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Which Diesel Engine Equipped Truck in Our Inventory is Right for You?

Cummins vs Power Stroke vs Duramax: Used Diesel Truck Buyer’s Guide

If you are shopping for a used diesel truck, there is a good chance you are comparing the three biggest names in the heavy-duty truck world: Ram Cummins, Ford Power Stroke, and Chevrolet/GMC Duramax.

At Highline Trucks in Woodstock, GA, we specialize in clean pre-owned diesel trucks, lifted trucks, heavy-duty pickups, dually trucks, and premium SUVs. Many of our customers are comparing trucks from 2017 to current, which is one of the strongest eras for modern diesel pickups.

Each platform has its own strengths. Ram is known for the Cummins inline-six and strong towing reputation. Ford Super Duty trucks are known for big power, high towing numbers, and luxury trim options. Chevrolet and GMC HD trucks are known for the Duramax diesel, Allison-branded transmissions, independent front suspension, and smooth drivability.

Ram Cummins Diesel Trucks

Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 trucks use the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel inline-six. Unlike Ford and GM, which use V8 diesel engines, the Cummins is an inline-six design. That is one reason Cummins trucks have such a loyal following among towing, work truck, and long-distance diesel buyers.

2017–2018 Ram Cummins

The 2017–2018 Ram HD trucks are still very popular in the used market. During these years, the 6.7L Cummins was available with multiple ratings depending on transmission and truck configuration. Ram’s 2017 brochure listed the 6.7L Cummins with the 68RFE automatic at 370 hp and 800 lb-ft of torque, while Ram 3500 models with the Aisin heavy-duty automatic were rated at 385 hp and 900 lb-ft of torque.

These years are popular because they still have the older body style, strong mechanical reputation, and a large aftermarket for lifts, wheels, tires, tuning, and towing upgrades.

2019–2024 Ram Cummins

Ram redesigned the Heavy Duty lineup for 2019. The big story was the available High Output Cummins in the Ram 3500, which became the first factory diesel pickup engine to reach 1,000 lb-ft of torque. Ram paired the High Output Cummins with the Aisin AS69RC six-speed automatic, while standard-output Cummins trucks commonly used the 68RFE six-speed automatic.

For many used-truck buyers, the choice between a Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 matters. Ram 2500 trucks are known for a smoother ride, largely because of their rear coil spring suspension. Ram 3500 trucks use a more traditional heavy-duty rear leaf spring setup, which is generally preferred for heavier towing and payload use.

2025-Current Ram Cummins

For 2025, Ram made one of the biggest updates in years. The Cummins was updated to 430 hp and 1,075 lb-ft of torque, and Ram replaced the previous six-speed diesel transmissions with a new TorqueFlite HD eight-speed automatic, based on the ZF PowerLine transmission family.

This is a major change for buyers who want the Cummins engine but also want a more modern transmission feel.

Why Buyers Like Ram Cummins Trucks

Ram Cummins trucks are a strong choice for buyers who want:

Popular trims include Big Horn, Laramie, Limited, Longhorn, Mega Cab, Night Edition, and dually configurations.

Ford Super Duty Power Stroke Diesel Trucks

Ford F-250 and F-350 trucks use the 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel. From 2017-current, the Super Duty has gone through several major updates, making year model especially important when comparing used trucks.

2017–2019 Ford Super Duty

Ford redesigned the Super Duty for 2017 with a high-strength aluminum-alloy body and updated chassis. These trucks commonly used the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel paired with the 6R140 TorqShift six-speed automatic transmission.

These trucks are still very popular because they offer strong capability, modern styling, and a good balance of value compared to newer 10-speed trucks.

2020–2022 Ford Super Duty

For 2020, Ford made a major powertrain update. The 6.7L Power Stroke increased to 475 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque, and Ford moved diesel Super Duty trucks from the older six-speed to the 10R140 TorqShift 10-speed automatic transmission.

This is one of the most important changes for used Ford diesel shoppers. The 10-speed gives the truck a more modern driving feel, better gear spacing, and strong towing performance.

2023-Current Ford Super Duty

Ford redesigned the Super Duty again for 2023 and added an available High Output 6.7L Power Stroke. The standard 6.7L Power Stroke is rated at 475 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque, while the High Output version is rated at 500 hp and 1,200 lb-ft of torque.

Current Super Duty trucks are among the strongest factory diesel pickups available and offer advanced towing technology, large screens, premium interiors, and high-end trims.

Ford Suspension and Options

Ford Super Duty trucks use a solid front axle on 4WD models, which is one reason they are popular for lifted builds and heavy-duty use. F-250 and F-350 trucks are commonly seen with leveling kits, suspension lifts, larger wheels and tires, and heavy towing setups.

Popular trim levels include XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Limited, Tremor, and dually models.

Why Buyers Like Ford Power Stroke Trucks

Ford Super Duty trucks are a strong choice for buyers who want:

Chevrolet & GMC Duramax Diesel Trucks

Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD trucks use the 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8. These trucks are known for smooth power delivery, comfortable road manners, and the Duramax/Allison reputation.

2017–2019 Chevrolet/GMC Duramax

For 2017, GM introduced the L5P 6.6L Duramax, rated at 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque. These trucks were paired with the Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2017–2019 Duramax trucks are popular because they introduced the stronger L5P engine while keeping the previous body style. Many buyers like this generation because it combines modern diesel power with a familiar, proven platform.

2020–2023 Chevrolet/GMC Duramax

GM redesigned the HD trucks for 2020. The 6.6L Duramax remained rated at 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque, but the big change was the move to the Allison-branded 10-speed automatic transmission.

The 2020 redesign also brought a stronger frame, updated towing technology, improved packaging, larger trucks overall, and updated interior and exterior styling. MotorTrend noted the 2020 trucks featured a stronger frame, improved independent front suspension, a new transfer case for 4WD models, and the new Allison 10-speed behind the Duramax.

2024-Current Chevrolet/GMC Duramax

For 2024, GM updated the Duramax again. Current Silverado HD and Sierra HD diesel trucks are rated at 470 hp and 975 lb-ft of torque. Chevrolet lists the current Silverado HD diesel with up to 36,000 lbs of max available towing when properly equipped.

The 2024 refresh also brought updated front-end styling, improved interiors on many trims, larger infotainment screens, and more premium technology.

GM Suspension and Driving Feel

One major difference with Chevrolet and GMC HD trucks is the use of independent front suspension instead of a solid front axle. This helps give many Duramax trucks a smoother, more comfortable road feel, especially for daily driving and highway use.

For lifted trucks, independent front suspension can still be lifted and modified, but the parts and setup are different from Ford and Ram solid-axle trucks.

Popular trims include LT, LTZ, High Country, AT4, Denali, Denali Ultimate, and dually configurations.

Why Buyers Like Duramax Trucks

Chevrolet and GMC Duramax trucks are a strong choice for buyers who want:

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