15 Of The Most Highly effective Diesel-Fueled Pickup Vehicles Ever Constructed

Volkswagen’s mishaps with its TDI engines price the business dearly, with most producers in North America scrapping the environment friendly diesel-combusting powertrain for hybrids. Nevertheless, the turbodiesel nonetheless reigns in heavy-duty functions. With gobs of torque accessible at decrease revolutions, turbodiesel powertrains can pull a lot heavier objects than gasoline vehicles. They’re far more environment friendly, too.

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These traits did not save the turbodiesel engine in full-size vehicles. At the moment, solely the 2025 Silverado 1500 and its mechanically similar twin, the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500, can be found with a diesel engine. An considerably underpowered 3.0-liter one, too. Peek over at their heavy-duty options, although, and you may see a myriad of road-tearing diesel choices accessible. Not solely that, however the torque wars are extra energetic than ever, with 4 figures changing into the norm. Overseas consumers are additionally wanting primarily into diesel-fueled vehicles. In Australia, for instance, gas-powered vehicles are few and much between even on mid-size machines.

What is going to shock you is that each one these turbodiesel engines are very highly effective, even by at this time’s requirements. They’re tremendous economical, too, and superb at getting any job accomplished. With that in thoughts, we are going to present you the stand-out diesel-fueled pickup vehicles, with horsepower and torque numbers that can go away you speechless. It is diesel energy time!

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The most recent Ford Ranger is basically the identical truck because the Volkswagen Amarok. It shares the identical engines, together with essentially the most potent V6 choice, and sits on the identical ladder chassis. The Ranger does look a bit extra rugged on the skin, which is possibly one of many explanation why it’s far more common than the Amarok abroad.

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Nonetheless, their cabins are primarily comparable, with the identical 12.0-inch portrait-oriented middle touchscreen and barely totally different vents. The gear selector additionally connects to the identical 10-speed computerized, the place the driving force can select for much less gear ratios for use through the Progressive Vary Choose function.

Since additionally, you will be getting the identical gas economic system as within the Amarok, it makes you surprise why Ford does not provide the V6 turbodiesel within the U.S. It could get the identical tow score, with the U.S. Ranger being rated at as much as 7,500 kilos whereas sipping gas in comparison with the gasoline options.

Truck consumers abroad get pleasure from a plethora of potent diesel choices within the mid-size class. Volkswagen, which has by no means launched a pickup truck within the U.S., at the moment provides one of the vital highly effective mid-size diesel vehicles with the Amarok V6 TDI. Now in its second era, the Amarok nonetheless desires to distinguish from its rivals as being a extra upmarket choice.

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Nevertheless, the second-gen mannequin shares a lot of the internals with the Ford Ranger, together with the three.0-liter V6 turbodiesel, producing 247 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. Sounds acquainted? It is the identical engine from the 2021 Ford F-150 Energy Stroke. Not solely that, however the basic design was first conceived in 2004, because of a collaboration between Ford, PSA (Peugeot & Citroen), and Jaguar. Curiously, VW used its personal 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel within the first era. Nonetheless, Ford’s 3.0-liter unit could be very potent because it’s paired with a contemporary 10-speed transmission and might tow as much as 7,716 kilos.

Sadly, the Ford F-150 is not accessible with a diesel powertrain. Look three years previously, although, and you may get the preferred truck in America with a fuel-efficient, Energy Stroke turbodiesel. It is a fashionable powertrain, geared up with a cast crankshaft, variable geometry turbocharger, two-stage oil pump, and an aftertreatment fluid provide to cut back NOx emissions.

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With 250 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque on faucet, the diesel-fueled 3.0-liter V6 is actually no slouch, giving the F-150 sufficient oomph to succeed in 60 mph in 8.3 seconds. A part of the rationale for the great acceleration is the 10-speed transmission, which has particular gearing designed for the diesel powertrain.

The diesel additionally delivers on the towing entrance with a score of 12,100 kilos. That’s simply 900 kilos shy of the 5.0-liter V8 choice, and greater than sufficient for most individuals. The payload score of 1,840 kilos could be very aggressive, too. Apart from, with a freeway score of 27 mpg, the Energy Stroke was essentially the most economical engine within the 2020 F-150.

