The heart of any robust pickup truck lies in its engine. For those in the market for the best truck, understanding engine capabilities is paramount. Trucks are built to tackle demanding tasks, from hauling heavy loads to towing trailers, and the engine is the key component that ensures these jobs are done efficiently and reliably. Choosing the right engine is crucial to experiencing the full potential of your pickup.
To guide your decision, we’ve compiled a list of exceptional pickup truck engines currently available. This selection includes a range of options, from fuel-efficient four-cylinders to powerful V8s, highlighting engines that contribute to making their respective models some of the best trucks available today. This guide will help you navigate the engine landscape and select the ideal powertrain for your next pickup.
Ford 2.3-Liter EcoBoost: Fuel Efficiency Meets Capability in a Top Truck
The Ford Ranger, a strong contender in the mid-size truck segment, comes standard with the impressive 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine delivers 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, rivaling many V6 engines in terms of power. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the EcoBoost maximizes both performance and efficiency.
What makes trucks equipped with this engine stand out is the balance of power and fuel economy. The 2020 Ford Ranger achieves up to 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, making it a fuel-efficient option without sacrificing truck capabilities. It offers a payload capacity of up to 1,860 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds when properly equipped, proving that four-cylinder engines can power some of the best trucks for everyday use and light-duty tasks.
GM 2.7-Liter Turbo: A Four-Cylinder Revolution in Full-Size Trucks
General Motors has redefined expectations for full-size pickups with their 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Found in the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2020 GMC Sierra 1500, this engine produces 310 horsepower and 348 pound-feet of torque. This is a significant leap in torque compared to traditional V6 engines, offering a 22% increase over GM’s 4.3-liter V6 while also improving fuel efficiency. This engine is a testament to innovation in truck powertrains, contributing to the Silverado and Sierra being recognized among the best light-duty trucks.
Advanced technologies like cylinder deactivation, dynamic cam timing, and variable cam profiles optimize performance and efficiency based on driving demands. An electric water pump further reduces engine drag. These features help the Silverado and Sierra achieve 20 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined with this four-cylinder, demonstrating that efficiency and full-size truck capability can coexist in some of the best trucks on the market.
GM 3.0-Liter Duramax Turbodiesel: Diesel Efficiency and Towing Power in Top Light-Duty Trucks
For those seeking diesel power in a light-duty pickup, the 3.0-liter Duramax V6 turbodiesel, available in the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2020 GMC Sierra 1500, is a standout choice. This engine delivers 277 horsepower and a robust 460 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination makes trucks equipped with this engine excellent choices for those needing a balance of fuel economy and towing capability.
The Duramax offers impressive fuel economy for a diesel truck, achieving up to 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway with rear-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive models still offer a respectable 22 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Equipped with a diesel exhaust brake system, the Duramax enhances control when towing downhill, a crucial feature for safe and confident trailering. With a towing capacity of up to 7,400 pounds and a payload of up to 2,378 pounds, the Silverado and Sierra with the Duramax engine are compelling options for those looking for some of the best, fuel-efficient and capable trucks.
Honda 3.5-Liter V6: Refinement and Reliability in a Unique Truck
The Honda Ridgeline often stands apart in the truck market with its unique blend of car-like comfort and truck utility. Powering this distinctive pickup is Honda’s proven 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Known for its smooth operation and long-term reliability, this engine contributes to the Ridgeline’s reputation as a dependable and comfortable truck.
The 2020 Honda Ridgeline offers a payload capacity of up to 1,580 pounds and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, suitable for many recreational and light-duty needs. It also achieves up to 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, balancing performance with reasonable fuel consumption. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive, the V6 engine and Ridgeline’s independent rear suspension deliver an SUV-like driving experience, making it a unique and comfortable choice among trucks. The Ridgeline’s consistent high ratings in quality and reliability further solidify its position as a top truck for those prioritizing dependability and driving comfort.
Ford 3.5-Liter High Output EcoBoost: Power and Performance for Top-Tier Trucks
Ford’s 3.5-liter High Output EcoBoost V6 engine is a performance powerhouse, particularly in models like the F-150 Raptor and F-150 Limited. This twin-turbocharged V6 churns out an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, making these F-150 variants some of the quickest and most powerful trucks available. The 10-speed transmission further optimizes power delivery, contributing to sports-car-like acceleration in a full-size pickup.
Trucks equipped with the HO EcoBoost are designed for both high performance and capability. The Raptor, built for off-road dominance, can tow up to 8,000 pounds, while the luxury-oriented Limited can handle up to 11,100 pounds. Payload capacities are also substantial. While fuel economy is lower due to the focus on power (15 mpg city/18 mpg highway for Raptor, 17 mpg city/21 mpg highway for Limited), the sheer performance and capability make the F-150 models with this engine some of the best trucks for those demanding top-tier power and performance.
