Diesel pickups have long been praised for their brute strength, long-haul stamina, and the kind of torque that makes heavy loads feel feather-light. But not all diesels are created equal; some prove nearly indestructible over the years, while others develop a costly habit of breaking down far too soon.
In this guide to 5 Diesel Pickups That Last Forever and 5 That Constantly Break Down, we’ll separate the workhorses from the headaches. From heavy-duty towing champions to midsize off-roaders, we break down which models deserve your trust and which might leave you stranded on the side of the road.
5 Diesel Pickups That Last Forever
1. Ram HD – Unmatched Towing and Premium Comfort
The 2025 Ram HD sets the standard for one-ton diesel trucks with its segment-leading 36,610-pound towing capacity when equipped with a fifth-wheel hitch.
Powered by a 6.7-liter Cummins turbocharged inline-six producing 420 horsepower and a staggering 1,075 lb-ft of torque, it’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in both RWD and 4WD.
Payload capacity reaches 6,050 pounds, making it a powerhouse for hauling. The refreshed design borrows from the Ram 1500’s upscale styling, while the interior features premium materials and advanced tech to maintain its luxury edge.
While fuel efficiency suffers and maneuverability is challenging due to size, the Ram HD remains a top choice for buyers prioritizing towing strength, plush accommodations, and modern features. However, its high price tag means it’s best suited for those who will regularly take advantage of its extreme capabilities rather than casual truck users.
2. GMC Sierra HD – Luxury Meets Heavy-Duty Strength
The 2025 GMC Sierra HD blends workhorse capability with upscale amenities, especially in its range-topping Denali trim. Its 6.6-liter Duramax turbocharged V8 delivers 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission, enabling a maximum tow rating of 36,000 pounds and a payload of 5,200 pounds.
Adaptive cruise control with trailering assist makes long hauls easier, while bold exterior styling and high-end interior appointments position it as a premium alternative in the segment. Buyers can choose between RWD and 4WD across trims.
Though highly capable, the Sierra HD trails the Ram HD and Ford Super Duty in outright towing power and carries a hefty price in luxury configurations.
For those who value refinement alongside strength, it’s an appealing option, but budget-conscious buyers may find better value in the mechanically similar Chevrolet Silverado HD, which offers much of the same performance at a lower cost.
3. Chevrolet Silverado HD – Affordable Heavy-Duty Performance
The 2025 Chevrolet Silverado HD shares its underpinnings and 6.6-liter Duramax V8 with the Sierra HD, offering identical 470 horsepower, 975 lb-ft of torque, 36,000-pound towing capacity, and 5,200-pound payload.
Where it stands apart is in pricing, making it one of the more cost-effective options in the heavy-duty diesel segment. A new Trail Boss package adds off-road suspension, unique 20-inch wheels, and exclusive styling touches, enhancing its appeal for adventure-minded buyers.
While it delivers proven durability and useful trailering technologies, it lacks the steering feedback and interior refinement of the Ram HD.
Buyers looking for a rugged, capable work truck without the luxury markup will appreciate its value, though those wanting a more premium cabin may lean toward the Sierra HD. Despite its shortcomings in cabin luxury, the Silverado HD’s balance of affordability and capability keeps it highly competitive.
4. Ford Super Duty – King of Towing Power
The 2025 Ford Super Duty dominates the towing charts with a staggering 40,000-pound maximum capacity when equipped with the high-output 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8. This engine delivers 500 horsepower and an industry-leading 1,200 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and available in RWD or 4WD.
Payload capacity reaches an impressive 8,000 pounds. For 2025, Ford adds a Platinum Plus trim with chrome accents and exclusive leather, reinforcing its luxury credentials.
The Super Duty earns praise for its unmatched diesel power and improved premium features, though ride comfort still lags behind the Ram HD, and the diesel upgrade is expensive.
A trailer back assist feature aids maneuvering, but can’t fully match an experienced driver’s precision. For buyers whose top priority is maximum towing muscle, the Ford Super Duty remains the undisputed heavyweight champion.
5. GMC Sierra 1500 & Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – Diesel Half-Ton Options
The 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 stand out as the only half-ton pickups still offering a diesel engine. Their updated 3.0-liter Duramax inline-six produces 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and available in RWD or 4WD.
Both can tow up to 13,300 pounds and carry 1,970 pounds of payload more than the Ram 1500. The Sierra’s Denali trim offers luxury touches, while the Silverado’s High Country serves as its top diesel-equipped variant.
Both trucks provide good driving dynamics, spacious rear seating, and strong towing for their class, though ride quality can be rougher than rivals, and interior design feels less inspired compared to the Ford F-150.
For buyers seeking diesel efficiency and capability in a manageable full-size package, they remain strong contenders, especially as diesel half-ton choices become increasingly rare in the market.
