10 Pickups With The Best Diesel Engines Ever Built
Diesel engines have been part of the automotive landscape since1897 when Rudolf Diesel successfully created the first prototype. He was also the inventor of the first compression ignition engine design, which he completed in 1892. Who would have known that engines and fuel named after him would catch on and be popular enough to be used in some of the most useful trucks on the market? More than 100 years later, diesel engines are still being used to perform the biggest jobs, especially when it comes to hauling heavy loads.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Full-Size Diesel Pickup Truck With The Highest Driving Range In 2024
Which full-size pickup truck has a diesel powertrain and the highest driving range? The answer shouldn't surprise you.
Powertrain specifications, towing capacities, and general vehicle information were sourced from various automakers. This list is sorted by towing capacity from least to greatest.
2017-2022 Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon
2.8-liter Duramax: Towing Capacity: 7,700 Pounds
Chevrolet
The small but mighty Duramax four-cylinder engine used by the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon midsize pickup trucks is one of the best diesel engines ever made. It provides impressive fuel mileage figures and the best towing capacity in the midsize truck class, making it easy for the GM pair to outperform other trucks.
Powertrain Specifications
Engine | 2.8-liter Duramax 4-cylinder |
Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 181 hp |
Torque | 369 lb-ft |
Payload Capacity | 2,181 pounds |
Towing Capacity | 7,700 pounds |
The impressive low-end torque from this Duramax engine gives these midsize trucks a power advantage on the trails. This engine has been used for the Colorado ZR2, giving the off-road-focused truck the torque to push through the mud and muck better than most gas-powered trucks.
2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500
3.0-liter Duramax: Towing Capacity: 9,400 Pounds
Chevrolet
The Duramax diesel engine made its way to the half-ton versions of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 to give this GM pair good power and improved fuel mileage compared to the traditional gas-powered V8 engines. The torque figures for the Duramax six-cylinder engine matched the figures of the 6.2-liter V8.
Powertrain Specifications
Engine | 3.0-liter Duramax 6-cylinder |
Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 277 hp |
Torque | 460 lb-ft |
Payload Capacity | 1,970 pounds |
Towing Capacity | 9,400 pounds |
GM made this diesel engine more available than other automakers, allowing the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 to be equipped with this powertrain in the LT, RTS, LTZ, and High Country trim levels. Adding the Convenience and Trailering packages makes it much easier to tow a heavy load with this engine under the hood.
1994-1998 Dodge Ram 2500/3500
5.9-Liter 12-Valve Cummins: Towing Capacity: 9,600 Pounds
Bring A Trailer
Cummins diesel engines are iconic, and part of the lore surrounding these engines comes from the 5.9-liter model of the 1994-1998 Dodge Ram 2500/300 HD trucks. This engine was upgraded from the previous model with a fully mechanical inline injection pump, which was complicated but extremely reliable.
Powertrain Specifications
Engine | 5.9-liter 12-valve Cummins 6-cylinder |
Transmission | 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 160-215 hp |
Torque | 400-440 lb-ft |
Payload Capacity | 4,750 pounds |
Towing Capacity | 9,600 pounds |
The preferred transmission at the time was the five-speed manual, which was one of the toughest and most reliable models ever built. It has a durable cast-iron case, “granny-low” gear for low-speed travel, and an overdrive fifth gear to improve highway mileage in the heavy-duty Dodge Ram trucks.
2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 front shot
Meet The Most Fuel-Efficient Diesel-Powered Pickup On Sale Today
Despite the rise of EVs, Chevy remains committed to fuel-efficient diesel trucks, keeping the market alive amid slimming options.
2011-2023 Ram 1500
3.0-Liter Chrysler EcoDiesel: Towing Capacity: 9,600 Pounds
Ram
Diesel engines offered a specific change to the half-ton trucks. These smaller trucks enjoyed improved fuel mileage and low-end torque when equipped with a diesel engine. The Ram 1500 utilized a 3.0-liter model made by VM Motori, a subsidiary of FCA at the time. This engine was offered in several vehicles, including the Ram 1500.
Powertrain Specifications
Engine | 3.0-liter Chrysler 6-cylinder |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 260 hp |
Torque | 480 lb-ft |
Payload Capacity | 1,780 pounds |
Towing Capacity | 9,600 pounds |
This impressive diesel engine earned a spot in Ward’s “Ten Best Engines” from 2014 to 2016 thanks to its reliability, durability, and performance. The EcoDiesel engine continues to be one of the most admired powertrains used in half-ton trucks.
2023-Present Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500
3.0-liter Duramax: Towing Capacity: 13,300 Pounds
GMC
Where other automakers zigged, GM zagged by improving the Duramax six-cylinder diesel engine. This is the last remaining diesel powertrain in the half-ton pickup truck class, making it a bit of a unicorn. The power was improved compared to the previous model thanks to the addition of new fuel injectors and pistons, a retuned turbocharger compressor, and a redesigned combustion bowl.
Powertrain Specifications
Engine | 3.0-liter Duramax 6-cylinder |
Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 305 hp |
Torque | 495 lb-ft |
Payload Capacity | 1,970 pounds |
Towing Capacity | 13,300 pounds |
One of the most enticing aspects of this upgraded diesel engine is the silent running. Many drivers think of diesel powertrains as loud, raucous, and a bit obnoxious, but that’s not the case with this new Duramax model. This engine is being used for many trims, but most notably, it is available for the off-road-focused Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2.