Nissan 5.6-Liter V8 Endurance: Robust V8 Power in a Capable Truck
Nissan brings traditional V8 power to the truck market with its 5.6-liter V8 Endurance engine, found in the 2020 Nissan Titan. This engine delivers 390 horsepower and 394 pound-feet of torque, providing ample power for both everyday driving and demanding tasks. Paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission and available four-wheel drive, the Endurance V8 makes the Titan a solid and capable truck.
The Nissan Titan, powered by this V8, offers a payload of up to 1,850 pounds and a towing capacity of up to 9,660 pounds in single-cab configuration. The Titan XD, a heavier-duty model, increases these figures further. Fuel economy is rated at 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway for the standard Titan. The robust V8 engine and strong capabilities position the Nissan Titan as a worthy contender in the truck market, especially for those who value traditional V8 power in a dependable truck.
Ram 5.7-Liter Hemi V8: Iconic Power and Hybrid Efficiency in a Market-Leading Truck
The Ram 1500 has made a significant impact on the truck market, and the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine is a major contributor to its appeal. This engine, delivering 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, provides strong, reliable power. Paired with the eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission, the Hemi offers smooth and responsive performance, making the Ram 1500 one of the best all-around trucks available.
The optional eTorque mild-hybrid system further enhances the 5.7-liter Hemi, adding up to 130 pound-feet of additional torque at low speeds and improving fuel efficiency. With eTorque, the Ram 1500 boasts a best-in-class towing capacity of up to 12,750 pounds and a payload of up to 2,300 pounds. The eTorque system also improves fuel economy by approximately 2 mpg, reaching up to 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. The combination of iconic V8 power, hybrid technology, and class-leading capabilities firmly places the Ram 1500 among the best trucks on the market.
Toyota 5.7-Liter i-FORCE V8: Proven Reliability in a Long-Standing Truck
Toyota’s 5.7-liter i-FORCE V8 engine has been a staple in the Toyota Tundra since 2007, a testament to its enduring reliability. This engine produces 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, providing robust and dependable power for the Tundra. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and available four-wheel drive, the 5.7-liter i-FORCE V8 is known for its longevity and consistent performance, making the Tundra a reliable choice in the truck segment.
The Toyota Tundra, powered by the 5.7-liter i-FORCE V8, offers a towing capacity of up to 10,200 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,730 pounds when properly equipped with the tow package, which adds essential engine and transmission oil coolers. While fuel economy is rated at 13 mpg city and 18 mpg highway, the engine’s proven track record for reliability and durability makes the Toyota Tundra a top truck for those prioritizing long-term dependability and robust V8 performance.
GM 6.2-Liter EcoTec3 V8: Powerful and Efficient V8 Technology in Top-Tier GM Trucks
At the top of the engine lineup for the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 sits the formidable 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine. This engine delivers 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, offering exceptional power and capability for these full-size trucks. Typically paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive, this V8 makes the Silverado and Sierra highly capable and powerful trucks. Trucks equipped with this engine can tow up to 9,300 pounds and carry up to 2,165 pounds in the bed.
What sets this engine apart is Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) technology. DFM allows the engine to seamlessly deactivate cylinders when full power is not needed, significantly improving fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance. This advanced system can operate in 17 different cylinder patterns, adapting to driving conditions in real-time. The combination of high power and innovative fuel-saving technology makes the Silverado and Sierra with the 6.2-liter V8 some of the best, most technologically advanced, and powerful trucks available in the light-duty segment.
Ford 6.7-Liter Power Stroke Turbodiesel: Heavy-Duty Power for the Toughest Trucks
For heavy-duty tasks, the Ford 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbodiesel, available in the Ford F-Series Super Duty line, delivers unmatched power and capability. For the 2020 model year, this engine was upgraded to produce 475 horsepower and a staggering 1,050 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a heavy-duty 10-speed automatic transmission, this engine provides immense power for the most demanding jobs.
The sheer power of the 6.7-liter Power Stroke enables the Ford Super Duty to achieve a towing capacity of up to 24,200 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 7,850 pounds. Ford backs this engine with a 5-year/100,000-mile warranty, highlighting its durability and reliability. While fuel economy is not EPA-rated for heavy-duty trucks, the immense power, towing, and payload capabilities of the Ford Super Duty with the 6.7-liter Power Stroke engine firmly establish it as one of the best and most powerful heavy-duty trucks on the market.
