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Diesel Pickup Comparison: Who’s the Best at What?

by Guillaume Rivard
All photos
Photo: FCA

Getting the most bang for your buck, isn’t that what everyone wants when it comes to buying a new car or truck? Full-size pickup owners would certainly say yes, because they use them for all sorts of applications: work, play, family, travel, etc.

As you know, three of the four bestsellers were completely redesigned for 2019. A year later, their manufacturers are coming back with the addition of strong, efficient and versatile diesel engines.

We at The Car Guide thought it would be interesting to compile all the specs for the various options on the market right now or available later this fall. This will definitely help you see more clearly and guide your decision.

Notes: Heavy-duty pickups are not featured here. The fuel consumption ratings come from Natural Resources Canada’s website. Specs in bold represent the best in the segment.

Photo: Ford

Ford F-150 Power Stroke

3.0-litre V6 with 10-speed automatic transmission

Power: 250 hp
Torque: 440 lb-ft
Towing: 11,400 lbs (5,170 kg)
Payload: 1,940 lbs (880 kg)
City/Hwy/Comb. (4x2): 11.1 – 8.3 – 9.8 L/100 km
City/Hwy/Comb. (4x4): 11.9 – 9.4 – 10.8 L/100 km
Base MSRP: $36,299

Photo: Frédéric Mercier

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Duramax

3.0-litre V6 with 10-speed automatic transmission

Power: 277 hp
Torque: 460 lb-ft
Towing: 9,300 lbs (4,218 kg)
Payload: 1,870 lbs (848 kg)
City/Hwy/Comb. (4x2): 10.2 – 7.2 – 8.9 L/100 km
City/Hwy/Comb. (4x4): 10.4 – 8.0 – 9.4L/100 km
Base MSRP: $47,830

Photo: General Motors

GMC Sierra 1500 Duramax

3.0-litre V6 with 10-speed automatic transmission

Power: 277 hp
Torque: 460 lb-ft
Towing: 9,300 lbs (4,218 kg)
Payload: 1,870 lbs (848 kg)
City/Hwy/Comb. (4x2): 10.2 – 7.8 – 9.1 L/100 km
City/Hwy/Comb. (4x4): 10.5 – 9.1 – 9.9 L/100 km
Base MSRP: N/A

Photo: FCA

Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

3.0-litre V6 with eight-speed automatic transmission

Power: 260 hp
Torque: 480 lb-ft
Towing: 12,560 lbs (5,697 kg)
Payload: N/A
City/Hwy/Comb. (4x2): 10.5 – 7.3 – 9.0 L/100 km
City/Hwy/Comb. (4x4): 11.1 – 8.0 – 9.7 L/100 km
Base MSRP: $49,395

By the way, the 2019-2020 Ram 1500 pickups manufactured after May of this year are the only ones to get a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

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