2003-2007 Dodge Ram 2500/3500
5.9-Liter, 24-Valve Cummins: Towing Capacity: 16,400 Pounds
Dodge Ram
This improved Cummins diesel engine was a huge leap forward after the most unreliable model was produced until 2002. This new model was one of the last emissions-free diesel powerplants, and its ECM was configurable to increase power and turn a big Dodge Ram truck into a true power monster.
Powertrain Specifications
Engine | 5.9-liter 24-valve Cummins 6-cylinder |
Transmission | 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 235-305 hp |
Torque | 460-555 lb-ft |
Payload Capacity | 3,010 pounds |
Towing Capacity | 16,400 pounds |
In addition to the impressive power and dependability offered, this Cummins diesel engine was capable of consistent fuel economy figures over 20 mpg. It’s common to find one of these trucks and drive it for more than 200,000 miles without any issues (provided it is properly maintained).
gmc Sierra 1500 in the mountains
10 Ways The Duramax 3.0-Liter Diesel Pushes GM Trucks To A New Level
Beyond being torque-rich and fuel-efficient, find out what makes the all-new 3.0-liter inline-six second-generation Duramax diesel such a great engine
2006-2007 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra
6.6-Liter Duramax LBZ: Towing Capacity: 16,500 Pounds
Edmunds
The Duramax LBZ is one of the most popular diesel engines among GM diesel enthusiasts. This engine has an easily manipulated ECM, which makes it popular. The LBZ is an improvement over the LB7, giving drivers more power and strength to handle heavier loads in the bed. Like its predecessor, the LBZ can achieve more than 20 mpg on the highway.
Powertrain Specifications
Engine | 6.6-liter Duramax V8 (LBZ) |
Transmission | 5-speed Allison automatic or 6-speed ZF6 manual |
Horsepower | 360 hp |
Torque | 650 lb-ft |
Payload Capacity | 5,300 pounds |
Towing Capacity | 16,500 pounds |
Older diesel engines, like these Duramax models, weren’t bound by emissions standards, which made them more attractive to some buyers. This engine is extremely reliable, making it easy to drive a heavy-duty Chevrolet or GMC for many years without incurring major repair costs.
2001-2004 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 2500/3500
6.6-Liter Duramax LB7: Towing Capacity: 16,700 Pounds
Bring A Trailer
The big power from this V8 diesel engine was only made better when you consider its fuel mileage. Despite no requirement to list fuel economy figures, this diesel engine was capable of delivering more than 20 mpg regularly, making it one of the most efficient V8 diesel engines ever created.
Powertrain Specifications
Engine | 6.6-liter Duramax V8 (LB7) |
Transmission | 5-speed Allison automatic or 6-speed LBZ manual |
Horsepower | 310 hp |
Torque | 590 lb-ft |
Payload Capacity | 4,900 pounds |
Towing Capacity | 16,700 pounds |
In addition to the power and capability offered by this Duramax engine, GM added an independent front suspension to these big Chevrolet and GMC trucks. This improved the ride quality, giving drivers more comfort when towing long distances. The final cherry for this diesel engine is the Allison 1000 transmission, which was thought to be the best gearbox available in this class.
1999-2003 Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty
7.3-Liter Power Stroke: Towing Capacity: 21,500 Pounds
Ford
The massive power of the Ford Super Duty trucks comes from one of the biggest and strongest diesel engines available in those trucks. From 1999 to 2003, this big engine powered these trucks to give owners the trucks they could trust to get the job done. This massive diesel engine is a simple, low-maintenance power plant that has plenty of power for big jobs.
Powertrain Specifications
Engine | 7.3-liter Power Stroke V8 |
Transmission | 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual |
Horsepower | 235-275 hp |
Torque | 500-525 lb-ft |
Payload Capacity | 3,495 pounds |
Towing Capacity | 21,500 pounds |
In addition to the powerful engines, the Power Stroke setup for these Ford trucks includes two transmissions that are rock sold. They are reliable and dependable for thousands of miles, making it easy to see this generation of Super Duty still on the road, many with more than 200,000 miles on them.
Red 2020 Jeep Gladiator
Get It Before Its Gone: The Only Mid-Size Diesel Pickup Truck On Sale
As the sole mid-size pickup with an oil burner under the hood, find out some of the advantages of the diesel-powered Gladiator over the gas model
2011-Present Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty
6.7-Liter Power Stroke: Towing Capacity: 40,000 Pounds
Ford
Ford’s Power Stroke engine has evolved over the years to include a turbocharger and more power. The latest version has been used in Ford Super Duty trucks since 2011, but it’s only gotten better over time. Today, this massive beast can pump out enough power to pull the heaviest loads, making it the most impressive diesel engine in its class.
Powertrain Specifications
Engine | 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 |
Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 475-500 hp |
Torque | 1,050-1,200 lb-ft |
Payload Capacity | 6,965 pounds |
Towing Capacity | 40,000 pounds |
During its long run, the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine was upgraded and improved. Earlier turbochargers had ceramic ball bearings that often ailed, but were soon upgraded, along with a six-bolt pattern per cylinder, which reduced the likelihood of gasket failure. Today’s models are durable and powerful, making them capable of hundreds of thousands of miles.
