5 Best Diesel Truck Engines

Truck drivers in the Draper area as well as industry experts have seen diesel engines growing more popular on the worksites and even on medium-duty utility vehicles as well as smaller pickup trucks and SUVs. This increased popularity comes at no surprise since they are easy to maintain and provide more power from fuel than gasoline. Specifically, you’re looking at going 20% to 35% farther on a gallon of fuel*. Overall, diesel engine fuel costs are lower than gasoline engine fuel costs over the life of the vehicle, which is why many consider a diesel engine the best truck engine.

Thanks to the diesel vs. gasoline truck competition, there are several diesel options available. See five of the best diesel truck engine options below before deciding if one is right for you. Then, find one of the best truck engines in any of our used trucks at an affordable price!

Chrysler 3.0L EcoDiesel I-6

If you’re looking for the best diesel truck engine for a light-duty workload, then you will find the EcoDiesel I-6 from Chrysler to be impressive. Here are its specs below:

• Power: 160 hp to 215 hp at 2,500 rpm
• Torque : 400 lb-ft to 440 lb-ft at 1,600 rpm
• Valvetrain: DOHC with 4 valves per cylinder
• FuelInjection: High-pressure common rail with solenoid injectors
• Induction: Water-cooled Garrett single variable-geometry turbocharger
• Compression Ratio: 16.5:1

High Output 6.7L Cummins V8

Perhaps you need to pull or haul heavier loads in the Salt Lake City area? Then you should turn to the 6.7L Cummins, as it offers the most torque ever available in a non-commercial vehicle. The specs for this best diesel truck engine are as follows:

• Power: 310 hp @ 3,200 rpm
• Torque: 555 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm
• Valvetrain: DOHC with 4 valves per cylinder
• FuelInjection: High-pressure common rail with Bosch CP4.2 injection pump
• Induction: Holset M2 two-stage compound turbochargers w/electronic wastegate

Duramax 6.6L LBZ V8

The Duramax 6.6L LBZ V8 is a new addition to the ½-ton and 3/4-ton pickup segments, taking on challenging work. Plus, it is fuel-efficient, so you won’t waste any fuel on your way to the worksite. Take a look at the specs for one of the best truck engines that is powerful, yet fuel-efficient:

• Power: 360 hp @ 3,200 rpm
• Torque: 650 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm
• Valvetrain: OHV 4-valves per cylinder
• FuelInjection: High-pressure common rail with Bosch CP3 injection pump
• Induction: Garrett variable-geometry turbocharger
• Emissions systems: Cooled exhaust gas recirculation and diesel oxidation catalytic converter

Navistar/Ford 7.3L Power Stroke

Wondering what the best Ford diesel engine is? The 7.3L Power Stroke is one of them, and it has been known to complete the job regardless of what challenges it faces. Check out the specs below:

• Power: 275 hp @ 2,800 rpm
• Torque: 525 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm
• Valvetrain: OHV with 2 valves per cylinder
• FuelInjection: High pressure oil pump with hydraulic electronic unit injection (HEUI)
• Induction: Garrett fixed-geometry turbocharger
• Emissions systems: Exhaust gas recirculation, diesel oxidation catalyst

Ford 6.7L Power Stroke V8

Another one of the best Ford diesel engines is the newest one, the 6.7L Power Stroke V8. This engine has improved horsepower and torque. See what the specs are that you can enjoy at your Murray worksite below:

• Power: 440 hp @ 2,800 rpm
• Torque: 860 lb-ft @1,600 rpm
• Valvetrain: OHV with 4 valves per cylinder
• FuelInjection: High-pressure common rail with Bosch CP4.2 injection pump
• Induction: Garrett single variable-geometry turbocharger
• Emissions systems: Cooled exhaust gas recirculation, diesel oxidation catalytic converter, diesel particulate filter, and selective catalytic reduction with diesel exhaust fluid

Find Some of the Best Diesel Truck Engines at National Auto Plaza

Whether you are interested in one of the best Ford diesel engines or one of the Chrysler diesel engines, you can access them at lower prices at National Auto Plaza, your go-to used dealership. We have two locations in Sandy and Murray, Utah, so you can visit the one closest to you for a test drive of any of our used trucks! Contact us to set up a test drive or to ask any questions about our selection, such as, “what are the best trucks for towing?”.

*According to the U.S. Department of Energy.