10 Diesel Pickup Trucks Built For The Long Haul
In today’s market, diesel pickup trucks come from the Detroit Big Three, with foreign automakers sticking to nothing larger than half-ton models. Most trucks powered by diesel engines fall into the heavy-duty class, which makes them three-quarter-ton and one-ton models that are larger and much more capable than their half-ton counterparts.
Ram HD – 6.7-liter Cummins
If you want a big truck with massive towing figures and an extremely comfortable interior, the Ram HD is the truck for you. At the one-ton size, it can pull the most weight when fitted with a fifth-wheel hitch setup, making it extremely capable.
The Ram HD trucks have been redesigned for 2025 to allow them to reflect similar appearance qualities as the smaller Ram 1500 pickup. You’ll find some styling updates and tech improvements that keep this big brute modern and ready to go.
Pros
- Massive towing capacity
- Plush cabin
- Plenty of high-end features are available
Cons
- Guzzles fuel
- Large size makes it hard to park in tight spots
- Big price tag
GMC Sierra HD – 6.6-liter Duramax
If you want a solid workhorse that cleans up well, the 2025 GMC Sierra HD could be the massive brute you’re looking for. This is the first name for luxury trucks, especially in the Denali trim levels, which have set the standard for luxury trucks for years.
This big GMC truck gives you the features and qualities that make it enjoyable. You’ll have adaptive cruise control with trailering assist, which makes it much easier to handle the massive trailer and weight you’ve got following your Sierra HD.
Pros
- Square-jawed rugged styling
- Tows like a beast
- Can be optioned to scandalous levels of luxury
Cons
- Wildly expensive in top trims
- Ford and Ram can tow more
- Chevrolet Silverado HD might make for a better value
Chevrolet Silverado HD – 6.6-liter Duramax
When you’ve got big jobs that need to get done, the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado HD with its Duramax diesel powertrain could be the go-to truck for you. Among diesel trucks, it’s one of the most affordable options, giving you good value for your money.
This powerful Chevrolet truck adds the Trail Boss package for 2025, which adds an off-road suspension, unique 20-inch wheels, and some cosmetic features to the mix. This new package could be the cherry on top of your Silverado HD sundae.
Pros
- Hearty and proven diesel powertrain
- New Trail Boss package
- Thoughtful optional trailering-assist features
Cons
- Steering feel is missing in action
- Still light on standard features
- Interior can’t match the Ram HD’s upscale feel and design
Ford Super Duty – 6.7-liter Power Stroke
There’s no match when it comes to towing and hauling the 2025 Ford Super Duty, especially with the high-output Power Stroke engine. Choosing higher trims brings luxurious qualities into the mix of this massive F-Series pickup.
Ford made some minor updates and shuffled some options across the lineup for the latest version of the Super Duty lineup. The Platinum Plus trim adds chrome trim and exclusive leather upholstery to the mix.
Pros
- Proven diesel powertrain
- Tows effortlessly
- New Platinum Plus trim increases the luxury quotient
Cons
- Diesel engine commands a high price
- Ride quality and comfort trail the Ram HD
- Trailer back assist doesn’t work as well as seasoned drivers
GMC Sierra 1500/Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – 3.0-liter Duramax
The 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 are the only half-ton trucks that still have a diesel powertrain in the mix. The Duramax diesel engine is more powerful than its predecessor, adding more power to your drive.
The highest trim you’ll find for the Chevy variant is the High Country model, but if you want a luxurious truck with a diesel engine, the GMC Sierra 1500 Denali could be the truck for you. Unfortunately, the Denali Ultimate only comes with a gas-powered engine.
Pros
- Doesn’t drive as large as it is
- Higher maximum towing capacity than the Ram
- Long cabin provides excellent rear legroom
Cons
- Uninspired interior
- Tows less than the Ford F-150
- Most versions ride a little rougher than primary rivals
1999-2003 Ford Super Duty – 7.3-liter Power Stroke
The massive 7.3-liter Power Stroke engine makes the Ford Super Duty trucks some of the most capable and impressive on the road. At a time when horsepower was still low, these Ford diesel trucks could get the job done.
In today’s market, this Ford diesel truck could be a virtual bargain. It has one of the most reliable diesel engines ever made, which can last for hundreds of thousands of miles when properly cared for.
Pros
- Rugged construction
- Multiple configurations
- Competent off-road capabilities
Cons
- Noisy drivetrain
- Poor fuel mileage
- Stiff ride when not loaded
2001-2004 Chevrolet Silverado HD – 6.6-liter Duramax LB7
The LB7 Duramax diesel engine is a preferred choice among older diesel trucks, and this Chevrolet Silverado HD has it under the hood. This powertrain is one of the most reliable diesel setups ever made, making it easy to enjoy this truck for many years.
Chevrolet gave this diesel truck an independent front suspension, which improved the ride quality compared to other diesel pickups, making it much easier to enjoy a smooth feeling when driving with a heavy trailer.
Pros
- Powerful engine lineup
- Capable brakes
- Substantial towing and hauling capacities
Cons
- Spotty build quality
- Mediocre interior materials
2006-2007 Chevrolet Silverado HD – 6.6-liter Duramax LBZ
The 2006-2007 GMC Sierra HD and Chevrolet Silverado HD pickups with the Duramax LBZ diesel trucks are extremely popular among enthusiasts because the ECMs are easily manipulated. This means owners can squeeze out more power from their trucks without much effort.
In addition to the ECM manipulation, this version of the Duramax diesel engine produced good fuel mileage, with most trucks recording more than 20 MPG combined. This makes the LBZ engine a great choice when you need a diesel truck with some value prospects.
Pros
- Immense hauling and towing capacities for the time
- Refined and quiet ride
- Excellent build and materials quality with comfortable seats
Cons
- Neither side-impact nor side-curtain airbags are available
1994-1998 Dodge Ram HD – 5.9-liter Cummins 12-valve
The 1994-1998 Dodge Ram HD has one of the most reliable diesel engines ever made. If you want to drive this truck, you’ll probably have to settle for high mileage, but that doesn’t mean it won’t have some life left for you.
This Dodge pickup truck became an icon thanks to the Cummins diesel engine under the hood. Its super-durable construction makes it one of the most sought-after diesel engines ever made. The body style change helped spark impressive sales figures for this truck.
Pros
- User-friendly cabin
- Outstanding towing ability
- Great styling
Cons
- ABS is not standard
- No third-door option
2003-2007 Dodge Ram HD – 5.9-liter Cummins 24-valve
The 2003–2007 versions of the Dodge Ram HD trucks were powered by an improved version of the 24-valve Cummins diesel engine. The generation before this had the same engine, but it was unreliable, which caused Cummins to make changes to this newer model.
This Dodge Ram truck was the last of the emissions-free diesel trucks from the brand. This has caused the Ram HD from this era to be a prized possession. This truck could give you thousands of miles of great driving when properly cared for.
Pros
- Powerful engine lineup
- Huge payload and towing capacities
- Very spacious interior in Mega Cab build
Cons
- Stunted standard bed
- Cramped rear seat in Quad Cab