The Chevrolet LKR is a 1,998 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2021 and 2024. It belongs to General Motors' Gen 3 small-displacement engine family, engineered for transverse FWD platforms. Featuring direct fuel injection, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and continuously variable valve timing (CVVT), it delivers 133 kW (181 PS) at 5,500 rpm and 250 Nm of torque from 1,500–4,000 rpm, enabling responsive low-end performance.
Fitted to the Chevrolet Trailblazer (2021–2024) and Chevrolet Equinox (2022–2024), the LKR engine was designed for North American and Latin American markets requiring balanced power and efficiency in compact SUVs. It meets EPA Tier 3 Bin 30 and NAFCC Phase 2 emissions standards through a close-coupled three-way catalyst, cooled EGR, and advanced engine control calibration. The cylinder head features integrated exhaust manifolds for rapid light-off.
One documented reliability concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioner, identified in GM Service Information Bulletin 23-NA-006. This issue is linked to inadequate oil pressure during cold starts, particularly in stop-start urban driving. From 2023, GM revised the tensioner design and updated oil specification to GM dexos1 Gen 3 (0W-20) to improve durability.
Production years 2021–2022 meet EPA Tier 3 Bin 30 (US EPA Certificate #US21-0021); 2023–2024 models comply with updated California LEV III SULEV30 standards.
The Chevrolet LKR is a 1,998 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine developed for transverse SUV applications (2021–2024). It combines direct injection with dual overhead camshafts and cooled exhaust gas recirculation to deliver strong low-RPM responsiveness. Designed for North American and Latin American markets, it balances performance with fuel efficiency and emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,998 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 87 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 83.0 mm × 92.3 mm | |
| Power output | 133 kW (181 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV6 direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | EPA Tier 3 Bin 30 (2021–2022); LEV III SULEV30 (2023–2024) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Honeywell HGK22 turbo (fixed geometry, water-cooled) | |
| Timing system | Dual-chain (primary and secondary) | |
| Oil type | GM dexos1 Gen 3 (SAE 0W-20) | |
| Dry weight | 145 kg |
The LKR's low-end torque delivery enables strong city driving performance but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using GM dexos1 Gen 3 (0W-20) to prevent timing chain tensioner wear. The integrated exhaust manifold improves warm-up efficiency but increases cylinder head thermal load; coolant quality and level must be maintained. Extended stop-start operation increases risk of tensioner wear; periodic highway driving helps maintain oil pressure stability. Post-2023 models feature revised tensioner design; pre-2023 units should verify oil flow to tensioner per GM SIB 23-NA-006. Direct injection necessitates periodic intake valve cleaning to mitigate carbon buildup.
Oil Specs: Requires GM dexos1 Gen 3 (0W-20) specification (GM SIB 23-NA-006). Supersedes API SP and ILSAC GF-6 standards.
Emissions: EPA Tier 3 Bin 30 applies to 2021–2022 models (US EPA Certificate #US21-0021). LEV III SULEV30 compliance verified for 2023–2024 models.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full output requires 87 RON fuel (GM TIS Doc. A32025).
General Motors Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A32125, A32550, SIB 23-NA-006
EPA Certification Database (Certificate #US21-0021)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Chevrolet LKR was used across Chevrolet's Delta platform with transverse mounting and shared with GMC for North American market adaptations. This engine received platform-specific tuning—revised torque curve in the Equinox and optimized cooling in the Trailblazer—and from 2023 the facelifted Equinox LT adopted a revised tensioner design, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left-side cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (GM TIS A32225). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('L' for LKR series). Pre-2023 models have silver valve covers with black turbocharger housings; post-2023 units use black valve covers with blue accents. Critical differentiation from non-turbo variants: LKR engines feature a high-pressure fuel pump on the left side and a water-cooled turbocharger. Service parts require production date verification—tensioner assemblies for pre-2023 models are incompatible with post-facelift revisions due to redesigned oil gallery (GM SIB 23-NA-006).
The LKR's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in urban stop-start use. Internal GM quality reports from 2023 noted a significant share of pre-2023 engines requiring tensioner replacement before 100,000 km, while EPA field data links a portion of emissions-related failures to catalyst degradation in high-heat environments. Prolonged idling and low-speed operation increase tensioner and catalyst stress, making warm-up/cool-down procedures and oil quality critical.
Analysis derived from GM technical bulletins (2021-2024) and EPA field failure statistics (2022-2025). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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