Once exclusive to heavy-duty pickup trucks, diesel-powered engines have recently come to full-size light-duty trucks as well. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 are among the most popular vehicles sold in America, and each one now offers a diesel engine. But is it worth getting a diesel in a truck that isn't meant for heavy-duty use?
Diesel-powered engines for pickup trucks typically offer big gains in fuel economy, towing capability and driving range compared to regular gas-powered engines. But there's a catch: They cost thousands of dollars more than their gas engine counterparts. Figuring out whether it's money well spent can be difficult, especially when a gasoline V8 might work just as well for most light-duty truck shoppers' needs.
Edmunds compared each truck's maximum potential towing capacity and maximum potential fuel efficiency with gasoline engines versus the diesels. Just know that real-world fuel economy results will vary based on your particular truck's configuration and use. Fuel costs in your area will also play a part in the decision.