Best Diesel Trucks | 2026 Diesel Pickup Trucks Rated | CarBuzzAlthough diesel isn't a common fuel type in the United States these days, there are some who still buy diesel trucks because there are some advantages. For starters, new diesel trucks generally pull heavier loads and spare their owners a bit of fuel: diesel trucks are often stronger and more efficient than regular gasoline versions - but there aren't that many left on the market these days.The best diesel pickup trucks come from top brands like Ford, GMC, and Ram, automakers that have already established themselves as industry leaders in the truck market. These brands hold the apex position because they each produce engines that deliver fantastic torque figures. On the downside, though, the best diesel pickup trucks are not necessarily cheap to buy, unless you opt for a used model. These types of vehicles are rugged and steadfast, so if you can’t afford any of the brand-new models, it is safe to take the pre-owned route. These are the best diesel truck models for the 2026 model year.Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here. GMC Sierra 1500 In today's day and age, diesel trucks are a hot commodity. Buyers search for new diesel trucks like the GMC Sierra 1500, since these powertrains can last longer, tow more, and can get better fuel economy than gas engines in the same models. That said, this GMC has an optional diesel engine. The Sierra 1500 usually comes with a standard 5.3-liter gas V8, but the pickup can be configured with a 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel inline-6. It makes 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, the Sierra 1500 can tow 13,300 pounds with its Duramax engine. Ram 3500 The best diesel truck that Ram has to offer is the 3500. While other truck manufacturers offer diesel engines in their half-ton models, Ram skips over the 1500 and only offers its Cummins engine in the 2500 and 3500 models. While some buyers might miss out if they don't need or want a truck of this size, those who choose a 3/4-ton or 1-ton model will enjoy a 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel V8 that makes 430 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque. When equipped with this one-ton truck, the Cummins engine can tow up to 36,000 pounds and haul 6,050 pounds in its bed."...we still had heavy trailers. It was easy to get up to highway speeds and easy to manage going back down the hill. It inspired confidence, whether an expert or a towing novice."- Nicole Wakelin, CarBuzz Chevrolet Silverado 1500 For those of you who want to stick to a General Motors product, but would rather save money than spend extra on a nicer interior, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is the best diesel truck to buy. It's built on the same platform as the Sierra 1500 - it comes with the same engine options, the engines are tuned for the same outputs, and it can tow/haul the same amount. That said, the Silverado 1500 starts at $36,900 ($1,400 less than the Sierra). Its diesel engine is a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-6 that makes 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque that can tow 13,300 pounds. Ram 2500 Though not quite as capable as the 3500 we talked about earlier, the Ram 2500 is a great diesel truck that can tow more than most people will ever need to. This 3/4-ton model competes with the Sierra 2500HD, Silverado 2500HD, and Ford F-250; this Ram has a slightly lower towing capacity than any of them, but gets a rather upscale interior and smooth driving experience to make up for it. To reach the Ram 2500's 20,000-pound towing capacity, buyers must equip a Cummins 6.7-liter turbo-diesel V8 that makes 430 hp and 1,075 lb-ft of torque. This model can also haul up to 3,600 pounds with a diesel engine - the gas engine is standard, and can haul 4,580 pounds."Trucks in this segment rarely feel spry, but the Ram 2500 feels more easily maneuverable than rivals from Ford or GM. It still has hydraulic steering, but the effort is lighter than competitors, making it easier to park this behemoth, and keep it centered in its lane. The ride is also superior to the competition thanks to a five-link solid rear axle."- Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz Ford F-450 Super Duty The best diesel truck for towing is the Ford F-450 with a maximum towing capacity of 40,000 pounds. Not only is it the best diesel truck for towing, it's the best pickup truck for towing in general. The F-350 gets close with 38,000 pounds, but the F-450 is on a level of its own. This beast of a diesel truck is available in five trims, including the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and the Platinum trim. Starting prices range from $62,330 to $96,335 before destination. The F-450's diesel engine comes in the form of a 6.7-liter turbo-diesel V8 that makes 475 - 500 horsepower and 1,050–1,200 lb-ft of torque, depending on which version you choose. GMC Sierra 3500HD The best diesel pickup truck for those who want a General Motors model with massive towing capacity is the GMC Sierra 3500HD. This giant truck is more luxurious and comfortable than its Chevrolet counterpart. However, it can tow the same amount and carry the same loads as its less-expensive sibling. The Sierra 3500HD has an optional Duramax 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V8 that makes 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque. Using this diesel engine is how you can achieve the model's maximum towing capacity of 36,000 pounds; this requires the Duramax engine, a regular cab, and a long bed with rear-wheel drive when using a gooseneck hitch. Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD The largest pickup truck Chevy has to offer is the one-ton Silverado 3500HD. This model is built on the same platform as the Sierra 3500HD we just talked about above, but it costs a bit less. The Chevy's interior isn't quite as nice or upscale — the Silverado is a great workhorse at most trim levels. This model starts at $46,800 with its gas engine, but its 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel V8 can be equipped to any trim for some extra cash (the exact amount varies, but averages about $10k). It makes the same 470 hp and 975 lb-ft of torque, and can tow up to 36,000 pounds. GMC Sierra 2500HD We talked about the half-ton and the one-ton Sierra models, but what about what's in-between? The GMC Sierra 2500HD falls in the middle of the 1500 and the 3500, and features just as nice of an interior with even better towing and hauling capacities than the half-ton model. GMC offers seven trims for the Sierra 2500 HD; the base model is the Pro trim, which starts at $47,000, but you could spend as much as $94,200 before destination and options for the Denali Ultimate. Under the hood of any given 2500HD is an optional 6.6L Duramax V8 turbo-diesel that makes 470 hp and 975 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped with this engine, it can tow up to 22,500 pounds. Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Like the other GM models we've gone over today, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD shares a platform and engine options with the Sierra 2500HD above. However, it's a bit cheaper, with its most basic trim starting at $45,900 before destination and options; the most expensive trim is the High Country, which starts at $73,600. Its standard engine is a 6.6-liter gas V8, but the Silverado 2500HD can be equipped with a 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V8 that makes 470 hp and 975 lb-ft of torque just like the Sierra. Capabilities haven't changed, as this Chevy can tow up to 22,500 pounds with a gooseneck trailer. Ford F-350 Super Duty Wrapping up this list of diesel trucks is the one-ton Ford F-350 Super Duty. It's not quite as capable as the F-450, but it can tow more than almost every other model we mentioned today. It's available in five trims, with the XL starting at $46,970 before destination and options, and the Platinum topping the lineup at $79,965. This truck has three engine options, including a 6.8-liter gas V8, a 7.3-liter gas V8, and a 6.7-liter turbo-diesel V8. There are two versions of the diesel engine, so it makes 475–500 hp and 1,050–1,200 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped with the high-output diesel engine, the F-350 Super Duty can tow up to 38,000 pounds. Characteristics Of The Best Diesel Trucks There’s a reason that these trucks are so popular, and that’s because they offer quite a few upsides over gas-fed variants. Here are some of the characteristics: Multiple cab styles - The varying body styles of these vehicles make them extremely versatile. You can utilize them as a workhorse or as a family-hauler. Varying bed lengths - Again, the potential to customize the body style to suit your individual needs is a great advantage. Opt for a short bed if you simply require a capable family vehicle or an extended bed for heavy-duty use. Improved fuel economy - These types of mills are generally more efficient than their gas-fed counterparts. They tend to save a ton of money in the long run where fuel bills are concerned. Increased towing capability - These kinds of engines deliver much higher torque figures, making them the better decision for those who need heavy-duty lugging abilities at their disposal. What To Consider Before Buying While these types of trucks offer many benefits, they do have a few disadvantages worth taking note of. However, these are some positive aspects of the most reliable diesel truck models: Pros More fuel-efficient than gas-powered models Durable, dependable, and safe Stronger torque figures for better towing Holds its value well Cons Usually more expensive to buy and maintain Diesel costs more than gas Not as common and easy to find as gas-fed variations What is the best one to buy with towing in mind? The Ford F-450 Super Duty is one of the best available with heavy-hauling in mind. The 6.7-liter turbo-diesel mill produces 1,200 lb-ft of torque and allows for a maximum towing capacity of 40,000 lbs. However, we prefer the smaller GMC Sierra 1500 for everyday needs, unless you must have the added capability of the larger F-450. Are these engines really that dependable? With proper maintenance, they last for many years, so they have more than earned their sterling reputation for durability. For more in-depth information, pictures, and videos, check out our detailed reviews.Sources: Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, Ram
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