What Is the Most Reliable Diesel Truck?
Mar 6th 2025
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Diesel trucks are known for their reliability, but some makes/models are better equipped to go the extra mile without incurring significant repairs. When you’re on a job or have somewhere to be, you need to know your truck will have your back. The term reliability is abundant in the trucking industry, but it means something different to everyone. Learn about the most reliable diesel trucks and why they’re considered trustworthy.
Finalists for the Most Reliable Diesel Truck
1. Chevy Silverado 2500HD
Your cargo will be in good hands with the latest Silverado. Recent model years going back a decade or more continue to hold up, making them a good investment at any age. Duramax’s 6.6-liter turbo V8 diesel engine is among the most powerful on the market, netting 470 horsepower and 975 pound-feet of torque. It can tow up to 36,000 pounds with precision.
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2. Ford F-250
The F-250 and F-350 are both great options, but the F-250 hits the sweet spot in terms of size, fuel efficiency and power. The 6.7-liter V8 Powerstroke engine remains the good standard of diesel. It gets up to 500 horsepower and 1200 pound-feet of torque and can tow up to 40,000 lbs. with a gooseneck attachment.
3. GMC Sierra 2500HD
The diesel version of the Sierra uses the Duramax 6.6-liter V8 to produce up to 470 horsepower and 975 pound-feet of torque. The 2500HD can tow up to 22,500 pounds, with the 3500HD hauling up to 36,000 pounds. It has a snappy acceleration to get you over the hump and a responsive transmission to shift gears on the fly.
And the Winner Is . . .
4. Ford F-250
Ford, GMC and Chevy have been trying to outdo each other for years, refining the engines under their hoods to win over more consumers. You can’t go wrong with any of them, but the Ford F-250 pulls ahead to be the most reliable diesel truck around. The truck was made to tow, producing a smooth ride to keep you in control. The engine mechanics minimize problems that reduce efficiency and readiness. With an average of 20 MPG, it’s also the most fuel-efficient.
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How to Increase Truck Reliability
Reliability depends on you. Even the best make/model can be run into an early grave without proper maintenance. Aggressive driving, towing more than you should and exposing your truck to extreme temperatures and environments will shorten your truck’s lifespan.
Despite its reliability, the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler on the Ford F-250 can leak or break down with excess towing. If the recycled gas fails to cool before re-entering the combustion chamber, it can damage the engine.
Monitor diesel fuel efficiency to see how well your engine is performing. Excess debris and deposits can lead to clogs, making it harder for the engine to pump fuel to the combustion chamber. Replace the diesel pump if fuel pressure is low or your MPG rating drops.
Your truck is only as good as the fuel you put into it. Contaminated fuel and water separation leads to clogs, fuel deposits and oxidation. Compare biodiesel vs. diesel to see how they can affect your truck. The former has more lubricity but can lead to more fuel deposits on aging systems and may have trouble starting in cold weather.
Nothing improves reliability like keeping essential replacement parts on hand so you can repair the issue as soon as it occurs and get back on the road as soon as possible. Replace aging components and systems before they expire to stop the problem from spreading. Shop for diesel parts by make/model to maximize your diesel truck’s reliability.
Finding the Most Reliable Diesel Truck
Every seller and manufacturer wants to tell you how reliable their trucks are, but the truth is that most diesel trucks have the wherewithal to last twenty years or more. The biggest variable is how well you maintain your truck. Monitor key performance metrics like fuel efficiency, acceleration and pressure to catch possible issues before they tarnish the vehicle’s reliability.