The Top Used Diesel Trucks in 6 Categories

Did you know that diesel engines were once only used in industrial machines, boats, and trains before they were integrated into the automotive industry? Once the industry discovered the diesel engine’s impressive performance and power, the game was on as car manufacturers like Chevrolet and Ford worked to build the top-performing diesel truck on the market. That competition inspired our team here at McCluskey Chevrolet to uncover the top used diesel trucks on the road, from the most powerful to the best valued!

#1 The Best Diesel Pickup Trucks: 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2020 Ford F-150

Choosing the best diesel pickup truck is difficult, which is why we’re naming the top two best-selling diesel trucks—the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the Ford F-150. With the debut of the 2021 models, the 2020 Silverado 1500 and the F-150 are the latest you’ll find used on any pre-owned lot. But what makes the models so popular?

Chevrolet spent the last century perfecting their truck design, and it shows on the 2020 Silverado 1500, which is the most fuel-efficient truck in America with an average fuel economy of 23 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. The Silverado’s powerful 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine and Chevrolet’s impressive suite of technology and safety features set the 1500 apart from other trucks. The Duramax delivers 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque with a max towing capacity of 9,300 lbs, making it ideal for hauling mid-size loads.

As for Ford, the 2020 F-150 is one of the best-selling used diesel trucks because of its capability and power. It’s built on a military-grade body and has a powerful 3.0-liter Power Stroke V6 turbodiesel engine under the hood. When paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission, it delivers 250 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque with a max towing capacity of 11,500 lbs.

#2 The Best Used Diesel That Holds Its Value: 2018 Ram HD 3500

Every vehicle will depreciate, which is why it’s important to consider which vehicles hold their value the best. Experts agree that the 2018 Ram HD 3500, which was Ram’s most powerful and expensive truck for the year, is the best used diesel truck that holds its value. Kelley Blue Book projected the 3500 would hold 54.9% of its value after five years. This means that a 2018 SLT Mega Cab with four-wheel-drive that was purchased new for $60,490 would be valued at $33,209 in 2023 depending on mileage, condition, etc. So, what makes the 2018 Ram such a great value?

The model offered three diesel configurations based on the 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel and the Cummins high output alternative. When paired with the 6-speed manual transmission, the Cummins delivers 350 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque compared to 370 horsepower and 800 lb-ft of torque with the automatic transmission. The high output engine produces 385 horsepower and 930 lb-ft of torque.

The Ram’s powertrain options are part of what makes the truck one of the best valued used diesel trucks on the road today. Ram introduced the truck with seven trim packages that feature a progressive list of upgrades, including an electronic trailer brake controller, tire pressure monitoring system, and rearview camera. Additional features that add to the HD’s value include an 8.4-in display screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, as well as the Sirius Guardian suite that includes a Vehicle Finder, Send and Go, Remote Services, and SOS Assist.

#3 The Most Powerful Used Diesel Truck: 2020 Ford Super Duty

The 2020 Ford Super Duty is the most powerful used diesel truck thanks to its impressive 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel engine. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the engine gives drivers all the power needed to haul heavy loads by delivering 475 horsepower and a jaw-dropping 1,050 lb-ft of torque. This power comes from the engine’s fuel-injection system that optimizes combustion by atomizing fuel up to eight times per stroke to turn fuel into energy. Ford also redesigned the turbocharger to improve throttle response and enhanced the engine’s key components such as the cylinder heads, pistons, bearings, and connector rods.

#4 The Best Heavy-Duty Used Diesel Truck: Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD

It’s no surprise that the Silverado 3500HD makes our list as the best heavy-duty diesel truck. The 2020 workhorse has a Duramax 6.6-liter turbo diesel V8 engine that delivers 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque with a max trailering capacity of 35,500 lbs with a gooseneck hitch. The Silverado 3500HD doesn’t stop there and delivers the latest technology from advanced safety to trailering features, including its impressive trailering camera that offers up to 15 different angles, the most in the industry, to enhance the towing experience.

#5 The Best Light-Duty Used Diesel Truck: 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The best-selling 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 also makes our list as the best light-duty used diesel truck. The 1500’s Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine is quiet, powerful, and extremely efficient thanks to Chevrolet’s start-stop technology that turns the engine off when the brake is fully engaged and then automatically restarts the engine when the brake is disengaged for acceleration. This yields an above-average fuel economy of 23 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. As for towing, the 1500 holds its own with a max capability of 9,300 lbs.

#6 The Best Used Diesel on a Tight Budget: 2019 Chevrolet Colorado LT

Drivers looking for the best used diesel truck on a budget don’t have to look any further than the Chevrolet Colorado. The 2019 models started at $21,495 and offer plenty of power, performance, technology, and safety features, making the LT a great deal for drivers on a budget. It features a 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine that produces 200 horsepower and 149 lb-ft of torque with a max trailering capacity of 7,700 lbs and an outstanding fuel economy of 30 MPG on the highway. The Duramax also features a smart diesel exhaust braking system that enhances vehicle control and gives drivers greater confidence when traversing steep grades with heavy loads. Beyond this, the Colorado also features the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with optional safety and luxury upgrades like a heated steering wheel, powered leather seats, and more.

Choosing the Best Used Diesel Truck for Your Needs

Known for their power, performance, and hauling capability, diesel trucks are some of the most powerful workhorses on the road today. Thanks to advancing technology and the competitiveness of the automotive industry, manufacturers like Chevrolet and Ford continuously improve their diesel trucks to give drivers more options and greater performance behind the wheel. This is a win-win for drivers looking for a used diesel truck since they can snag a reliable truck with a long list of features at an affordable price and reap the benefits of the diesel’s long lifespan.

Are you ready to reap those benefits and get behind the wheel of a used diesel truck? If so, our team here at McCluskey Chevrolet is excited to help. We’re a one-stop-shop for all your vehicle needs. From our outstanding sales team to our certified service department, we’re here for you! Stop by our dealership today and take a look at all of the amazing used diesel trucks we have for sale.