Cummins vs. Powerstroke: Everything You Need to Know

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Cummins and Powerstroke diesel engines power some of the most popular trucks on the market, including the Ford F-Series, RAM HD and Nissan Titan XD. They changed the game when they were first introduced and have set the standard for towing ever since. Both are renowned for their horsepower, low-end torque and towing capacities, making them perfect for professionals and recreational haulers. Use our Cummins vs. Powerstroke guide to learn how they compare. 

Cummins

Cummins has been around for over 100 years, dating back to 1919, when it manufactured its first diesel engine, but it didn’t become a household name until it collaborated with Chrysler in the 80s. The company built the turbocharged 5.9-liter Cummins for Chrysler’s Dodge trucks, paving the way for more powerful diesel technology. It was replaced with the more efficient 6.7-liter in 2007 to comply with new emissions regulations. 

Today, the 6.7 Cummins powers Ram Heavy Duty 2500, 3500, 4500 and 5500 trucks. The standard output produces 370 horsepower and 850 lb.-ft. of torque; the high output option nets 420 horsepower and 1,075 lb.-ft. of torque.  

Powerstroke

Ford took Powerstroke to new heights when it designed the 7.3-liter diesel engine automaker’s Super Duty pickup trucks in the early 90s. The company went on to create the 6.0-liter engine in 2007 to decrease emissions while increasing power. However, the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler, which recycles the exhaust instead of sending it through the tailpipe, became a liability. 

Ford now uses the 6.7 Powerstroke, which gets up to 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb.-ft. of torque. The latest iteration resolved the reliability issues of the 6.0-liter without sacrificing power. To compete with Cummins, the company recently released a high-output version capable of producing 1,200 lb.-ft. of torque.

Cummins vs. Powerstroke: Towing Power

If you’ve been keeping track, Powerstroke has the edge in terms of torque and horsepower, but Cummins makes a close second. Towing capacity varies by model, but both engines can haul over 26,000 pounds when properly configured.

Cummins vs. Powerstroke: Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency also depends on the make and model. Full-cab trucks, longer beds and four-wheel drive all reduce fuel efficiency. Heavy-duty diesels are exempted from reporting and calculating their MPG ratings, but the Ford F-250 with a 6.7 Powerstroke gets around 20 MPG, and a RAM HD with a 6.7 Cummins gets roughly 16 MPG.

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Fuel efficiency will decrease with age without proper maintenance. A clogged injection pump, fuel injectors and excess debris in the fuel in the system make it harder for the engine to convert it into mechanical energy. Diesel engines use high-pressure oil to pressurize fuel, so it enters the combustion chamber as a fine mist that burns upon injection. The high-pressure oil pump (HPOP) can lose its ability to pump oil and maintain fuel pressure. Replace HPOPs after 150,000 miles to keep your MPG rating high. Monitor the color of your oil for clouding and flush the system to remove debris. Check your engine’s oil capacity to see if the vehicle is burning through more oil than usual. 

What Is the 6.7 Powerstroke Oil Capacity?

Cummins vs. Powerstroke: Reliability

Both are known for their reliability, but they have a few hiccups that every driver should know. Some model years were plagued with issues, including the EGR cooler on the 6.0 Powerstroke.

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The Powerstroke DualBoost turbocharger has a high failure rate. The turbine can also crack without proper insulation from debris. The pressure relief valve can also stick, reducing fuel efficiency. The 6.7 Cummins has experienced exhaust manifold leaks. Both have issues with the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) sensor and selective catalytic reduction (SCR), which can prevent the engine from starting.

While these engines can last decades, many system parts and components need to be replaced every 100,000 miles or more. Shop diesel parts by make/model to extend the life of your Cummins or Powerstroke engine.

Choosing Between Cummins and Powerstroke

You can’t go wrong with either option now that these two are neck-in-neck regarding torque and horsepower. A Ford will help you save money on fuel and has slightly better specs if you need all the power you can get. It doesn’t matter which you choose as long as you maintain it over the long haul.