Tackle tough jobs in diesel trucks.
If you're looking for a truck with something special under the hood, a diesel-powered pickup could be right for you. Delivering more miles per gallon and overall torque than gas vehicles, diesel trucks can handle the toughest jobs with fewer stops at the pumps. A higher compression ratio also means you get quicker acceleration off the line, which is great for daily driving or passing on the highway.
To help you on your search, we've compiled this updated list of the best-used diesel trucks based on CarMax sales data from October 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021.
10
GMC Canyon
If you're shopping for a midsize truck with easy maneuverability, the GMC Canyon is great for the city or the job site. 2017–2019 models offer an available 2.8L four-cylinder turbo-diesel (SLE and higher trims) with 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, this engine can tow an estimated 7,700 lbs on 2017–2019 models.1 Available as a five-passenger crew cab, you'll also have room for your family or coworkers to come along for the ride. Standard features on the 2017–2019 Canyon SLE include:
17-inch aluminum wheels
Foglamps
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Cloth upholstery
9
Chevrolet Colorado
Another midsize option is the 2017–2019 Chevrolet Colorado, which offers an available 2.8L turbocharged four-cylinder diesel on LT and higher trims. Boasting an estimated 7,700 lb towing capacity when properly equipped, the diesel engine provides plenty of pulling power for your boat or trailer (2017–2019 models).1 The 2.8L also gets an EPA-estimated 30 mpg on the highway, making it a suitable truck for road trips (2017–2019 models).2 Providing well-mannered steering and confident handling on pavement, the Chevy Colorado is a great choice for daily duties. If adventure is more your game, there's an off-road-focused ZR2 trim, which has these standard features on 2017–2019 models:
17-inch aluminum wheels
Transfer case shield
Off-road suspension
3.5-inch wider stance
8
Nissan Titan XD
The 2017–2019 Nissan Titan XD is a full-size pickup with smooth on-road manners and aggressive pulling power from the optional turbocharged 5.0L V8 diesel (available on all trims). Providing 310 hp and 555 lb-ft of torque, 2019 Titan XD turbodiesels can tow an estimated 12,710 lbs (2017–2019 models), when properly equipped.1 Payload capacity is equally strong, clocking in at an estimated 2,990 lbs. Available with a single cab and eight-foot bed (S trim) or a crew cab with a 6.5-foot bed, the 2017–2019 Titan XD is customizable to suit your passenger and cargo needs. Standard features on the base 2017–2019 Titan XD S include:
18-inch steel wheels
Dampened assist tailgate
Removable front aero spoiler
Bluetooth® connectivity
7
GMC Sierra 2500
If you need a heavy-duty pickup for punishing jobs, the GMC Sierra 2500 brings the power. 2017–2019 models offer an available turbocharged 6.6L diesel V8 that puts 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque right under your foot. When properly equipped, this turbo diesel can tow big trailers with an estimated 14,500-lb capacity (2017–2019 models).1 All 2017–2019 Sierra 2500 trucks also include trailer sway control to keep your boat or camper on the straight and narrow. The 2017–2019 Sierra 2500 comes with these standard features:
Chrome door handles
Foglamps
Bluetooth connectivity
Six-speaker audio system
6
Chevrolet Silverado 2500
Another heavy-duty pickup is the 2017–2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, which offers an available turbocharged 6.6L diesel V8 with 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, this engine (2017–2019) can pull massive loads with an estimated towing capacity of 14,500 lbs.1 For such a large truck, the Silverado 2500 is also surprisingly agile with a comfortable ride that's great for longer trips. Available with a 6.5- or eight-foot box in 2017–2019 models, this heavy-duty pickup has the space you need to carry big loads. Standard features on the 2017–2019 Silverado 2500 include:
17-inch aluminum wheels
Remote locking tailgate
Deep-tinted rear windows
Eight-inch touchscreen
5
Ram 3500
The Ram 3500 is a heavy-duty hauler that excels at pulling demanding loads. 2017–2019 models offer an available 6.7L Cummins® turbodiesel that produces 400 hp and 1,000 lb-ft of torque in 2019 high output versions. This same engine can tow an estimated 35,100 lbs, when properly equipped, so you can pull full-sized campers or construction equipment (2019 models).1 The standard rear backup camera with dynamic gridlines and zoom capabilities (2018–2019 models) provides better visibility when hooking up a trailer. Other standard features in the 2017–2019 Ram 3500 Big Horn include:
18-inch aluminum wheels
Power 10-way driver seat
Bluetooth connectivity
Six-speaker audio system
4
Ford F-350
Aptly named the Super Duty, the Ford F-350 is a heavy-duty pickup with gigantic power under the hood. 2017–2019 trucks are available with a turbocharged 6.7L diesel V8 that puts out 450 hp and 935 lb-ft of torque in 2018–2019 models. Conventional towing capacity with this engine is an estimated 21,000 lbs, when properly equipped, but adding a gooseneck trailer ups the 2017–2019 F-350's pulling power to an estimated 32,000 lbs.1 Sporting a fully-boxed, high-strength steel ladder frame, the 2017–2019 F-350 can handle the toughest jobs. Standard features on the 2018–2019 F-350 Limited include:
Power-deployable running boards
Quad-beam LED headlamps
Heated and cooled front seats
360-degree camera
3
Ram 2500
If you're shopping for a tough truck, the 2017–2019 Ram 2500 offers an available turbocharged 6.7L V6 diesel with robust power. 2017–2018 models anchored with the diesel engine and reinforced automatic transmission can tow an estimated 17,980 lbs, when properly equipped, or you can find redesigned 2019 models with an estimated 19,780 lb towing capacity.1 Sporting a quiet cabin with comfortable seating, you'll enjoy long trips in the Ram 2500. 2017–2018 models also have a coil-spring rear suspension, which provides a cushioned and compliant ride. Standard features in 2017–2019 Ram 2500 Tradesman include:
17-inch steel wheels
Locking tailgate
Vinyl upholstery
Six-speaker stereo
2
Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 blends impressive torque and hauling power into a fuel-sipping powertrain to help you minimize stops on long hauls. 2017–2019 models are available with a 240 hp, turbocharged 3.0L diesel engine with 420 lb-ft of torque that earns an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined.2 When pulling heavy equipment, you should have all the power you need with an estimated towing capacity of 9,260 lbs in diesel-powered 2019 Ram 1500s, when properly equipped.1 All 2017–2019 models also include a multilink coil-spring rear suspension that helps the Ram 1500 glide over rougher roads. Standard features on the 2017–2019 Ram 1500 Laramie include:
Power adjustable pedals with memory
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Heated and cooled front seats
Rearview camera
1
Ford F–250
Topping our list of the best-used diesel trucks is the Ford F–250, a tough-as-nails full-size heavy-duty pickup. 2017–2019 models are available with a turbocharged 6.7L diesel V8 that generates 450 hp and 935 lb-ft of torque (2018–2019 models). Featuring a fully-boxed ladder frame made with high-strength steel and cross-members, the 2017–2019 F–250 also lays a strong foundation that's well-suited for heavy lifting. With the 6.7L turbodiesel, the 2018–2019 F–250 can tow an estimated 18,500 lbs, when properly equipped.1 The 2017–2019 F–250 Lariat comes standard with:
Power-adjustable pedals
Leather upholstery
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Eight-inch touchscreen display
Whether you want powerful towing performance, more miles to the gallon than gas vehicles, or a spacious cabin for you and your work crew, there's a used diesel truck on this list with the specs and features you desire.
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