applications.
Engine Overview: Why the L87 Matters
The L87 engine is GM's most powerful naturally aspirated truck V8 in the EcoTec3 family, delivering serious towing capability for full-size SUVs and half-ton pickups. Introduced for the 2019 model year, this second-generation EcoTec3 unit replaced the L86 engine with improved Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) that can deactivate as few as two cylinders under light loads. The engine features an aluminum block and heads, direct injection, variable valve timing, and oil-jet piston cooling for durability under heavy loads.
According to GM Powered Solutions specifications, the L87 generates 420 hp at 5,600 rpm and 460 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm, matched exclusively to a 10-speed automatic transmission in all vehicle applications. This powertrain combination enables maximum towing ratings up to 9,300 lbs in the Silverado 1500 and 8,400 lbs in the Tahoe when properly equipped.
Complete Vehicle Applications Table
| Model Year | Make | Model | Transmission | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021+ | Cadillac | Escalade / ESV | 10-Speed Auto (MQC) | 420 @ 5,600 rpm | 460 @ 4,100 |
| 2021+ | Chevrolet | Suburban | 10-Speed Auto (MQC) | 420 @ 5,600 rpm | 460 @ 4,100 |
| 2021+ | Chevrolet | Tahoe | 10-Speed Auto (MQC) | 420 @ 5,600 rpm | 460 @ 4,100 |
| 2019+ | Chevrolet | Silverado 1500 | 10-Speed Auto (MQB) | 420 @ 5,600 rpm | 460 @ 4,100 |
| 2019+ | GMC | Sierra 1500 | 10-Speed Auto (MQB) | 420 @ 5,600 rpm | 460 @ 4,100 |
| 2021+ | GMC | Yukon | 10-Speed Auto (MQC) | 420 @ 5,600 rpm | 460 @ 4,100 |
| 2021+ | GMC | Yukon XL | 10-Speed Auto (MQC) | 420 @ 5,600 rpm | 460 @ 4,100 |
This comprehensive vehicle list represents every production GM model currently or previously equipped with the L87 from its 2019 debut through the 2024 model year.
Trim Levels Where the L87 Appears
Within each model, the L87 is typically reserved for higher trim levels. In the Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500, the 6.2L V8 was initially offered exclusively in LTZ and High Country trims for 2019, later expanding to include Custom Trail Boss and algumas Denali variants. For the Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, and Yukon XL, the L87 becomes standard equipment on Platinum and High Country trims, while available on RST and Denali trims.
The Cadillac Escalade is unique because the L87 is standard across all trim levels from base Premium Luxury to the range-topper Sport Platinum, as no smaller engine is offered in the luxury flagship. This makes the Escalade the only GM model where every single unit leaves the factory with the 6.2L V8.
Key Technical Differences: L87 vs. L86
The primary distinction between the L87 and its predecessor L86 involves efficiency technology rather than raw power. While both engines produce identical 420 hp and 460 lb-ft ratings, the L87 features Dynamic Fuel Management instead of Active Fuel Management, allowing cylinder deactivation patterns ranging from 2 to 8 cylinders based on real-time load demands.
- Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM): L87 can deactivate 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 cylinders; L86 only switches between 4 and 8 cylinders
- Automatic Start/Stop: L87 includes factory start/stop capability; L86 does not
- Fuel Economy: 2019 Silverado L87 achieves 16 mpg city vs. 15 mpg city for 2018 L86 model; highway remains 20 mpg for both
- Emissions: L87 smog rating improved to 6/10 from L86's 3/10, with 15 grams less CO2 output
These efficiency improvements matter for fleet buyers and environmentally conscious consumers, though the real-world advantage remains modest at roughly 1 mpg in city driving.
Recall History and Reliability Concerns
Ownership of an L87-equipped vehicle requires awareness of a significant global recall affecting approximately 721,000 vehicles due to connecting rod and crankshaft main bearing defects. Prior to GM's recall of 600,000 trucks in the United States alone, there were 28,000 reported L87 failures, with many involving catastrophic engine seizure.
The NHTSA opened a further investigation in October 2025 after receiving 1,157 additional complaints of engine bearing failure outside the original recall scope, covering 2019-2024 Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Escalade models. New data indicates 173 more engine failures suggesting extraneous bearing issues causing unusual metal wear.
Fuel Requirements and Maintenance
The L87 runs on regular 87-octane gasoline despite its performance output, a remarkable achievement for a 420-hp V8. The 11.5:1 compression ratio works with GM's knock sensor delay system to optimize timing based on fuel quality, preventing pre-detonation while maintaining power.
Recommended maintenance intervals include engine oil changes every 7,500 miles under normal driving conditions or 5,000 miles when towing regularly, using Dexos1 Full Synthetic 0W-20 oil. The air filter should be inspected every 15,000 miles and replaced as needed, while spark plugs are rated for 100,000 miles under normal service.
Why Buyers Choose the L87
Customers selecting the L87 engine prioritize maximum towing capacity and passing power over fuel economy considerations. The 460 lb-ft of torque available at just 4,100 rpm provides strong low-end grunt for hauling trailers, boats, or campers without constant downshifting.
For full-size SUV shoppers, the L87 delivers confident highway merging capability even when the vehicle is fully loaded with seven passengers and cargo. The 10-speed transmission's wide gear spread keeps engine rpm low during cruising while providing close ratios for smooth acceleration.
Future of the L87 Powertrain
As of May 2026, the L87 remains in production with no announced discontinuation date, continuing as GM's flagship naturally aspirated truck engine. Industry insiders suggest the L87 may receive mild updates for the 2025 Silverado/Sierra refresh but is expected to remain the top gas engine option alongside emerging hybrid powertrains.
The L87's legacy includes establishing GM's capability to extract 420 hp from a pushrod V8 while maintaining regular unleaded fuel compatibility, a technical achievement that continues defining half-ton pickup performance standards.
What are the most common questions about Are Your Gm Rides L87 Powered Heres The Full Map?
What year did the L87 engine start?
The L87 engine was first introduced in the 2019 model year Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (fourth generation) and GMC Sierra 1500 (fourth generation), launching alongside the all-new platforms in late 2018.
Is the L87 engine in the Chevrolet Traverse?
No, the Traverse does not have the L87 engine. The Traverse uses a 3.6-liter V6 (LGX or LY7), as it is a midsize SUV built on a different platform than the full-size Tahoe/Suburban.
What VIN digit identifies the L87 engine?
The L87 engine is identified by the letter \"L\" in the 8th digit of the VIN for 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV models, and for 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
Does the L87 have cylinder deactivation?
Yes, the L87 features Dynamic Fuel Management that can deactivate anywhere from 2 to 7 cylinders under light load conditions, improving fuel economy compared to the L86's 4-cylinder-only Active Fuel Management.
How much can an L87-powered truck tow?
A Silverado 1500 with the L87 achieves a maximum towing rating of 9,300 lbs when properly equipped with the Max Trailering Package, while the Tahoe with L87 tows up to 8,400 lbs.