5 Diesel Pickups That Constantly Break Down
1. Chevy Colorado – Performance and Design
The Chevy Colorado has grown from a budget-friendly alternative to full-size trucks into a respected mid-size contender. Its 2025 model standardizes the 310-hp 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Every trim features a crew cab with a five-foot bed, while the redesigned interior offers improved ergonomics and modern styling. The trim lineup spans from the work-ready WT to the luxury-oriented Z71, off-road ZR2, and extreme ZR2 Bison. Towing capacity reaches 7,700 pounds, with both rear- and all-wheel-drive options.
The ZR2 Bison boasts 35-inch tires and 12.2 inches of ground clearance, while the Trail Boss offers near-ZR2 off-road capability at a lower price.
Despite competitive performance, outpowering rivals like the Jeep Gladiator and Toyota Tacoma, Consumer Reports’ reliability ratings remain inconsistent, ranging from one to two out of five in most years. This ongoing reliability concern contrasts with Colorado’s otherwise strong capabilities and versatile trim offerings.
2. GMC Canyon – Off-Road-Ready Midsize Pickup
The GMC Canyon shares its platform with the Colorado but leans more toward an upscale and adventure-focused identity. Every 2025 Canyon features raised off-road suspension, all-terrain tires, and a modern interior highlighted by an 11-inch digital instrument panel.
Most trims include standard 4WD, enhancing rugged terrain capability. The AT4X AEV Edition stands at the top of the lineup with heavy-duty steel bumpers, underbody skid plates, 35-inch mud-terrain tires, and beadlock-capable wheels.
Monthly driving costs are estimated at $188, below the segment average, based on fuel prices in North Dakota. While off-road prowess is a key strength, reliability is a shared concern, with the Colorado Consumer Reports often scoring the Canyon at two out of five, with few exceptions.
Competition from the Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Honda Ridgeline, and Jeep Gladiator means the Canyon must rely on its off-road equipment and refinement to stand out in the crowded midsize truck market.
3. Ram 1500 – Powertrain Updates and Technology Boost
The 2025 Ram 1500 ditches its V-8s for new 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six Hurricane engines, offered in standard (420 hp) and high-output (540 hp) versions. These pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering towing capacities up to 11,580 pounds.
Notable upgrades include semi-autonomous driving systems, a 14.5-inch touchscreen option, dual wireless charging, and a 23-speaker Klipsch audio system in top trims. The Ramcharger plug-in hybrid adds a fuel-efficient, eco-friendly option, while off-road trims like the RHO, Rebel, and Power Wagon cater to trail enthusiasts.
Despite premium interior quality and MotorTrend’s 2025 Truck of the Year award, Consumer Reports gives the Ram 1500 low predicted reliability ratings, often two out of five. While ride comfort, advanced technology, and engine performance impress, braking feel remains a weak point.
Fuel economy ranges from 17–26 mpg for most models, with high-output engines slightly lower. For luxury, towing, and versatility, the Ram 1500 remains competitive despite its reliability history.
4. Ford F-150 Raptor – Off-Road Specialist
The Ford F-150, America’s bestselling truck, suffers from poor diesel reliability scores, with Consumer Reports rating the 2021 model at two out of five. However, the Raptor variant focuses on high-speed off-road performance.
The standard Raptor uses a 450-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 with Fox Dual Live Valve shocks and 35- or 37-inch tires, while the Raptor R upgrades to a supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 producing 720 hp and 640 lb-ft of torque.
Larger tires improve clearance to 13 inches, and suspension tuning ensures a surprisingly smooth on-road ride. Exclusive graphics, chassis enhancements, and towing capacities up to 8,700 pounds set the Raptor R apart.
Prices start around $81,000 for the base Raptor and $112,725 for the Raptor R. While high-performance enthusiasts may choose the Raptor R for its power advantage, both trims deliver exceptional agility, durability, and off-road capability, making them favorites in extreme truck performance circles despite reliability drawbacks.
5. Chevy Silverado 1500 – Workhorse with Reliability Concerns
The 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 remains a versatile full-size pickup, offering trims from the basic Work Truck to the upscale High Country. Engine choices include a turbo-four, two V-8s, and a 3.0-liter Duramax diesel.
The 6.2-liter V-8 delivers 420 hp, the 5.3-liter V-8 makes 355 hp, and the diesel produces 277 hp. The Trail Boss trim, with a 2-inch lift and off-road upgrades, caters to adventure seekers, while LT trims offer a refined interior for daily use. Towing and payload capacities are competitive, and handling is more agile than its size suggests.
However, Consumer Reports rates Silverado diesel reliability at one out of five, citing issues with brakes, electronics, and body hardware. For 2025, new paint colors, safety features for Work Trucks, and a $37,845 starting price keep the Silverado fresh.
Still, buyers must weigh its proven capability and broad trim selection against its persistent reliability shortcomings.
Choosing a diesel pickup is more than picking horsepower and towing numbers; it’s about investing in a machine you can rely on year after year. While some of the trucks on our list deliver legendary durability and premium performance, others come with reliability records that should make buyers think twice.
By knowing which diesel pickups stand the test of time and which tend to falter, you can avoid repair bills that rival a monthly truck payment. Whether you need unstoppable towing power or an everyday hauler, the right diesel truck will keep you on the road and out of the shop.
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