These GM Vehicles Pack The L87 Engine-do You Drive One?
L87 Engine in GM Lineup: Which Models Get It
The GM L87 engine, a 6.2-liter V8, powers select high-end trims of Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2019+), GMC Sierra 1500 (2019+), Chevrolet Tahoe (2021+), Chevrolet Suburban (2021+), GMC Yukon (2021+), GMC Yukon XL (2021+), and Cadillac Escalade (2021+). This Gen V Small Block EcoTec3 engine delivers 420 horsepower at 5,600 RPM and 460 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 RPM, paired exclusively with GM's 10-speed automatic transmission.
Engine Specifications
The L87 engine features an aluminum block and heads with overhead valve (OHV) pushrod design, direct injection, variable valve timing, and Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) for up to 17 cylinder deactivation modes. Introduced as the successor to the L86 in 2019, it first appeared in the fourth-generation Silverado and Sierra 1500 pickups on September 17, 2018, for the 2019 model year.
Producing 420 hp and 460 lb-ft across all applications, the L87 achieves EPA estimates of 15 mpg city/20 mpg highway in Silverado 1500 LTZ trims, a 2 mpg city improvement over the L86 thanks to DFM and the 10-speed transmission.
| Model | Years | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 2019-2024 | 420 @ 5600 RPM | 460 @ 4100 RPM | 10-Speed Auto |
| GMC Sierra 1500 | 2019-2024 | 420 @ 5600 RPM | 460 @ 4100 RPM | 10-Speed Auto |
| Cadillac Escalade | 2021-2024 | 420 @ 5600 RPM | 460 @ 4100 RPM | 10-Speed Auto |
| Chevrolet Tahoe | 2021-2024 | 420 @ 5600 RPM | 460 @ 4100 RPM | 10-Speed Auto |
| GMC Yukon/Yukon XL | 2021-2024 | 420 @ 5600 RPM | 460 @ 4100 RPM | 10-Speed Auto |
Model-Specific Applications
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ and High Country trims received the L87 engine starting in 2019, offering class-leading towing capacity of 13,200 pounds when properly equipped. GMC Sierra 1500 mirrors this in its SLT, AT4, and Denali trims, with production exceeding 150,000 units by mid-2022.
- 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: LTZ, High Country (Crew Cab models primarily).
- 2019-2024 GMC Sierra 1500: SLT, AT4, Denali (standard in Denali).
- 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV: Standard across Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, and Platinum trims.
- 2021-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban: Premier, High Country, Z71 trims.
- 2021-2024 GMC Yukon/Yukon XL: SLT, AT4, Denali Ultimate.
Full-size SUVs like the Tahoe and Yukon adopted the L87 in their 2021 redesigns, boosting payload ratings by 10% over prior 5.3L V8 options while maintaining a curb weight under 5,800 pounds for four-door models.
Key Differences from L86
- L87 introduces Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) replacing Active Fuel Management (AFM), allowing 17 cylinder combinations versus four.
- Improved oil consumption and emissions compliance for global markets, reducing CO2 output by 5 grams per mile.
- Piston oil-jet cooling standard, enhancing durability under heavy towing loads up to 9,500 pounds in SUVs.
- 10-speed transmission integration optimized for L87's rev profile, yielding 16 mpg city in 2019 Silverado versus 14 mpg for 2014 L86 models.
"The L87 represents a modest evolution with significant efficiency gains," noted GM Powertrain engineer Maria Gonzalez in a 2019 SAE paper, highlighting 12% better thermal efficiency at part throttle.
Performance Statistics
The L87 propels a 2023 Silverado 1500 High Country from 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds, per Car and Driver testing on March 15, 2023. Quarter-mile times average 13.9 seconds at 99 mph, outperforming the Ford F-150 5.0L V8 by 0.3 seconds.
In Escalade applications, the engine tows 8,100 pounds while achieving 14 mpg combined, per EPA ratings certified on January 28, 2021. Over 721,000 L87-equipped vehicles were on U.S. roads by December 2024.
Known Issues and Recalls
GM issued recall N232413430 on November 20, 2023, for 2023 models due to oversized lifter bores in L87 engines, affecting 28,000+ complaints, 12 crashes, and 42 fires. Dealers inspect and replace engines free of charge for 2023 Escalade, Tahoe, Suburban, Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL.
"If these parts fail, the engine could seize or suddenly lose all power," stated NHTSA in its October 29, 2025 investigation update, prompting a probe into 2021-2024 models.
Earlier 2021-2022 units faced lifter failures linked to DFM, with GM redesigning components by VIN sequence 232413430, improving long-term durability past 250,000 miles.
Historical Context
The EcoTec3 family, launched in 2014 with L83/L86, evolved to Gen V L87 by 2019 to meet CAFE standards mandating 8% annual fleet efficiency gains. Over 1.2 million L87 units produced at Tonawanda Engine Plant since inception, powering 15% of GM full-size truck sales in 2024.
GM's investment of $1.3 billion in Gen V architecture, announced June 12, 2013, enabled aluminum construction reducing weight by 20 pounds over iron-block predecessors.
Buying Guide
- Verify VIN 8th digit "L" for L87 confirmation via GM's online decoder.
- Avoid 2023 builds pre-recall; post-fix units show enhanced lifter bore tolerances.
- Expect 10-12% premium over 5.3L models; resale holds 68% after 3 years per Kelley Blue Book, January 2026 data.
- Maintenance: 5W-30 Dexos1 oil changes every 7,500 miles; monitor for DFM tick at startup.
| Year Range | Total Units Sold | Primary Models | Key Update |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-2020 | 240,000 | Silverado/Sierra 1500 | DFM Intro |
| 2021-2022 | 320,000 | SUVs + Trucks | SUV Launch |
| 2023-2024 | 380,000 | All Models | Lifter Fix |
Certified Pre-Owned L87 vehicles include 6-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, transferable per GM policy updated April 2025.
Future Outlook
GM plans L87 continuation through 2027 refresh, with hybrid variants targeting 25 mpg combined by 2028. "The L87's balance of power and tech positions it for hybrid integration," per GM VP Rory Harvey on February 10, 2026.
This engine's versatility across 2.4 million cumulative GM vehicle miles logged in J.D. Power 2025 studies underscores its segment dominance.
Key concerns and solutions for These Gm Vehicles Pack The L87 Engine Do You Drive One
What trims get the L87 in Silverado 1500?
LTZ and High Country trims standard since 2019; optional on RST and LTZ1 in later years with the Max Trailering Package.
Is the L87 engine reliable?
Despite early lifter issues resolved post-2023, real-world tests show 95% surviving 150,000 miles with regular maintenance; carbon buildup on valves requires walnut blasting every 80,000 miles.
Which SUV uses L87?
Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Escalade from 2021 onward in premium trims.
L87 vs L86 towing capacity?
Identical at 13,300 pounds max for trucks; L87 adds DFM for better sustained towing economy.
Will L87 be in 2025 models?
Yes, carried over with minor valvetrain tweaks; check GM Authority for trim confirmations as of May 2026.
How to identify L87 by VIN?
8th digit "L"; cross-reference with RPO code L87 on glovebox sticker.