Top 10 Diesel Trucks 2027 — Best Overall + Best Value

Direct Answer

For 2027, the best overall diesel truck is the Ford F-250 Super Duty Power Stroke, starting around $48,770 before the diesel option and climbing into the low-to-mid $70,000s once you check the 6.7L Power Stroke box. It pairs a class-leading 500 hp and 1,200 lb-ft high-output diesel with a maximum 40,000 lb gooseneck rating, the broadest dealer network of the bunch, and the deepest trim ladder.

The best value diesel truck is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Duramax, which adds the smooth 3.0L turbo-diesel for roughly a $795 premium over the gas V8 on a truck that starts near $40,000 — and returns up to 28-30 mpg highway, the cheapest path into real diesel torque and 1,000-mile-tank range.

Heavy-duty buyers who tow gooseneck or fifth-wheel trailers should look hard at the Ford F-250/F-350, Ram 2500/3500 Cummins, and Chevy/GMC HD Duramax trucks. Half-ton buyers who want efficiency without the diesel cost premium of a three-quarter-ton rig should stick with the GM 3.0L Duramax twins, which are now the only light-duty diesels left on the U.S.

Market after Ram's EcoDiesel and Ford's F-150 Power Stroke were both discontinued.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We scored every current diesel pickup on six weighted criteria, drawing real-world numbers from manufacturer spec sheets and independent testing from TFLtruck, Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, and PickupTrucks.com:

• Towing & torque — 30%: Max gooseneck/conventional ratings, GCWR, and peak lb-ft. This is why most people buy a diesel, so it carries the most weight.
• Reliability & durability — 20%: Long-block longevity, owner-reported failure rates (RepairPal, Edmunds consumer reviews), and emissions-system track record.
• Fuel economy — 15%: EPA and observed real-world mpg, plus single-tank range.
• Value & ownership cost — 15%: Diesel option premium, DEF and maintenance cost, and total cost of ownership.
• Interior & tech — 10%: Cabin materials, infotainment, and trailering technology.
• Resale — 10%: Diesel-equipped resale retention versus gas siblings.

Note that some HD trucks share engines and platforms across 2500 and 3500 trims, so we ranked distinct, real configurations rather than padding the list with marketing names.

1. Ford F-250 Super Duty Power Stroke 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: $48,770 | Best for: Buyers who want the strongest all-around heavy-duty diesel with the widest dealer support

The F-250 Super Duty is the most complete diesel pickup you can buy. Its 6.7L Power Stroke V8 comes in a standard-output tune of 475 hp and 1,050 lb-ft, and a high-output version making 500 hp and a monumental 1,200 lb-ft of torque, routed through a TorqShift 10-speed automatic.

Across the Super Duty line, Ford advertises a maximum 40,000 lb diesel gooseneck tow rating, and the F-250 specifically tows up to about 22,000 lb with a conventional trailer. Owners typically see 18-22 mpg on the highway, and the Power Stroke long-block has a strong durability reputation, though RepairPal pegs annual repair costs near $1,241 — higher than the segment average, as is normal for HD diesels.

Pros:

• Class-leading 1,200 lb-ft and 40,000 lb max gooseneck rating lead the segment
• Deepest trim and configuration ladder, from work-spec XL to luxury Platinum and Limited
• Massive dealer and parts network for service anywhere
• Excellent trailering tech, including onboard scales and trailer camera packages

Cons:

• Diesel-equipped trucks climb quickly into the $70,000-$90,000s once optioned
• Above-average repair-cost data versus the full-size truck average

Verdict: The F-250 Power Stroke does everything well and tows more than anything else here — the default pick for serious diesel buyers.

2. Ram 2500 Cummins

Starting MSRP: $44,675 | Best for: Buyers who want the legendary inline-six Cummins and the most comfortable HD ride

The Ram 2500 pairs the iconic 6.7L Cummins turbo-diesel inline-six — in its high-output tune making 430 hp and a stout 1,075 lb-ft of torque — with a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic. The 2500 carries a maximum conventional tow rating in the high-teens to roughly 20,000 lb depending on configuration, and Ram's rear-coil (or available air) suspension gives it the most car-like unladen ride in the HD class.

The Cummins inline-six is famous for high-mileage durability, and a well-maintained example regularly clears 300,000-plus miles. Real-world highway economy lands in the high-teens to low-20s mpg when unladen.

Pros:

• Cummins inline-six has a decades-long reputation for longevity
• Best-riding HD chassis thanks to rear coil/air suspension
• 1,075 lb-ft of torque with a fat, low-rpm power curve
• Upscale Laramie and Limited interiors rival luxury SUVs

Cons:

• Top tow figures trail the Ford F-250 and HD Duramax
• Loaded diesel Laramie/Limited builds push near $89,000

Verdict: The most comfortable, longest-lived HD diesel — buy it for the Cummins and the ride.

3. Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Duramax

Starting MSRP: $48,195 | Best for: Buyers who want a refined, quiet HD diesel with strong gooseneck numbers

The Silverado 2500HD runs the 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel V8 rated at 470 hp and 975 lb-ft, backed by the smooth Allison 10-speed automatic — one of the best HD powertrains for refinement and shift quality. The 2500HD tows up to 20,000 lb conventional and as much as 22,070 lb with a gooseneck and the Max Trailering Package.

The Duramax-Allison combo is well regarded for durability and easy manners, and Chevy's trailering camera suite is among the most thorough in the class. Highway economy unladen is typically in the high-teens to low-20s mpg.

Pros:

• Allison 10-speed is a benchmark for smooth, durable HD shifting
• Up to 22,070 lb gooseneck towing when properly equipped
• Best-in-class trailering cameras and towing aids
• Quiet, composed highway demeanor

Cons:

• 975 lb-ft trails Ford and Ram on peak torque
• Interior plastics trail Ram on the lower trims

Verdict: The most refined HD diesel to live with daily, with serious gooseneck capability.

4. GMC Sierra 2500HD Duramax

Starting MSRP: $52,000 | Best for: Buyers who want the Duramax-Allison drivetrain in a more upscale, Denali-flavored package

The Sierra 2500HD shares the 6.6L Duramax V8 and Allison 10-speed with its Chevy sibling — figures of 470 hp and 975 lb-ft apply here too — but wraps it in GMC's plusher cabins, topped by Denali and Denali Ultimate trims with real wood, machined aluminum, and premium leather.

Max towing reaches roughly 21,870 lb on the Crew Cab. The MultiPro tailgate and available adaptive ride suspension add genuine day-to-day usability. Mechanically it is as durable as the Silverado HD, so the choice between them comes down to interior taste and price.

Pros:

• Same proven Duramax-Allison drivetrain as the Silverado HD
• Denali and Denali Ultimate cabins are the nicest in the HD diesel class
• MultiPro tailgate and trailering tech add real utility
• Up to ~21,870 lb max towing

Cons:

• Costs more than the equivalent Silverado HD for the same mechanicals
• Same 975 lb-ft torque ceiling as the Chevy

Verdict: The luxury HD Duramax — buy it if you want Denali polish over the Silverado's value.

5. Ford F-350 Super Duty Power Stroke

Starting MSRP: $53,000 | Best for: Maximum-capability buyers towing the heaviest gooseneck and fifth-wheel loads

The F-350 steps up from the F-250 with a beefier frame, available dual-rear-wheel (DRW) axle, and higher payload and GCWR ceilings, all behind the same 6.7L high-output Power Stroke making 500 hp and 1,200 lb-ft. It anchors Ford's headline 40,000 lb maximum gooseneck rating with the right configuration, and DRW models carry payload well over 7,000 lb.

The same TorqShift 10-speed and durable long-block carry over. If your trailer is at the top of the weight chart, the F-350 DRW is the one to build.

Pros:

• Anchors the 40,000 lb max gooseneck rating
• Highest payload and GCWR of the Ford lineup with DRW
• 500 hp / 1,200 lb-ft high-output Power Stroke
• Onboard scales and trailer tech make heavy hauling manageable

Cons:

• DRW trucks are wide and unwieldy for daily errands
• Optioned diesel builds reach the $90,000-plus range

Verdict: The capability king — overkill for most, perfect for the heaviest haulers.

6. Ram 3500 Cummins

Starting MSRP: $47,000 | Best for: Heavy fifth-wheel towers who want the Cummins with maximum capability

The Ram 3500 is built for serious weight. With the high-output 6.7L Cummins (430 hp / 1,075 lb-ft) and the available DRW axle, properly equipped 3500s reach toward the top of the segment's fifth-wheel and gooseneck ratings, and payload climbs well past 6,000 lb. The rear-air-suspension option helps level heavy pin weights.

As with the 2500, the inline-six Cummins is the durability draw, and the cabins remain among the most comfortable in the class. It is the choice for buyers loyal to Cummins who need 3500-level numbers.

Pros:

• DRW Cummins delivers near-class-leading heavy towing
• Available rear air suspension levels heavy pin weights
• Cummins longevity reputation carries over
• Plush Laramie/Limited interiors

Cons:

• Peak tow numbers slightly trail the Ford F-350 and HD Duramax DRW
• Heavily optioned builds get expensive fast

Verdict: The Cummins answer to the F-350 — buy it for inline-six durability at 3500 capability.

7. Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Duramax

Starting MSRP: $53,000 | Best for: Max-tow Duramax buyers who want the highest GM trailer rating

The Silverado 3500HD takes the 6.6L Duramax (470 hp / 975 lb-ft) and Allison 10-speed to their limit. In DRW form with the available Next-Generation Heavy Trailering (NHT) package, the 3500HD is rated to tow up to 36,000 lb — among the highest gooseneck figures on the market.

Payload on DRW trucks climbs past 7,000 lb. The Duramax-Allison pairing keeps the refinement and durability advantages that define the HD GM trucks, now in maximum-capability trim. It is the GM truck to build when the trailer is at the heaviest end.

Pros:

• Up to 36,000 lb gooseneck towing when fully equipped
• Allison 10-speed smoothness even under maximum load
• High DRW payload for heavy bed loads and big pin weights
• Comprehensive trailering camera suite

Cons:

• 975 lb-ft still trails Ford/Ram on peak engine torque
• DRW width makes it cumbersome unladen

Verdict: GM's heavy-tow champion — the Duramax pick when you need every pound.

8. GMC Sierra 3500HD Duramax

Starting MSRP: $56,000 | Best for: Heavy-tow buyers who want Denali luxury without giving up capability

The Sierra 3500HD mirrors the Silverado 3500HD's mechanicals — 6.6L Duramax at 470 hp / 975 lb-ft, Allison 10-speed, and up to roughly 36,000 lb of gooseneck towing in DRW form — while adding GMC's upscale cabins and the MultiPro tailgate. Denali and Denali Ultimate trims bring premium materials rarely seen on a one-ton work truck.

It is the rig for buyers who tow heavy during the week but want a luxury interior on the weekend, and the proven Duramax-Allison hardware keeps long-term durability strong.

Pros:

• ~36,000 lb max gooseneck towing, same as the Silverado 3500HD
• Denali Ultimate luxury on a one-ton platform
• Proven Duramax-Allison durability
• MultiPro tailgate utility

Cons:

• Most expensive way into GM's HD Duramax
• Shares the 975 lb-ft torque ceiling

Verdict: Maximum capability with maximum luxury — the premium HD Duramax.

9. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Duramax 💎 BEST VALUE

Starting MSRP: $40,000 | Best for: Half-ton buyers who want efficiency and torque without HD cost or bulk

The Silverado 1500 Duramax is the smart-money diesel. Its 3.0L Duramax inline-six makes 305 hp and 495 lb-ft, sent through a 10-speed automatic, and it returns up to 28-30 mpg highway — best-in-class for a full-size truck — with GM teasing 1,000-mile single-tank range on the next-generation version.

It tows up to about 13,300 lb properly equipped, plenty for most boats, campers, and utility trailers. Critically, the diesel is only about a $795 premium over the gas V8, making it the cheapest real diesel on this list. With Ram's EcoDiesel and Ford's F-150 Power Stroke both gone, the GM 3.0L is one of just two light-duty diesels still sold.

Pros:

• Up to 28-30 mpg highway, with up to 1,000-mile range
• Only a ~$795 premium over the gas V8 — the cheapest diesel buy-in
• 495 lb-ft gives effortless low-end torque for daily driving
• Half-ton size and ride that an HD can't match

Cons:

• ~13,300 lb towing is far below any HD diesel
• Diesel availability narrows on lower trims

Verdict: The value champion — real diesel torque and mileage for a tiny premium on a livable half-ton.

10. GMC Sierra 1500 Duramax

Starting MSRP: $42,000 | Best for: Half-ton diesel buyers who want a more upscale cabin than the Silverado

The Sierra 1500 Duramax shares the 3.0L Duramax inline-six (305 hp / 495 lb-ft) and 10-speed automatic with the Silverado 1500, delivering the same 23 city / 28 highway / 25 combined mpg and up to about 13,300 lb of towing. The difference is GMC's nicer interior, the MultiPro tailgate, and Denali trims.

The diesel premium is similarly modest, and like its Chevy twin it is now one of the last two half-ton diesels available. Buyers who want diesel efficiency in a more premium half-ton package land here.

