Ford Vs. Chevrolet Vs. Ram: The HD Diesel War Has A New LeaderAutoblogKarl FurlongSat, September 26, 2026 at 1:30 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleAutoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Almost every year, America's big 3 truck brands further push the boundaries of capability, while consistently challenging each other for class-best honors. The latest heavy-duty pickups for the 2027 model year do the same, and if you need an effortless towing machine, nothing beats one of these turbodiesel trucks. General Motors is the latest to lay down a marker in the heavy-duty turbodiesel segment, with an all-new 8.3-liter Duramax mill that sets new standards for horsepower and torque. Here's a look at the new engine and how it compares to the best from Ram and Ford.Silverado HD's Mighty New DieselGM Duramax TurbodieselGeneral MotorsThe new 8.3-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8 will launch with best-in-class horsepower and torque in the heavy-duty segment. It will be available in the latest generation of the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra. According to GM, over 60% of heavy-duty customers opt for diesel power, which typically delivers relaxed yet effortless performance when hauling heavy rigs. The new engine produces 555 horsepower and a colossal 1,230 lb-ft of torque, compared with 470 hp/975 lb-ft for the outgoing 6.6-liter Duramax diesel. Here's a look at how this engine compares to the best diesels from Ford and Ram.Chevrolet/GMC Duramax TurbodieselFord Power Stroke TurbodieselRam Cummins TurbodieselEngine configuration8.3L V8 Turbodiesel6.7L V8 Turbodiesel6.7L i6 TurbodieselHorsepower555 hp500 hp430 hpTorque1,230 lb-ft1,200 lb-ft1,075 lb-ftMaximum towing capacity38,000 lbs40,000 lbs37,020 lbsThe new GM engine is by far the largest of this trio, and it now produces 55 more horsepower and 30 more lb-ft of torque than the Ford's high-output Power Stroke, previously the most powerful engine in the segment. However, Ford still leads in towing, with a 2,000-lb advantage over the most capable GM trucks. Ram now trails both heavy-duty rivals, but its Cummins mill is still super impressive.Ford Super Duty Power StrokeFordView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementGM's new Duramax features a fully forged crankshaft, connecting rods, and steel pistons to ensure durability. It also has a compacted graphite iron cylinder block. The dual-stage air-to-water charge cooling system keeps the engine at an ideal temperature when towing heavy loads."This new diesel engine is the culmination of decades of GM diesel development and integration," said Norman Peralta, Executive Chief Engineer, Global Engine and Battery Systems. "From the clean-sheet architecture and combustion system to the cooling, aftertreatment and transmission calibration, this is a powertrain built with heavy duty purpose and pride."On paper, the new Duramax is the engine to beat in this segment, and we look forward to evaluating its performance and refinement in the real world when the 2027 GM trucks launch later this year.Related: 2027 Ford Super Duty Gets Bigger Tires, New Tremor Options, and More LuxuryWhy Diesels Are Still Unmatched For Towing2024 Chevrolet Silverado HDChevroletIn smaller vehicles, diesel engines are virtually extinct in the U.S. market. Many automakers have turned to turbocharged and/or hybridized powertrains to achieve high torque and reasonable economy, such as Ford's own Power Boost engine in the F-150. However, diesel remains unmatched in the heavy-duty pickup segment, where towing demands are much greater.AdvertisementAdvertisementSince diesels achieve peak torque at low revs—1,800 rpm in the case of Ram's Cummins turbodiesel—this bottom-end grunt makes moving heavy trailers easier and smoother. It also reduces the need for regular downshifting to maintain momentum. While these top diesels are not exactly fuel-sippers, they remain more efficient than gas engines when towing, particularly over long distances. Finally, diesels are generally built with tougher internal components, contributing to greater longevity. It's not uncommon for large diesels in heavy trucks to reach way over 250,000 miles.While Ford just about retains its towing supremacy with the F-450 Super Duty, GM's new trucks may ascend to the top of the class once we can evaluate the new Duramax's drivability.Related: This Trusted Cummins Diesel Has A Weak Spot Ram Owners Can't IgnoreThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Sep 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the Truck section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.