As with each different GMC truck, the Sierra 1500 serves as a extra upmarket various to the Silverado 1500. Thus, it’s accessible with the identical 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine, producing 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. Due to its excessive torque determine, the Sierra 1500 can tow as much as 13,300 kilos, a powerful determine for a full-size pickup truck. Furthermore, the 2024 Sierra 1500 Duramax within reason frugal and its Tremendous Cruise function makes freeway journeys straightforward. Due to its 4WD system, it could actually even deliver you deep into the wilderness.

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You’re additionally not restricted to decrease trims — we examined the Duramax diesel within the Denali Final earlier this yr. As anticipated from a contemporary GMC providing, the 2024 Sierra 1500 Denali Final has an opulent and cossetting cabin. The dashboard appears fashionable and is provided with a 13.4-inch display within the center, with the driving force getting all the mandatory info from a 12.3-inch show.

The 2025 Silverado 1500 stays the lone diesel wolf within the full-size class. In its newest iteration, Chevy’s 3.0-liter Duramax inline-6 makes 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. After all, it pales compared to the gasoline options in horsepower numbers, but it surely has the best torque determine.

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In the case of vehicles, this issues, as it is the determine that is vital for towing. Within the Duramax, it is also accessible at solely 2,750 rpm, though helpful torque is accessible sooner. We examined the 2024 Silverado 1500 ZR2 this yr and located the Duramax engine to be torque-tastic. It is well-suited to the truck, too, partly because of the wonderful 10-speed computerized transmission with tow/haul mode for improved cooling.

So, regardless of the massive energy drawback, the Duramax-equipped Silverado 1500 has the identical 13,300-pound towing score because the 6.2-liter V8 (CrewCab 4×4). Sure, the V8 is way faster, however the diesel-fueled engine returns 33 mpg on the freeway with 2WD, and 26 mpg with 4WD. Impressed? It is quiet and easy, too, whereas being cheaper to purchase than the V8.

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The 2015 Silverado 1500 additionally comes with an improved dashboard that features a 13.4-inch middle touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The cabin feels a bit plasticky in locations, however there may be at all times the 2025 Sierra 1500 for many who need extra luxurious. That stated, it is a disgrace that GM’s Tremendous Cruise will not be accessible on all trims — even the off-road-focused ZR2 cannot be optioned with the function.

Bear in mind the Nissan Titan XD? The heavy-duty truck was the one non-American mannequin within the class, but it surely was discontinued this yr. Nissan’s mannequin merely could not compete with its 12,760-pound towing score, which is nearer to a full-size truck fairly than a heavy-duty one.

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Maybe its largest limitation was the 5.0-liter Cummins diesel. Rated at 320 hp and 555 lb-ft, this V8 turbodiesel is not any slouch. Nevertheless, it pales compared to its rivals, significantly in its torque score. Nonetheless, that is not the one challenge with the engine. It is also removed from essentially the most dependable Cummins engine, with widespread issues together with turbocharger failure and gas system malfunctions. These points occur fairly early, too, reverse of what you’d anticipate from a heavy-duty truck. Therefore, on this case, you is perhaps higher off with the 5.6-liter V8. The gas-powered engine produces 390 hp and 394 lb-ft and has comparable towing and hauling rankings to the turbodiesel.

The Titan XD has some redeeming qualities. Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats, for instance, are a few of the most comfy within the enterprise. Its cabin appears fairly fashionable as nicely, and the 2019 mannequin is even geared up with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

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The earlier era of Ram’s 3500 HD pickup truck additionally boasted the 6.7-liter inline-6 Cummins turbodiesel. It was accessible in three tunes. For those who needed a six-speed guide, the engine was restricted to 350 hp and 660 lb-ft of torque. In the meantime, clients who needed to relaxation their left leg might go for the light-duty six-speed computerized, which allowed 370 hp and 800 lb-ft, or the heavy-duty six-speed computerized, which had 385 hp and 930 lb-ft of torque.

