07-15-2025, 12:49 AM
Introduction
The ongoing rivalry between Ford and General Motors (GM) has entered the diesel-powered pickup truck market, with both companies vying for dominance in terms of power, performance, and innovation. In this battle, Ford has recently emerged as a winner, trumping GM in the diesel pickup power war. This article takes a deep dive into how Ford's diesel engine offerings have surpassed GM's and what it means for consumers looking for the best diesel-powered trucks.
Ford's Diesel Engine Dominance
Ford has long been known for producing heavy-duty trucks with robust engines. The company’s Super Duty series, particularly the 2020 Ford F-250 and F-350 models, equipped with the 6.7L Power Stroke V8 diesel engine, is a strong contender in the diesel pickup market.
On the other hand, GM’s diesel engines have also made significant strides in recent years. GM’s 6.6L Duramax V8 diesel, found in the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and GMC Sierra 2500HD models, has been a formidable competitor in the diesel pickup market. However, it still lags behind Ford in certain key performance areas.
The battle for diesel pickup supremacy is not just about raw power; it also involves technology, fuel efficiency, and towing features. Ford's engine performance offers significant advantages for those who need maximum towing capability and overall power for heavy-duty work. This is especially crucial for industries like construction, agriculture, and long-haul transportation.
Despite losing this round in the diesel power war, GM continues to improve its 6.6L Duramax V8 diesel engine. The 2021 models have seen some improvements in fuel efficiency and overall engine performance, which may help close the gap. Additionally, GM is investing heavily in the electric vehicle (EV) space, which could shift the focus away from diesel engines in the coming years.
While GM has a strong presence in the diesel pickup market, Ford’s 6.7L Power Stroke V8 engine has proven to be the more powerful and capable option for those in need of extreme towing and hauling performance. With superior horsepower, torque, and towing capacity, Ford has taken the lead in this diesel power war. However, GM continues to innovate and improve, and the future of diesel engines in pickups may evolve as new technologies and electric vehicles enter the market.
For now, Ford's diesel-powered trucks remain the go-to option for those who demand unmatched power and performance in the heavy-duty truck segment.
The ongoing rivalry between Ford and General Motors (GM) has entered the diesel-powered pickup truck market, with both companies vying for dominance in terms of power, performance, and innovation. In this battle, Ford has recently emerged as a winner, trumping GM in the diesel pickup power war. This article takes a deep dive into how Ford's diesel engine offerings have surpassed GM's and what it means for consumers looking for the best diesel-powered trucks.
Ford's Diesel Engine Dominance
Ford has long been known for producing heavy-duty trucks with robust engines. The company’s Super Duty series, particularly the 2020 Ford F-250 and F-350 models, equipped with the 6.7L Power Stroke V8 diesel engine, is a strong contender in the diesel pickup market.
- Engine Performance: The 6.7L Power Stroke V8 boasts impressive performance with a maximum horsepower rating of 475 hp and a massive 1,050 lb-ft of torque. This engine gives the Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks superior towing and hauling capabilities, which is a key selling point for diesel truck buyers.
- Towing Capacity: Ford’s Super Duty trucks equipped with this engine can tow up to 37,000 pounds with the fifth-wheel/gooseneck towing setup, while conventional towing capacity maxes out at 24,200 pounds. This exceeds many of its competitors, including GM’s heavy-duty diesel trucks.
On the other hand, GM’s diesel engines have also made significant strides in recent years. GM’s 6.6L Duramax V8 diesel, found in the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and GMC Sierra 2500HD models, has been a formidable competitor in the diesel pickup market. However, it still lags behind Ford in certain key performance areas.
- Engine Power: The Duramax engine produces 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque. While this is impressive in its own right, it falls short of Ford's 6.7L Power Stroke in both horsepower and torque output.
- Towing Capacity: The 2020 GM diesel models can tow up to 35,500 pounds when using a fifth-wheel/gooseneck setup. While competitive, it still trails Ford’s towing capacity, highlighting Ford’s edge in the diesel power war.
The battle for diesel pickup supremacy is not just about raw power; it also involves technology, fuel efficiency, and towing features. Ford's engine performance offers significant advantages for those who need maximum towing capability and overall power for heavy-duty work. This is especially crucial for industries like construction, agriculture, and long-haul transportation.
- Fuel Efficiency: Ford has also made significant improvements in fuel efficiency with the 6.7L Power Stroke V8, thanks to its advanced turbocharging and fuel injection systems. This provides consumers with a good balance of power and efficiency, making it a versatile option for those who need both performance and cost savings on fuel.
- Technology and Features: Ford's diesel-powered trucks come with advanced tech features like the Pro Trailer Backup Assist, Trailer Sway Control, and a fully integrated tow/haul mode, making them incredibly user-friendly for hauling and towing tasks. These features enhance the overall ownership experience and are appealing to those who demand high performance with ease of use.
Despite losing this round in the diesel power war, GM continues to improve its 6.6L Duramax V8 diesel engine. The 2021 models have seen some improvements in fuel efficiency and overall engine performance, which may help close the gap. Additionally, GM is investing heavily in the electric vehicle (EV) space, which could shift the focus away from diesel engines in the coming years.
- Innovation and Development: GM has also been working on improving the durability and reliability of its diesel engines, as well as incorporating more modern features like a 10-speed transmission and upgraded cooling systems to enhance engine performance.
- Electric Vehicles: As Ford and GM both enter the EV market, it will be interesting to see how their strategies evolve. Ford’s investment in electric pickups, like the all-electric F-150 Lightning, could pose new challenges to GM’s diesel-focused lineup.
While GM has a strong presence in the diesel pickup market, Ford’s 6.7L Power Stroke V8 engine has proven to be the more powerful and capable option for those in need of extreme towing and hauling performance. With superior horsepower, torque, and towing capacity, Ford has taken the lead in this diesel power war. However, GM continues to innovate and improve, and the future of diesel engines in pickups may evolve as new technologies and electric vehicles enter the market.
For now, Ford's diesel-powered trucks remain the go-to option for those who demand unmatched power and performance in the heavy-duty truck segment.
