Top 5 Most Reliable Diesel Engines of 2024

For almost a century, diesel engines have formed the backbone of powerful and efficient machinery and ships on land and sea.

Diesel engines are essential for heavy-duty pickup trucks due to their high performance, efficiency, and longevity, which are achieved through higher horsepower and torque.

Best Diesel Engine for Pickup Trucks

You can rely on these top-tier diesel engines to provide the horsepower and torque needed for peak performance, long-term reliability, and fuel economy.

01. 6.7L PowerStroke (Best Ford Diesel Engine)

Ford vehicles utilized power stroke diesel engines produced by Navistar International.

On the other hand, Ford started making its own engines with the 6.7L Powerstroke. The goal was to ensure the company’s continued relevance in the diesel-powered vehicle sector.

As an improvement over the less-than-ideal 6.4L and 6.0L Power Stroke diesel engines, Ford created the 6.7L Powerstroke diesel engine. For Ford, it was the pinnacle of diesel engines.

There was an initial claim of 390 horsepower and 735 lb-ft of torque from the Ford 6.7L Powerstroke diesel engine. Engine power increased to 400 hp and torque to 800 lb-ft following the engine’s release, though.

Now, the latest 6.7L Powerstroke has an exceptional collection of specs and features.

Engine Specifications

Configuration: V-8
Displacement: 6.7L
Period: 2011 till date
Maximum Torque: 1,050 lb./ft. at 1,800 rpm
Maximum Horsepower: 475 horsepower at 2,800 rpm
Bore & Stroke: 3.89 by 4.25 inches
Weight: 990 lbs – dry
Aspiration: Single VGT turbocharger
Price: $85,565

02. 6.7L Cummins (Best Diesel Engine for Towing)

The 6.9L Cummins, the newest member of Cummins Inc.’s B-series diesel engine family, was unveiled in 2007 with the intention of being utilized in Dodge Rams. The 5.9L Cummins, which had its 24-valve engine replaced, overstayed its useful life.

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The 5.9L was set to be replaced because to its inability to meet the increasingly strict emissions standards.

When compared to its forerunners, the 6.9L Cummins offers far more advanced characteristics. Most truck enthusiasts wouldn’t trade them for anything, and they include some of the latest features available only in the top diesel engines.

Engine Specifications

Configuration: Inline-6
Displacement: 6.7L
Years: 2007 – current
Max. Torque: 1,075 lb-ft @1,800 rpm
Max. Horsepower: 420 hp @ 2,800 rpm
Valvetrain: OHV with 2 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke: 4.21 by 4.88 inches
Weight: 1,060 lbs – dry
Valvetrain: Conventional pushrod Overheated valve with 4 valves per cylinder
Aspiration: Charge Air Cooled &Turbocharged
Price: $4,495 upwards

03. Duramax 6.6L L5P (#1 Duramax Engine)

In 2017, Chevrolet released the Duramax 6.6L L5P to replace the previous Duramax LML, which had a comparable displacement. It debuted as the potent diesel powertrain for the HD-series pickups from Chevrolet and GMC.

Revised cylinder heads, a variable-vane turbocharger, and an enhanced camshaft are all part of this new 6.6L Duramax diesel engine’s high-tech lineup. It has a maximum torque of 910 lb-ft and 445 horsepower.

Pickup trucks can haul items from one location to another without difficulties thanks to this diesel engine’s ability to give great performance, durability, and efficiency.

Engine Specifications

Configuration: V-8
Displacement: 6.6L
Period: 2017 till date
Maximum Torque: 910 lb-ft at 1,600 rpm
Maximum Horsepower: 445 horsepower at 2,800 rpm
Valvetrain: OHV with 4 valves per cylinder
Bore & Stroke: 4.05 by 3.89 inches
Weight: Up to 835 lbs – dry
Price: $15,000 – $25,000

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04. 7.3L Ford Power Stroke (#1 Reliable Diesel Engine)

Among more modern diesel engines, the 7.3L Powerstroke has maintained its reputation as the most dependable for decades. Ford and International Navistar (now Navistar International) collaborated to create this diesel engine.

For its powerful and heavy-duty trucks, Ford developed the 7.3L Powerstroke diesel engine. The HEUI technology was a key component in the diesel engine’s design that allowed it to do away with the requirement for a separate injection pump.

Each injector was hydraulically pressurized by high-pressure engine oil, which replaced the injection pump and forced low-pressure gasoline into the engine. Because of its exceptional features and specs, the 7.3 Power Stroke was both distinctive and powerful enough to overcome loads.

Engine Specifications

Displacement: 7.3L
Period: 1994 – 2003
Configuration: V8
Maximum Torque: 525 lb./ft. at 1,600 rpm
Maximum Horsepower:275 hp at 2,800 rpm
Valvetrain: OHV with 2 valves per cylinder
Bore & Stroke: 4.11 by 4.18 inches
Weight: Up to 920 lbs – dry
Price: $10,000 upwards

05. 6.6L Duramax LBZ

Produced and introduced to the market for the first time in 2006, the 6.6L Duramax LBZ succeeded the LLY Duramax. Unfortunately, the 6.6L Duramax LBZ didn’t last long.

Due to its many flaws, the LBZ Duramax was eventually phased out of production and replaced with the Duramax LMM 2007 model.

An unexpected piston failure was one of those several issues. It resembled a refurbished engine in most respects.

Before the LMM Duramax took its place in 2007, the 6.6L Duramax LBZ had a few features that consumers were able to take use of.

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