On January 19th, U.S News published an article titled “The 11 Best Diesel Trucks of 2021”. We’re going to review the list and see which are the Best Diesel Pickup Trucks according to them.
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The Best Diesel Trucks of 2021
Mid-sized Diesel Pickup Trucks
11. Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel ($39,565)
It has a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 that makes 290hp and 442lb-ft of torque and is connected to an 8-speed automatic. The fuel consumed is 24mpg combined. The interior is great and 4WD is standard, along with a removable roof and doors. Drawbacks are a low maximum towing capacity of 6,500lbs, heaviness, and loudness.
10 & 9. Chevrolet Colorado ($36,615) and GMC Canyon ($38,130)
These two trucks are powered by the 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel four-cylinder which produces 181hp and 369lb-ft of torque, transmitted via a six-speed automatic. Both have the same fuel economy, with 23mpg combined. The maximum towing capacity is 7,700lbs for both. The lighter Chevrolet Colorado’s size and turning radius are slightly larger, and it doesn’t have diesel exhaust and integrated trailer braking like the GMC Canyon.
Full-sized Diesel Pickup Trucks
8. GMC Sierra 1500 Duramax ($45,100)
The GMC Sierra 1500 is available with a 3.0-liter Duramax inline-six turbo diesel engine, distributing 277hp and 460lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission, which allows up to 9,300lbs of towing. The Sierra 1500 has an Electric Parking Brake Assist and Hitch View, which optimize parking and trailer hitching. It features a 6-setting trick tailgate and a light truck bed. Fuel mileage is great at 26mpg combined. However, the starting price doesn’t justify the luxury and ride-quality level offered.
7. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Duramax ($43,620)
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Duramax uses the same engine and transmission as the Sierra 1500, pumping the same power. It can tow 200lbs more with a tow/haul mode available, and also features HSA, TSC, and an anti-theft system for the trailer. The Silverado 1500 also has the best diesel truck combined fuel average at 27mpg. It is cheaper, but so is the feel of its interior and ride quality.
6. Ram 1500 EcoDiesel ($38,535)
The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel has a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6, that generates 260hp and 480lb-ft of torque, helping it tow up to 12,560lbs. The Ram 1500 can do 26mpg, and it boasts a luxurious interior, a practical infotainment system, a multifunction split-folding tailgate, and a comfy ride quality.
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5. Ford F-150 Power Stroke ($43,415)
The Ford F-150 diesel has a 3.0-liter Power Stroke turbo-diesel V6, producing 250hp and 440lb-ft of torque. Available with a 10-speed automatic, the truck’s great for towing due to its standard trailer sway control and HSA. Its optional Pro Trailer Backup Assist allowing reverse trailer steering allows towing up to 12,100lbs. Its optional 12-inch screen rivals that of the Ram 1500. No EPA ratings are available though.
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4. Ram 2500/3500 HD ($52,930)
The Cummins 6.7-liter turbo-diesel inline-six is the engine that powers the Ram 2500/3500 HD. In the 2500, 370hp and 850lb-ft of torque are produced; 420hp and 1,075lb-ft in the 3500. Maximum towing capacities available are brilliant, at 19,680lbs and 37,100lbs respectively. The Ram 2500/3500 HD have outstanding technology, ride comfort, and luxury. The only con is the outdated 6-speed automatic gearbox.
3. Ford Super Duty ($50,410)
In the 2021 Ford Super Duty trucks, F-250, F-350, and F-450, the 6.7-liter turbo-diesel V8 makes 475hp and 1,050lb-ft of torque. The maximum towing capacity is 37,000lbs with the right options. Two-bed sizes are available and the interior looks good. Towing is eased with systems like the Smart Trailer Tow Connector, the Trailer Reverse Guidance, and the Pro Trailer Backup Assist. The only disadvantages are the high prices and the shaky highway performance.
2. Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 HD ($50,380)
The Chevrolet Silverado HD trucks are available with a 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel V8, producing 445hp and 910lb-ft of torque. The maximum towing capacity is 37,000lbs with properly selected equipment. Towing is made safer with Jackknife alerts, a trailer-length indicator, and a cargo-bed view enhancement. The interior is tech-filled and roomy, but the quality feels inexpensive.
1. GMC Sierra 2500/3500 HD ($51,705)
The GMC Sierra HD trucks offer similar engine configurations and power as the Silverado HD trucks. The steering brings impressive maneuverability and agility while towing is optimized by the built-in Trailering App. The diesel powertrains are great, just as in the Silverado 2500/3500 HD series. However, the towing capacity is lesser at around 35,500lbs.
Verdict: The article by U.S News has hit the mark in most places, but they haven’t done justice to RAM. Both the 1500 and HD series should’ve topped their categories. Also, the Sierra HD shouldn’t even be near the Number 1 spot.
Max Anthony
Max is a gizmo-savvy guy, who has a tendency to get pulled into the nitty gritty details of technology and cars. He attended UT Austin, where he studied Information Science. He’s married and has three kids, one dog and a GMC truck and a Porsche 911. With a large family, he still finds time to share tips and tricks on cars, trucks and more.
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