so again why a turbo 4 ???? What a waste..
You have to be careful when comparing different drivers in different trucks with different engines and driving styles.
The truth is, the turbo will completely outperform (in terms of mpg) any v8 in the city, and still do better than the v8 on the highway. Put the same driver in equivalent GM trucks and swap out the 2.7 for the 5.3 or (worse) 6.2 and you'll see at least 5 to 8 mpg better in the city and guys are getting 25 mpg+ on the highway too. So it's mpg "strength" over the v8 is definitely city driving, but if you're careful it will still beat any v8 on the highway too.
It's not supposed to be a replacement for a v8. It's supposed to replace the v6 as a base engine, you get the 5.3/6.2 as an upgrade. So as a base engine, it really makes sense and outperforms the old chevy 4.3 in every way; city/highway MPG, hp, torque, tow rating.
The fact that we're comparing it to the hemi at all, and finding it pretty closely matched is impressive. It destroys the base 3.6 pentastar.
Durability/longevity..... that is the real question.