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After all, it isn’t solely concerning the energy and torque numbers, because the Cummins turbodiesel can be geared up with an exhaust brake. This function might help you decelerate the Ram 3500 HD beast when going downhill, significantly with a trailer connected. Oh, and you may connect fairly an enormous trailer on the again, with the 2018 Ram 3500 HD supporting as much as 31,210 kilos with essentially the most highly effective Cummins choice. Moreover, the engine was geared up with Ram Energetic Air expertise, which allowed optimum air consumption whatever the temperature and payload.

The most recent RAM 3500 HD comes with a 6.7-liter Cummins inline-6 turbodiesel choice accessible in two tunes. The much less highly effective model is accessible on the 2500 HD and 3500 HD vehicles and makes 370 hp and 850 lb-ft of torque. Fairly respectable, sure, however you can too go for the upper tune that produces 420 hp and 1,075 lb-ft of torque. The one challenge — it is solely accessible within the Ram 3500 HD. A bummer, sure, however that is the extra succesful mannequin, anyway, with a 37,090-pound towing and a 7,680-pound payload capability.

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The Ram 3500 HD will not be solely a piece truck, although — it additionally desires to pamper its passengers. Thus, larger trims are geared up with acoustic glass and lively noise cancelation, together with an air suspension to iron out street imperfections. The Cummins engine is pretty easy, too. Hardly shocking, as smoothness is likely one of the traits of inline-6 engines. Refinement will not be the one factor you get pleasure from when touring — the inside is well-appointed and even comes with an non-obligatory 12.0-inch portrait display within the center.

Ford was the king of turbodiesels for fairly a very long time, with its 2016 Ford Tremendous Obligation Energy Stroke unit being corresponding to some heavy-duty vehicles which are sitting in dealerships at this time. The 6.7-liter V8 engine not solely makes gobs of energy, but it surely additionally permits for a really respectable towing capability of 31,200 kilos and a payload capability of seven,050 kilos. Present heavy-duty vehicles are extra succesful, positive, however will you ever want extra?

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The 2016 Ford Tremendous Obligation sequence additionally has some intelligent engineering to make it a extra succesful work truck. As an example, the live-drive energy takeoff function retains the output gear linked on to the crankshaft, drawing auxiliary energy to drive sure add-ons, like cranes, even when the truck is stationary. The 6.7-liter Energy Stroke is a troublesome engine, too, examined in extraordinarily scorching (120°F), and very chilly circumstances (-40°F).

As a mechanical twin to the 2018 Silverado HD, the 2018 Sierra HD shares the identical turbodiesel engine. Its inside appears comparable, too, however solely in design, because the supplies are of a a lot larger high quality. GMC’s truck has a leather-wrapped dashboard that considerably enhances the cabin and creates an opulent expertise for the passengers. After all, the expertise is dated by at this time’s requirements, however there may be loads of house on the dashboard on your smartphone.

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There’s additionally one thing concerning the 2018 GMC Sierra HD’s daring design with outsized, nicely, every little thing. The grille is large, the fenders are accentuated, and the entrance bumper is simply huge. Some may even discover it intimidating, however that’s the solely option to design a truck with 910 lb-ft of torque for pulling. Apart from, it isn’t only for the appears. Notably, GMC opted for inlaid doorways to enhance aerodynamics and cut back wind noise, including to the premium credentials of the 2018 Sierra HD.

The third-gen Silverado HD got here with the identical 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel as the present mannequin, although with barely much less energy and torque. Nonetheless, with 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque on faucet, the 2018 Silverado HD is not any slouch, hitting 60 mph in lower than 8 seconds. It might additionally tow as much as 22,300 kilos, which ought to be greater than sufficient for most individuals.

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Nevertheless, the decrease towing score or the truth that the transmission has solely six ahead gears aren’t the most important limitations of the third-gen Silverado HD relative to its successor. Peek contained in the home windows and you may see a dated dashboard, with a small 8.0-inch display within the center — good for these wanting a digital detox, we guess? No less than the truck might be geared up with as much as 4 USB ports, so charging your loved ones’s gadgets should not be a problem.

Unsurprisingly, the GMC Sierra HD borrows the {hardware} from the Silverado HD, together with essentially the most highly effective Duramax turbodiesel choice. Name it badge engineering if you’ll, however the 2024 Sierra HD is a extra luxurious model that might attraction to folks wanting extra plushness. That is significantly evident inside, the place in larger trims you may get tons of leather-based and wooden. The dashboard appears much less truckish, too, with a properly built-in 13.4-inch display with Google options and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay help.

