Pickup trucks have become an American cultural staple, along with apple pie, baseball, and regional cuisines. Of course, pickup enthusiasts know the ins and outs of what a real pickup includes. While conventional pickups mainly use gasoline engines to power them, diesel has remained a significant player for optimal power and performance.
If you own a diesel pickup, you probably know there are many notable models produced throughout the ages that have proven to be some of the best in the industry. Knowing these models can be helpful if you’re planning to tune up your current diesel or want to buy and restore an older model.
Check out this guide on the best diesel pickups in American history to learn more. Some of the selections may surprise you.
Kicking off the list of American diesel powerhouses is the 1999-2003 Ford F-250/F-350. Ford is a true American classic that made history with its first-generation models with the 7.3 L Power Stroke. Ford initially offered 235 hp with 500 lbs of torque but increased in the latter years up to 250 hp with automatic transmission and 275 hp manual. Both transmissions featured 525 lbs of torque.
The 7.3 L Power Stroke was an upgrade from the previous rigs. An air-to-air intercooler lowered exhaust gas temperatures for more efficient horsepower and torque output. Despite being quieter than the Fords of the 1990s, the 7.3 L was replaced in 2004 with a 6.0 L Power Stroke to comply with noise regulations. However, this change resulted in a class-action lawsuit for defunct 6.0 L diesel engines. Ford had to pay the cost of repairs for the exhaust gas recirculation systems, fuel injectors, and turbochargers. This goes to show that the 7.3 L Power Stroke—although loud—proved to be the better truck.
Following that, the 2006-2007 6.6 L Duramax Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 2500 are other notable examples. The second-generation Silverado/Sierra 2500s proved extremely dependable with the upgraded 6.6 L Duramax with improved fuel economy, horsepower, and power output.
These models saw an impressive 300 hp and 520 lbs of torque for an impressive 20+ mpg rating. The electronic fuel system with a CP3 high-pressure injection pump further provided durability and efficiency. Additionally, the front suspension and rear leaf springs gave these trucks a comfortable ride with superior towing capability.
Given how impressive the 6.6L Duramax was, General Motors continued to use it for the latter versions of the Silverado/Sierra. You can still find third-generation models from 2014 to 2019 sporting the diesel option.
The third-generation Dodge Ram 5.9 L Cummins 2500 HD easily makes this list as one of the best diesel pickups in American history. In fact, these trucks also feature some of the best resale value due to their longevity.
The 5.9 L Cummins diesel engine sported between 305 to 325 hp and 555 to 610 lbs of torque. Increased cargo and cab space further enhanced the versatility of these pickups. The 2006 model year saw an updated facelift known as the Mega Cab, which featured a 6.25’ bed and 22 inches of extra cab space. Headlamps, steering wheel, radio, taillights, and navigation display were also extra features. Stock market ratings further amounted to an outstanding 12,000 lb towing capacity. There was also a notable 6.7 L Cummins option for the 2500/3500s that featured 250 hp and 650 lbs of torque.
The 2008-2010 6.4 L Power Stroke F-250 Super Duty is the best diesel to modify. Although the 6.4 L engine was not a fan favorite, it still boasted serious capability.
The model years between 2008 to 2010 used a compound turbocharged Power Stroke, giving 350 hp and 650 lbs of torque. Ford beefed up their second-generation F-250s and F-350s with an optional slide-out step and swing-up tailgate grab bar.
Further, only the diesel engines with automatic transmissions featured the rapid-heat supplemental cab heater, which raised the cabin temperature in the winter to lessen wait time as the engine heated up. New interior designs offered satellite radio, interior door panels, center-dash bezel, a new steering wheel, an auxiliary audio input jack, GPS navigation, and a premium sound system.
While it may seem like a strange addition to the list of diesel powerhouses, there is considerable attention in today’s market to the midsized truck. Many automakers have enhanced their midsized options to house an optional diesel engine.
One prominent example is General Motors’ 2022 2.8 L turbocharged Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon. Fitted with a diesel engine, it exudes 181 hp and 369 lbs of torque with a six-speed automatic transmission. The notable 7,700 lbs of towing capacity and four-wheel drive powertrain also prove the Colorado/Canyon to be a viable option for those wanting less truck but still efficient power. Moreover, diesel engines in the new midsized trucks still provide optimal, efficient fuel economy with 20 mpg city/30 mpg highway.
Wrapping up this list is a strange contender: the 2022 Jeep Gladiator. Known for its unconventionality, those loyal to Jeep understand the rugged off-road capabilities of the Gladiator. Pickup traditionalists may roll their eyes and proclaim it to be a Wrangler with a bed, but the 2022 Gladiator features some amazing performance with the diesel option.
For instance, the 3.0 L turbodiesel generates 260 hp and 442 lbs of torque, more than other midsized competitors. With an eight-speed automatic transmission, you can expect about 6,500 lbs of towing capability. The diesel engine even features greater fuel economy—22 mpg city/28 mpg highway—than the gasoline option—17 mpg city/22 mpg highway. Despite its smaller bed, the Gladiator is ideal for off-roading.
If you own an older diesel pickup, check out Norcal Diesel Performance for the best diesel performance parts for Dodge, Ford, and Chevy. For example, if you have a second-generation Ram Cummins, check out our selection of Dodge Cummins tuners. These tuners are perfect for the 2007 to 2018 Ram 6.7 Cummins engine for greater injection timing and fuel rail pressure. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, call us and we’ll help. We have everything you need to boost your performance and power for your diesel engine.
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