Customize your search
When it comes to diesel trucks, the top three American automakers are the names to look for. GM puts the Duramax diesel engines in its Chevy and GMC nameplates, Ford puts the Powerstroke diesel engine in the F-Series trucks, and Dodge puts the Cummins diesel engines in its Ram trucks.
If you’re looking to buy a new or used diesel truck, chances are you will be looking at trucks from one of these three automakers.
It’s somewhat subjective to decide on the best diesel trucks as the criteria may vary. However, performance, towing ability, and drivetrain are some common factors that people use when deciding on the best trucks.
For diesel enthusiasts, another important factor is how easily the engine can be modified and whether it will hold up.
Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly recognized best diesel trucks for sale in different categories.
If you’re looking for a quality old truck with a vintage look, it’s hard to beat the first generation of the Dodge Ram pickup. It’s powered by the 5.9-liter Cummins, which is considered one of the first legendary engines by diesel enthusiasts.
This engine makes 160 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. As old as these trucks are, there are still plenty of them on the used market, including 4WD models.
The third generation of the Dodge Ram HD trucks is known for being a great value on the used market. This is especially true of the 2006 – 2008 models thanks to the facelift done during this time.
These trucks use the high output 5.9-liter Cummins engine that made 305 horsepower and 555 pound-feet of torque in 2002 and then 325 horsepower and 610 pound-feet of torque in 2004.
Cargo and cabin space was also increased significantly for this model year range. Stock versions of these trucks can tow a lot–up to 12,000 pounds.
These trucks use the 6.7-liter Cummins inline-six engine that made 370 horsepower and 800 pound-feet of torque by 2013. It also is a great engine for performance upgrades.
The single rear wheel, rear-wheel drive Ram trucks in this model year range were capable of towing up to 17,500 pounds and hauling 5,000 pounds. These factors make the 2010 through 2013 Ram 2500 HD one of the most capable used diesel trucks you can buy.
The 2020 Ram 3500 HD truck makes the best diesel list for the reason that it was the first general-use diesel truck to reach 1,000 pound-feet of torque, which makes it an incredible towing and hauling rig.
It can tow up to 35,100 pounds and haul up to 7,680 pounds. The chassis was also stoutly refined the year prior, which makes this truck one of the heaviest haulers you can buy.
The final generation of Ford’s Super Duty pickups with the 7.3-liter Powerstroke engine gets the nod for best budget used diesel. You can find these trucks on the used market for a very reasonable price and they’re built for the long haul with oil-based fueling and plenty of internal hard parts.
It might not be the most powerful used diesel on the market with 235 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, but it’s among the most reliable as mileage over 500,000 is not unusual for these trucks. An incredibly steady performer, you’ll find no shortage of these trucks still on the road.
If you’re looking for a good used rig that takes well to modifications, the 2008 through 2010 Ford Super Duty trucks are some to consider. These trucks come with the compound-turbo 6.4-liter Powerstroke that makes 350 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque.
This model year lineup introduced changes to the truck’s physical build, which was mainly bigger everything. The new, sturdier Super Duty became a hotshot with towing and hauling. It was also a star performer in several years of the Diesel Power Challenge featuring modified trucks.
The 2020 Ford Super Duty is another four-figure torque diesel available on the market. This truck features the third generation of the 6.7-liter Powerstroke V8 and it makes 450 horsepower and 1,050 pound-feet of torque.
A ten-speed automatic transmission delivers power to the wheels and allows this truck to tow up to 37,000 pounds when properly equipped.
There’s a good reason why many diesel truck buyers look at the pre-emissions era when searching for a used rig. The current emissions era is very hard on diesel engines and meticulous maintenance is required to keep them in good shape.
When it comes to pre-emissions trucks, the model year range of 2006 through 2007 Chevy and GMC HD trucks were the consummate workhorses.
However, they were also great rigs for performance mods. The engine here is the 6.6L Duramax LBZ V8 that makes 350 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque.
Make ProSource Diesel your top choice for a huge selection of aftermarket diesel parts, OEM diesel truck parts, diesel performance parts, upgrade kits, and much more for Cummins, Powerstroke, and Duramax diesel engines. ProSource is where the diesel repair shops shop for diesel parts.