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You may even get a luxe off-roading expertise should you go for the GMC Sierra AT4X variant. With commonplace four-wheel-drive, rear locking e-differential, enormous 35-inch tires Goodyear Territory all-terrain, particular Multimatic DSSV dampers, and a entrance 1.5-inch raise package, the AT4X is able to deal with any terrain. Trailering with the Sierra HD is easy, too, courtesy of a sophisticated digicam system with 15 views. As well as, as a part of the Sensible Trailer function, you possibly can management the trailer’s numerous options from the touchscreen.

Chevrolet Silverado HD’s 6.6-liter Duramax V8 turbodiesel engine pales compared to Ford’s Energy Stroke one. Don’t fret, although, as once we drove Chevy’s newest heavy-duty truck earlier this yr, we discovered that it is a tow star with a powerful 975 lb-ft of torque. Like its Ford rival, the Silverado HD Duramax additionally comes geared up with a 10-speed computerized, which helps it tow not-too-shabby 36,000 kilos and carry as much as 7,442 kilos in its mattress. Not solely that, however the Duramax can be environment friendly, consuming solely round 18 mpg on the freeway.

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Crucially, you’re going to get rapidly acclimated to driving this beast, because of the host of high-definition cameras serving to you navigate tight areas. The ZR2 trim additionally makes it a succesful off-roader, courtesy of 35-inch mud tires and Multimatic DSSV shock dampers. Nonetheless, the American Expedition Automobiles (AEV) protecting components within the Bison improve deliver the value to unattainable ranges. Thus, if getting the job accomplished is your major concern, choosing decrease trims whereas retaining the 6.6-liter Duramax powerhouse, is perhaps the sensible factor to do when buying a Silverado HD.

The pre-refresh Ford Tremendous Obligation vehicles are virtually as succesful as the latest ones. Certain, they do not have the sensible traits, however can nonetheless tow as much as 37,000 kilos and carry 7,850 kilos of payload, numbers which are larger than some present rivals.

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As customary with heavy-duty vehicles, you may solely get these numbers should you go for the 6.7-liter Energy Stroke turbodiesel. Within the 2022 Ford Tremendous Obligation vehicles, the V8 unit produces 475 hp and an astonishing 1,050 lb-ft of torque accessible at simply 1,600 rpm, and pairs completely to a 10-speed computerized. Though essentially the most highly effective within the lineup, the diesel also needs to present one of the best gas effectivity, making it a no brainer.

The 2022 Ford Tremendous Obligation vehicles have all of the expertise one may want inside. Higher trim ranges get a 12.0-inch middle show with wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and you can too select a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo to take heed to your tunes in Hello-Fi style. Moreover, Ford supplied superior driver-assistance options, like computerized excessive beams, adaptive cruise management, and lane-keeping help.

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Ford’s newest Tremendous Obligation pickup vehicles are as succesful as they’ve ever been earlier than. With a max towing capability of 40,000 kilos and a payload capability of 8,000 kilos, these vehicles make straightforward work of something you throw at them. That is very true for the 6.7-liter Energy Stroke V8 turbodiesel, which produces 500 hp and Earth-spinning 1,200 lb-ft of torque. That is greater than a semi-truck of a decade in the past, thoughts you, and possibly sufficient to maneuver your whole home, significantly as a result of the 10-speed computerized will at all times preserve it in its candy spot.

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Nonetheless, the Energy Stroke turbodiesel is simply part of the story. In our first drive of the current-gen Tremendous Obligation sequence, we discovered that it is a sensible truck with superior options to make your life simpler. Maybe essentially the most helpful is Path Flip Help, which locks the within rear wheel to cut back the turning radius on off-road surfaces. Nonetheless, the taillights that point out should you exceeded the truck’s payload capability are additionally a neat concept. Select the Tremor trim, and the off-road suspension with front-end raise, limited-slip differential, and 18-inch all-terrain tires will deliver you locations few different heavy-duty vehicles can.