Pros:

• Same ~28 mpg highway efficiency as the Silverado 1500 diesel
• Nicer interior and Denali trims than the Chevy
• MultiPro tailgate adds everyday utility
• One of only two half-ton diesels still sold

Cons:

• Costs a bit more than the equivalent Silverado 1500 diesel
• Same modest ~13,300 lb tow ceiling

Verdict: The premium half-ton diesel — pay a little more than the Silverado for GMC polish.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Buying a Diesel Truck

• Verify real towing and GCWR, not just the headline number. A truck's max tow rating applies to one exact cab/axle/package combination. Check the door-jamb sticker and the gross combined weight rating (GCWR) against your loaded trailer plus passengers and cargo.
• Budget for DEF and emissions maintenance. Modern diesels use diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and an SCR system. DEF is cheap to refill, but neglected emissions hardware is expensive to repair — buy from owners who kept up with it.
• Account for the diesel cost premium. On HD trucks the diesel option can add several thousand to over $10,000 versus gas. On the GM half-tons it is only about $795, which is why the Silverado 1500 Duramax is the value pick.
• Know when diesel actually pays off. Diesel makes sense if you tow heavy regularly or drive high annual miles; the torque and fuel economy then earn back the premium. If you rarely tow, a modern gas V8 may cost less to own.
• What matters less than marketing implies: Peak horsepower headlines move trucks on the showroom floor, but for towing, low-rpm torque, transmission calibration, and GCWR matter far more than a 25-hp difference between brands. Do not overpay chasing a horsepower bragging number you will never use.

FAQ

Which 2027 diesel truck tows the most? The Ford Super Duty leads with a maximum available 40,000 lb gooseneck rating, anchored by the F-350 with the high-output Power Stroke. The Chevy/GMC 3500HD Duramax follows at up to 36,000 lb.

Are there any half-ton diesel trucks left in 2027? Yes, but only two: the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 with the 3.0L Duramax. Ram discontinued the 1500 EcoDiesel and Ford dropped the F-150 Power Stroke, so the GM twins are the last light-duty diesels standing.

Why was the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel discontinued? Ram stopped building the 1500 EcoDiesel amid an emissions settlement with California regulators and a strategic shift toward its Hurricane gas engines and the Ramcharger electric range-extender truck. The EcoDiesel is not returning to the 1500 lineup.

Is the Cummins or the Power Stroke more reliable? Both have strong reputations. The 6.7L Cummins inline-six is famous for high-mileage longevity, while the 6.7L Power Stroke V8 delivers class-leading torque and towing. Maintenance history matters more than brand — a neglected example of either will cost you.

How much does the diesel option cost on a half-ton GM truck? The 3.0L Duramax runs roughly a $795 premium over the gas V8 — the cheapest path into a real diesel powertrain, which is why the Silverado 1500 Duramax is our best-value pick.

What fuel economy can I expect from a diesel truck? HD diesels typically return 18-22 mpg highway unladen. The half-ton GM 3.0L Duramax does far better at up to 28-30 mpg highway, with GM teasing up to 1,000-mile single-tank range on the next-generation version.

Bottom Line

If you tow heavy and want the strongest all-around package, the Ford F-250 Power Stroke is the best overall diesel truck for 2027 — class-leading torque, a 40,000 lb gooseneck ceiling, and the broadest service network. Step up to the F-350, Ram 3500 Cummins, or Silverado/Sierra 3500HD Duramax when your trailer is at the heaviest end, or choose the Ram 2500 Cummins for the best ride and longevity.

For everyone who wants real diesel torque and standout mileage without HD cost or bulk, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Duramax is the best value — roughly a $795 premium for up to 28-30 mpg and 1,000-mile range on a livable half-ton, and one of only two light-duty diesels left on the market.

Sources

• TFLtruck — heavy-duty diesel towing tests and Power Stroke/Cummins/Duramax comparisons (tfltruck.com)
• Car and Driver — Ford Super Duty, Ram 2500/3500, and Silverado HD reviews and specs (caranddriver.com)
• MotorTrend — diesel pickup specs, towing, and engine comparisons (motortrend.com)
• Edmunds — 2026 Ram 2500/3500 diesel pricing and Ford F-250 Super Duty consumer reviews (edmunds.com)
• PickupTrucks.com / PickupTruckTalk — Silverado 1500 3.0L Duramax towing and real-world data (pickuptrucktalk.com)
• Ford.com — 2026/2027 Super Duty Power Stroke engine, towing, and pricing specs (ford.com)
• Chevrolet.com — 2026 Silverado HD and Silverado 1500 Duramax engine and towing specs (chevrolet.com)
• GMC.com — 2026 Sierra HD and Sierra 1500 Duramax specs and trim details (gmc.com)
• RamTrucks.com / PRNewswire — Ram 2500/3500 and Power Wagon Cummins HO 1,075 lb-ft announcement (ramtrucks.com)
• SlashGear / MotorBiscuit — Ram 1500 EcoDiesel and Ford F-150 Power Stroke discontinuation reporting (slashgear.com)
• RepairPal — Ford F-250 Super Duty reliability and annual repair-cost data (repairpal.com)
• GM Authority — 2027 Silverado Duramax 1,000-mile range reporting (gmauthority.com)

*Diesel truck review — diesel truck reviews, rating, best diesel truck 2027, and a review of the top diesel pickup picks for buyers.*