10 Most Powerful Diesel Trucks

2018 GMC Sierra Denali 2500HD front driving hero ・ Photo by General Motors

Diesel pickup trucks have never been more popular than they are today and the trend is accelerating, for all the right reasons. Diesel engines deliver more torque and higher levels of fuel efficiency than gasoline engines. The most potent diesel engines now produce over 900 mind-boggling pound-feet of torque and the most efficient are capable of 30 miles per gallon on the highway.

Our list of the ten most powerful diesel pickup trucks runs the gamut from mid-size rock crawlers through jumbo sized duallys designed to make the long haul. While the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publishes fuel economy data on half-ton pickups, manufacturers are not required to release similar information for larger trucks.

2018 Chevrolet Colorado

The 2018 Chevrolet Duramax is available with a 2.8L four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that produces 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. While it’s the least powerful truck on our list, the Chevrolet Colorado shares the most fuel-efficient crown with its cousin, the GMC Canyon. The 2WD Colorado is EPA rated at 22 city/30 highway miles per gallon (MPG,) while the four-wheel-drive (4WD) version earns a rating of 20 city/28 highway MPG.

The off-road-ready 4WD Colorado ZR2 is significantly less efficient, at 19 city/22 highway, but is tough enough to tackle any task, with front and rear locking differentials, as well as a state-of-the-art suspension system that’s engineered to fly across dunes and pick its way through the rockiest trail.

Photo by General Motors

2018 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

The RAM 1500 was the first modern half-ton pickup to offer a turbodiesel option in the 2014 model year and remains the only truck in its class with a diesel option for 2018. The 1500’s 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 mates with an efficient eight-speed automatic transmission. It delivers ample power and superior fuel economy, with 240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque.

The rear-wheel-drive Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is EPA rated at 20 city/27 highway MPG, while the four-wheel-drive version is EPA rated at 19 city/27 highway MPG. Highway driving range is exceptional, with a standard 26-gallon fuel tank and an optional 32-gallon tank. The Ram 1500 has also been redesigned for the 2019 model year.

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2018 Ford Super Duty F-250 King Ranch

The 2018 Ford Super Duty F-250’s optional 6.7-liter Power StrokeV8 turbodiesel cranks out an astounding 450 horsepower and 925 pound-feet of torque. It’s all about pulling stumps with style these days, and the King Ranch is one of Ford’s most popular trim levels, sitting between the Lariat and Platinum in the 2018 F-250 lineup.

A towing capacity of 18,500 pounds with fifth-wheel or gooseneck will have you covered for boat or light trailer hauling. If your towing needs are more extreme, you’ll want to opt for the F-350 or F-450, rather than the F-250. Hankering for a powerful half-ton Ford diesel pickup? A turbodiesel option will be available for the F-150 in the 2019 model year, at long last.

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2018 GMC Canyon

The 2018 GMC Canyon shares its optional Duramax 2.8L turbodiesel and six-speed automatic transmission with the Chevrolet Colorado. The engine specs and fuel efficiency ratings are nearly identical, with 186 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The 2WD Canyon is EPA rated at 22 city/30 highway MPG, while the 4WD version lands a rating of 20 city/28 highway MPG. The Canyon Denali is the most luxurious of all the smaller pickups.

The All Terrain trim level has off-road intentions but isn’t nearly aggressive as the Colorado ZR2. Trailering capacity tops out at 7700 pounds with 2WD and 7600 pounds with 4WD. The Canyon’s 21-gallon fuel tank delivers an abundance of highway range.

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2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD

The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD is Chevy’s heavy-duty workhorse. It’s available with a 6.6-liter Duramax V8 turbodiesel engine, in both single and dual-rear-wheel configurations. The big Duramax power plant cranks out 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque and is paired with a six-speed Allison automatic transmission.

The Silverado 3500HD has a rating of up to 20,000 pounds of conventional towing capacity with a ball hitch and dual rear wheels. Capacity bumps up to 23,300 pounds with dual rear wheels and either a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch. The pace will pick up in 2019, with a new line of medium-duty Silverado 4500 and 5500 pickups slated to hit dealer lots, along with a diesel-engine option for the half-ton Silverado 1500.

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2018 Nissan Titan XD

The diesel-powered 2018 Nissan Titan XD is the new kid on the block, having debuted with the second generation Titan in the 2016 model year. The Titan XD’s 5.0-liter V8 Cummins turbodiesel was initially designed for Ram Trucks, as legend has it, but found a home under the Titan’s hood. The V8 provides 310 horsepower and 555 pound-feet of torque and is fitted to a six-speed Aisin automatic transmission.

The off-road oriented Titan XD PRO-4X delivers 12,310 pounds of towing capacity, along with Bilstein off-road shocks, skid plates, and an electronic locking rear differential. While it's not as hardcore trail-worthy as the Chevy Colorado ZR2, it offers more towing capacity. The Titan’s 5-year/100,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty also helps set it apart from the crowd.

Photo by Nissan

2018 GMC Sierra 2500

The three-quarter-ton 2018 GMC Sierra 2500 can be equipped with a 6.6-liter Duramax V8 turbodiesel that produces 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed Allison automatic transmission. The Sierra is well-suited to towing, whether you’re hauling ponies or a travel trailer. Conventional trailering capacity maxes out at 14,500 pounds with either 2WD or 4WD.

You’ll hit the road with rugged luxury with the top-of-the-line Denali model, but be prepared to open up your wallet. If you love the mechanicals but are shopping on a tighter budget, you’ll want to comparison shop the Sierra against the more austere Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The platforms are similar, but the pricing difference can be significant.

Photo by General Motors

2018 Ram 2500

Powerful heavy-duty Ram pickup trucks hold their value well and are coveted for their long-lasting Cummins engines. The 2018 three-quarter-ton Ram 2500 is available with the 6.7-liter Cummins High-Output turbodiesel, which is factory-rated at 370 horsepower and 800 pound-feet of torque with the six-speed automatic. A six-speed manual transmission is available as well. It’s capable of towing up to up to 17,980 pounds.

A wide range of trim levels is offered, starting with the no-frills Tradesman. The new range-topping 2500 Limited Tungsten trim level is luxurious and indulgent, while the Harvest Edition is targeted at the color-coordinated farm fleet, with Case IH Red and New Holland Blue color choices.

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2018 Ford Super Duty F-450 Limited

The 2018 Ford Super Duty F-450 Limited shares its gnarly 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel with the F-250 and F-350. With 450 horsepower and 925 pound-feet of torque on tap, no towing chore is beyond this powerful diesel truck’s capabilities. Hauling is a core competency for the F-450, with a conventional towing capacity of up to 21,000 pounds, a fifth-wheel capacity up to 27,500 pounds, and a gooseneck towing capacity of up to 34,000 pounds.

The Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System provides a 360-degree view, as well as trailer reverse guidance. The Limited’s interior is decked out in two-tone leather upholstery, with multi-contoured front seats that feature Active Motion massage, along with heating and cooling.

Photo by Ford

2018 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn

The one-ton 2018 RAM 3500 Laramie Longhorn gets the job done with unique style and a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine that pumps out 385 horsepower and an astronomical 930 pound-feet of torque. Ram Trucks offers a choice of transmissions in Cummins-equipped 3500s, with six-speed automatic and manual transmissions.

The Laramie Longhorn’s Western-themed interior features supple leather upholstery and thoughtful design touches. A 31,210-pound maximum trailer weight rating provides ample capacity. Exclusive features include auto-level rear air suspension, and the RamBox cargo management system.

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles