Diesel pickup trucks rank among the most rugged and capable vehicles available. Frequently praised for their outstanding work capabilities, certain tasks simply couldn’t be accomplished without them.
Diesel trucks are known for their dependability, require fewer maintenance visits compared to gasoline-powered trucks, and can endure tough usage while still delivering consistent performance in demanding environments.
These trucks are commonly called oil burners, a nickname that reflects the end product of crude oil refinement used to create diesel fuel.
In the current automotive landscape, diesel pickup trucks are primarily produced by the Detroit Big Three, while foreign manufacturers typically limit themselves to half-ton models or smaller.
Diesel Trucks That Last Forever
Most diesel-powered trucks are categorized as heavy-duty, placing them in the three-quarter-ton and one-ton segments, which are noticeably larger and significantly more capable than their half-ton equivalents.
Ram HD – 6.7-liter Cummins
Max Towing Capacity: 36,610 Pounds
The 2025 Ram HD is the ideal choice for those who need a truck with massive towing capabilities paired with a highly comfortable and upscale interior.
As a one-ton truck, it reaches peak performance when outfitted with a fifth-wheel hitch, allowing it to tow up to 36,610 pounds.
Under the hood, it features a 6.7-liter Cummins turbocharged 6-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, producing 420 horsepower and a massive 1,075 lb-ft of torque.
Available in both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive, the Ram HD also boasts a substantial payload capacity of 6,050 pounds. For 2025, the Ram HD receives a refreshed look that aligns it more closely with the Ram 1500’s modern styling, along with updated technology that keeps it competitive.
The truck is praised for its incredible towing power, plush interior, and an array of premium features. However, it does have drawbacks, including heavy fuel consumption, a bulky size that complicates parking, and a high price tag.
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GMC Sierra HD – 6.6-liter Duramax
Max Towing Capacity: 36,000 Pounds
The 2025 GMC Sierra HD offers a compelling mix of brawn and luxury, making it a solid option for those seeking a capable workhorse with upscale touches.
This model stands out particularly in its Denali trim, which has long been the benchmark for luxury trucks. Equipped with a 6.6-liter Duramax turbocharged V8 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Sierra HD delivers 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque.
Like its competitors, it’s available with both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive, and it provides a payload capacity of 5,200 pounds with a maximum towing capacity of 36,000 pounds.
The Sierra HD also comes with advanced features like adaptive cruise control with trailering assist, making it easier to handle large loads.
While it features bold styling and impressive towing strength, and can be equipped with lavish options, it does fall short of the Ram and Ford in terms of towing capacity and is expensive at the higher trims. Additionally, buyers might find better value in the Chevrolet Silverado HD.
Chevrolet Silverado HD – 6.6-liter Duramax
Max Towing Capacity: 36,000 Pounds
The 2025 Chevrolet Silverado HD is built for demanding tasks, offering strong performance through its reliable 6.6-liter Duramax turbocharged V8 engine.
Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain produces 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque. With both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive options, the Silverado HD can handle a payload of up to 5,200 pounds and tow as much as 36,000 pounds.
This truck is one of the more affordable choices in the diesel pickup segment, providing solid value without skimping on strength.
New for 2025 is the Trail Boss package, which adds off-road suspension, distinctive 20-inch wheels, and some unique styling elements that boost its appeal.
The Silverado HD is praised for its durable and proven diesel engine, off-road-ready upgrades, and useful trailering-assist options.
On the downside, it lacks steering feedback, comes with fewer standard features, and its interior doesn’t quite match the refined feel of the Ram HD.
Ford Super Duty – 6.7-liter Power Stroke
Max Towing Capacity: 40,000 Pounds
When it comes to towing and hauling, the 2025 Ford Super Duty stands in a class of its own, especially when equipped with the high-output 6.7-liter Power Stroke engine.
This heavy-duty version of the F-Series delivers exceptional performance, and opting for higher trim levels introduces luxurious features that elevate the overall driving experience.
Under the hood, the Super Duty boasts a 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbocharged V8 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, producing an impressive 500 horsepower and a massive 1,200 lb-ft of torque.
It is available with both rear-wheel and four-wheel drivetrains. The payload capacity reaches up to 8,000 pounds, while its maximum towing capacity is a staggering 40,000 pounds.
For 2025, Ford has implemented minor updates across the Super Duty range, including reshuffling features and options throughout the lineup.
One of the highlights is the introduction of the new Platinum Plus trim, which adds chrome accents and exclusive leather upholstery, increasing the truck’s premium appeal.
The Super Duty is widely praised for its reliable and powerful diesel engine, outstanding towing capabilities, and the luxurious enhancements in the latest trim level.
However, it’s worth noting that the diesel engine comes with a steep price, and the overall ride comfort and quality still lag behind the Ram HD. Additionally, while the trailer back assist feature is helpful, it may not perform as effectively as an experienced driver.
GMC Sierra 1500 / Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – 3.0-liter Duramax
Max Towing Capacity: 13,300 Pounds
The 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 remain the only half-ton pickups on the market that continue to offer a diesel engine option.
Powered by the updated 3.0-liter Duramax turbocharged 6-cylinder engine, these trucks now deliver more performance than previous iterations, giving drivers a more powerful and capable diesel experience.
Mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, this engine produces 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque, and it’s available in both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations.
These trucks offer a maximum payload capacity of 1,970 pounds and can tow up to 13,300 pounds, making them highly capable for their class.
For those seeking luxury with diesel performance, the GMC Sierra 1500 Denali trim is a top-tier option, though it’s worth noting that the Denali Ultimate trim is limited to a gas engine.
On the Chevrolet side, the High Country represents the most premium diesel-equipped trim available. These trucks are praised for their manageable driving dynamics, which make them feel smaller than they are, and for offering more towing capacity than the Ram 1500.
The extended cabin also provides ample rear legroom, enhancing passenger comfort. However, the interior design is seen as uninspired compared to competitors, and the trucks fall short of the Ford F-150 when it comes to maximum towing.
Additionally, the ride quality in most versions can feel a bit rougher than that of primary rivals.
Also Read:5 Cars That Can Handle Stop-and-Go Traffic and 5 That Overheat
Diesel Trucks That Are Money Pits
There’s a great deal to think about when purchasing a diesel truck. Chances are, reliability is one of the key factors you’re evaluating when comparing different diesel pickup models.
Fortunately, Consumer Reports has already taken on much of the work in this area, especially when it comes to pinpointing which diesel trucks are the least reliable.
Chevy Colorado
If you’re in the market for a compact pickup truck, the Chevy Colorado might be on your list.
This year’s model even offers a Duramax 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine, which adds to its appeal. However, the unfortunate reality for the Chevy Colorado is that it has a track record of being fairly unreliable.
In fact, Consumer Reports rated the 2021 Chevy Colorado with a disappointing two out of five in predicted reliability.
While the 2020 model did achieve an impressive five out of five rating, that year appears to be an exception rather than the rule. More often than not, Consumer Reports has assigned the Chevy Colorado a reliability score of just one or two out of five.
Mid-size pickups like the 2025 Chevy Colorado are currently enjoying a surge in popularity, having evolved from being seen as mere alternatives for those unable to afford full-sized trucks to being celebrated for their own strengths in capability and performance.
The Colorado, for instance, features a standard 310-hp 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offers a wide range of trims to meet various needs, including the basic WT, the ruggedly luxurious Z71, the off-road-ready ZR2, and the beefed-up ZR2 Bison, with options available in between.
Every Colorado comes with a four-door crew cab and a five-foot bed, and the interior was recently redesigned for a more modern look, with the 2025 model seeing a slight increase in standard features across the board. The truck is available in both rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations and can tow up to 7,700 pounds, offering versatility for industrial and recreational uses.
For 2025, the Colorado’s engine lineup has been streamlined, with every model now featuring the most powerful version of the 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four engine as standard. Alongside this change, the rest of the lineup has seen several minor updates and feature reshuffling.
The Colorado now offers a new Midnight Edition and two new exterior color options—Reef Blue Metallic and Sunrise Orange—while retiring colors like Nitro Yellow Metallic, Glacier Blue Metallic, and Sand Dune Metallic. The WT and Trail Boss trims have been upgraded with new standard features, including a sliding rear window, rear defroster, and cruise control.
The Advanced Trailering package is now standard on the Trail Boss and Z71 trims. The ZR2 trim receives additional luxury with perforated leather seats, ventilated front cushions, a heated steering wheel, and wireless device charging.
The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado is priced starting at $33,595, with the range topping at $62,895 depending on trim and options. The Colorado ZR2, with its 10.7 inches of ground clearance and 33-inch tires, is the flagship model of this lineup. However, the more budget-friendly Trail Boss offers almost as much off-road capability for a significantly lower price.
The Trail Boss comes with 32-inch all-terrain tires, fender flares for a tough look, and an extra 1.5 inches of front suspension travel compared to the WT, LT, and Z71 trims, along with an additional inch of rear suspension travel. While the Trail Boss lacks the ZR2’s premium Multimatic spool-valve dampers and lockable front and rear differentials, it does share a limited-slip rear differential with the Z71.
All models of the Colorado are powered by the turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, which generates 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, and pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
This engine is the same one found in the full-size Chevrolet Silverado 1500, offering more power and torque than competitors like the Jeep Gladiator, Honda Ridgeline’s V-6, and the Tacoma’s non-hybrid turbo four.
The Colorado uses an independent front suspension and a solid rear axle with leaf springs. The ZR2 trim is equipped with upgraded Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers in the front, while the rear dampers are mounted to the outside of the frame.
The WT and LT models have an open rear differential, while the Trail Boss and Z71 trims come with a limited-slip rear differential. The ZR2 is the most off-road-capable model, featuring power-locking front and rear differentials.
The ZR2 Bison, the most rugged off-road version of the Colorado, is equipped with massive 35-inch tires, the largest in the mid-size pickup class, and has 12.2 inches of ground clearance for better breakover and departure angles. It also includes hydraulic front and rear bump stops to absorb impacts from jumps.
GMC Canyon
The Chevy Colorado isn’t the only diesel truck with reliability concerns. According to Consumer Reports, the GMC Canyon also faces issues in this area. The 2021 model received a predicted reliability rating of just two out of five from Consumer Reports.
Fortunately, the previous year’s model did achieve a much better score. However, prior to that, the GMC Canyon, much like its Chevy counterpart, has consistently struggled to earn a reliability rating higher than three out of five.
The 2025 GMC Canyon is a midsize pickup truck that is definitely worth considering. Alongside its sibling, the Chevrolet Colorado, the Canyon received a well-received redesign a couple of years ago.
Every Canyon comes equipped with a raised off-road suspension and all-terrain tires, making it ready for adventures beyond the pavement. Additionally, most trims come with 4WD as standard, enhancing the truck’s off-road capabilities.
Inside, the Canyon boasts a stylish and modern design, highlighted by an impressive 11-inch digital instrumentation panel and seamless wireless connectivity for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
When it comes to the cost of driving, the 2025 GMC Canyon Elevation 4dr Crew Cab SB (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 8A) is estimated to cost about $188 per month based on 15,000 miles annually, with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving.
For comparison, the average monthly cost for a compact truck is $212. These estimates are based on energy costs of $3.13 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline in North Dakota.
Off-road performance is one of the standout features of the Canyon. Every model is equipped with all-terrain tires and an off-road-tuned suspension, ensuring that the Canyon can handle rugged terrains. For those looking for even more off-road capabilities, the Canyon AT4X AEV Edition is the top choice.
This edition comes with heavy-duty steel front and rear bumpers, steel underbody skid plates, 35-inch mud-terrain tires mounted on 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, and a full-size spare tire mounted in the cargo bed.
While the AEV Edition is an exceptional off-road vehicle, be prepared for a premium price tag. Regardless of the trim you choose, the Canyon is designed to handle off-road trails with ease.
While the GMC Canyon offers a great package, it faces competition from other popular midsize trucks that also offer impressive features. The Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma, both of which were redesigned last year, are solid alternatives with their own strengths.
If you’re seeking superior on-road comfort, the Honda Ridgeline is a strong contender, and for those in search of fun in the sun, the Jeep Gladiator is an exciting option to consider.
Ram 1500
There’s plenty to admire about the Ram 1500. It comes equipped with a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine that delivers a best-in-class 480 lb-ft of diesel torque and can tow up to 12,560 pounds.
Additionally, the latest Ram 1500 offers an impressive array of premium interior features that enhance comfort and convenience.
However, despite its strengths, the Ram 1500 ranks among the least reliable diesel pickup trucks on the market. According to data from Consumer Reports, the 2021 Ram 1500 received a predicted reliability rating of just two out of five.
What makes matters worse is that this low score is fairly typical for the Ram 1500, reflecting a consistent trend in reliability concerns.
The 2025 Ram 1500 is an already impressive truck that receives significant upgrades, making it even more competitive against key rivals like the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
In a notable shift, the Ram 1500 ditches its V-8 engines in favor of the potent Hurricane inline-six engines. Additionally, the introduction of a plug-in hybrid variant and unique interior technologies further enhance the truck’s appeal.
These updates should ensure that the 2025 Ram 1500 remains a strong contender in the highly competitive pickup market. For those seeking specialized versions, the Ram 1500 offers options such as the high-performance RHO model or various off-road trims.
The 2025 Ram 1500 was named the 2025 MotorTrend Truck of the Year, a recognition that highlights its continued excellence. The new model brings several updates, including two new 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine options, a redesigned rear axle with a limited-slip differential for the I-6 models, and the addition of the Ramcharger plug-in hybrid.
Notable exterior changes include redesigned steering-adaptive LED headlights, a new taillight design, and a larger forward-leaning grille. Inside, the truck now features a standard 12.0-inch touchscreen, with an available 14.5-inch touchscreen, and a 10.3-inch passenger-side screen.
Additionally, there’s a larger 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a digital rearview mirror, and a head-up display, among other modern tech features like dual wireless phone charging pads and a “Phone as a Key” feature. The truck also boasts a new power tailgate with obstacle detection, semi-autonomous driving assistance, and a 23-speaker Klipsch audio system for the top-tier Tungsten models.
The current-generation Ram 1500 has long been a favorite on our shortlist, especially after winning Truck of the Year in 2019 and 2021. The 2025 updates enhance the 1500 in areas where earlier models fell short.
The introduction of the twin-turbocharged inline-six engines addresses the truck’s previous fuel economy shortcomings, with both the standard and high-output versions offering a smooth and quiet operation, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that ensures predictable shifting.
While the truck’s braking system left us slightly disappointed with its soft feel, requiring more pedal pressure than expected, the overall driving experience remains top-notch.
In terms of technology, the addition of semi-autonomous hands-on and hands-free driving modes significantly enhances the Ram 1500’s appeal.
These systems have proven to be as effective as those from GM and Ford, adding to the truck’s tech-savvy reputation. For off-road enthusiasts, while the absence of the high-performance TRX is a loss, the new RHO model offers a thrilling alternative with an upgraded engine, off-road suspension, and Launch Control button.
We were impressed with the RHO’s powertrain and off-road capabilities but still missed the TRX’s iconic supercharged V-8. Other off-road options for 2025 include the Rebel, Warlock, and Power Wagon trims, with a special limited-edition Rebel X available.
A standout new addition is the Ramcharger, a plug-in hybrid version of the 1500, which offers a more environmentally conscious alternative without sacrificing the truck’s rugged capabilities. For those seeking an all-electric option, the Ram 1500 REV will be available in the fourth quarter of 2024.
When it comes to performance, towing, and hauling, every gasoline-powered version of the 2025 Ram 1500 is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive (RWD) standard and four-wheel drive (4WD) available across the entire lineup.
The base 3.6-liter V-6 engine comes with mild-hybrid assistance, generating 305 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, which results in more efficient start/stop deployment and additional low-rpm torque. However, the real highlight is the two available 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engines, called the Hurricane Standard Output and Hurricane High Output.
The Standard Output delivers 420 hp and 469 lb-ft of torque, while the High Output produces a more impressive 540 hp and 521 lb-ft of torque. With these engines, the Ram 1500 can tow up to 11,580 pounds and carry a payload of up to 2,300 pounds.
In terms of fuel economy, most 1500 models achieve between 17 and 20 mpg in the city and 24 to 26 mpg on the highway, while the High Output models return slightly lower figures, with 14-15 mpg city and 16-21 mpg highway.
Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 might hold the title of America’s bestselling truck, but if reliability is a top priority for you, this year’s model may not be the best choice.
While it does offer a 3.0-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel engine, Consumer Reports’ data indicates that the Ford F-150 struggles in terms of dependability.
In fact, the 2021 Ford F-150 received a predicted reliability rating of just two out of five from Consumer Reports. With such a low rating, the Ford F-150 ranks among the least reliable diesel trucks currently available.
The Ford F-150 Raptor is a standout in the world of off-road trucks, and while any F-150 4×4 model, including the F-150 Tremor, is capable off-road, the Raptor takes it to another level.
Designed to excel in off-road conditions like sand dunes and rugged terrains, the Raptor thrives on speed and agility, jumping over obstacles and soaring through the air, as its creators intended.
Powered by a 450-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it features a Raptor-exclusive long-travel suspension system that incorporates available Fox Dual Live Valve dampers and standard 35-inch tires (with 37-inch tires available).
This suspension system, while built for off-roading, also ensures a surprisingly smooth ride on pavement, although there is some body lean to be mindful of.
The Raptor R takes everything the standard Raptor offers and cranks it up a notch with a supercharged 720-hp V-8 engine, standard 37-inch tires, and an increased towing capacity—boosting the Raptor’s standard 8,200-pound tow rating to 8,700 pounds. Despite the differences, both trucks offer thrilling off-road performance, effortlessly tackling obstacles with joy and speed. T
he upcoming 2025 Ram 1500 RHO, the successor to the Ram 1500 TRX, will give the Raptor R a worthy competitor. Due to its incredible performance and place in its segment, the Ford F-150 Raptor remains on our Editors’ Choice list for 2025.
For 2025, the F-150 Raptor’s lineup remains mostly unchanged after a busy 2024, which saw updates such as revised cosmetics, the introduction of Fox Dual Live Valve shocks, wider front tow hooks, and new headlamps. The price of the 2025 Ford F-150 Raptor starts at $81,000, with the F-150 Raptor R starting at $112,725, depending on the trim and options.
The F-150 Raptor is offered exclusively in a crew-cab body style, called SuperCrew by Ford. Deciding between the twin-turbo V-6 Raptor and the V-8-powered Raptor R comes down to performance preferences. While the base price of the Raptor R is about 40% more than the standard Raptor, it offers 55% more horsepower, making it the clear choice for those seeking maximum acceleration and performance.
The Raptor R also comes with exclusive graphics, appliques, and badging, as well as additional options, including the Raptor Carbon Fiber package. The roar of the supercharged V-8 engine is a thrilling bonus that sets the Raptor R apart.
The Ford F-150 Raptor is powered by a high-output version of the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6, generating 450 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a standard four-wheel-drive system.
For those seeking even more power, the Raptor R features a supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 engine, originally from the Shelby GT500, tuned to produce an impressive 720 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque.
Along with the increased power, the Raptor R features chassis upgrades, 17-inch rims, and standard 35-inch tires, with the option to upgrade to 37-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A K02 tires.
These larger tires enhance the Raptor’s approach, departure, and breakover angles, improving its off-road performance. The Raptor R’s standard 37-inch tires add 1.1 inches of ground clearance, bringing the truck’s belly to 13.0 inches above the ground.
All Raptors feature a sophisticated suspension system with Fox internal-bypass dampers and a five-link rear coil-spring setup, but only those with 37-inch tires are equipped with Fox Dual Live Valve shocks, which provide continuously variable rebound control for a smoother and more responsive ride.
Chevy Silverado
When it comes to the least reliable diesel truck, the unfortunate title goes to the Chevy Silverado. Consumer Reports gave the Silverado a dismal one out of five predicted reliability rating.
According to Consumer Reports, the Silverado has experienced various issues, including problems with its brakes, body hardware, power equipment, and even its in-car electronics.
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500, America’s second most popular vehicle in 2023, has long held the position of second fiddle to the Ford F-150, the top-selling U.S. vehicle for many years.
It remains a hardworking, full-size pickup truck that’s ready for any job, whether it’s on construction sites, at warehouses, or on ranches. Additionally, it can tow boats, trailers, or other recreational vehicles, while also serving as a reliable family hauler.
The Silverado 1500 can excel in all these roles, offering a range of engine options, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, two V-8s, or the efficient Duramax diesel. As a true pickup, it’s expectedly rough-riding at times, but the larger V-8 offers impressive power and refinement.
Inside, the cabin ranges from basic to luxurious, though it lacks the extreme opulence found in higher trims of the Ram 1500. For those spending most of their time off-roading, there’s the Silverado 1500 ZR2, reviewed separately. For those preferring an electric option, the Silverado EV is available as a battery-electric version.
For 2025, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 introduces two new paint colors: Cypress Gray and Riptide Blue Metallic. Work Trucks now come equipped with a new Universal Vehicle Module for public safety agencies.
The 2025 model returns in a variety of trims including Work Truck, Custom, LT, RST, Custom Trail Boss, LTZ, LT Trail Boss, and High Country. Buyers can choose between rear- or four-wheel drive on most models, with the Trail Boss being exclusively available in four-wheel drive.
Pricing for the 2025 Silverado 1500 starts at $37,845, with higher trims reaching up to $64,895, depending on configuration and options.
The base Work Truck and Custom trims are ideal for tradespeople or those on a tighter budget, while the LT trim stands out with a more refined interior. We recommend the LT model, particularly with the crew cab and standard-length bed for maximum cargo and passenger space.
The 5.3-liter V-8 is our preferred engine, offering more performance than the optional diesel engine and at a lower cost. This V-8 engine also allows for the selection of the Z71 Off-Road package, adding a range of upgraded hardware for off-road adventures.
The Silverado 1500 offers a variety of engines to meet different needs, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, two V-8s, and a 3.0-liter Duramax diesel inline-six.
The 6.2-liter V-8 produces 420 horsepower, while the 5.3-liter V-8 makes 355 horsepower. The 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivers 310 horsepower, and the diesel engine provides 277 horsepower.
Despite its size, the Silverado handles more nimbly than expected, with a responsive brake pedal that offers firm and reassuring feedback. The Silverado 1500 Trail Boss model, which features a 2.0-inch lift, aggressive tires, and other enhancements, is perfect for those looking to venture off the beaten path.