Which half-ton used turbo-diesel pickup truck is the best? Nathan and I drive and compare a Ram 1500 EcoDiesel versus a Chevy Silverado 1500 Duramax versus a Ford F-150 Power Stroke diesel. Please join us.
Two of these three diesels have been discontinued, this is why we are looking at three used pickup trucks at a local dealer auto auction. The 3.0L Duramax I6 in the GM half-ton trucks is the only small turbo-diesel that has survived all of the regulations and all the scrutiny. The other two engines could not continue to compete. The F-150 Power Stroke V6 was discontinued after 2021 and the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 was just recently discontinued.
Here is a quick reminder about the specifications for these three powertrains.
| Ram EcoDiesel | Ford Power Stroke | GM Duramax | |
| Engine | 3.0L V6 (1st Gen) | 3.0L V6 | 3.0L I6 (1st Gen) |
| Horsepower | 240 hp | 250 hp | 277 hp |
| Torque | 420 lb-ft | 440 lb-ft | 460 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed Auto | 10-speed Auto | 10-speed Auto |
This comparison is also interesting because this is the first time that Nathan and I are able to drive the newer 14th-generation 2021 Ford F-150 with the 3.0L Power Stroke V6 diesel. We extensively tested this engine in the 2018 and 2019 versions of the F-150, but not in the new chassis.
All three of these used pickup trucks have seen hard miles. All three of these specific trucks have a check engine light. However, all three start right up and we are able to take them for a quick test drive. Yes, we get considerable acceleration delay in the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel V6. This is there for emissions reasons. The F-150 PowerStroke also has a bit of acceleration lag. The Chevy’s 3.0L Duramax I6 still offers smooth and linear power delivery.
If the decision is solely based on the powertrain performance and efficiency, I would pick the 3.0L Duramax I6 every time. GM improved this engine for 2023 models and beyond. It now is rated at 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of toque. This small diesel is also available in GM’s full-size SUVs (Chevy Tahoe, Suburban, and others).
If the decision is based solely on the used truck price, the older Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is approximately half the price right now due its age (we tested a 2014 model).
Please join us in the video below and let us know which one of these would you pick.
