When it comes to pickup trucks, the engine is the heart of the machine. It dictates capability, performance, and overall utility, especially for those who rely on their trucks for heavy lifting and towing. Choosing the right engine is paramount when searching for the Best Truck On The Market to meet your specific needs.
To simplify your search and guide you towards making an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 pickup truck engines available today. This selection isn’t solely based on raw power or size; we’ve considered a range of options, from efficient four-cylinders to robust V8s, to help you navigate the diverse landscape of pickup truck engines and find the best truck that fits your requirements.
Ford 2.3-Liter Four-Cylinder EcoBoost: Efficiency Meets Power in the Ranger
Ford’s strategic move to equip the reintroduced Ranger mid-size pickup with a single, yet potent, engine choice has paid off. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers an impressive 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This power output rivals many V6 engines, proving that you don’t need a larger engine to get the job done. The EcoBoost is seamlessly paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, optimizing power delivery and efficiency.
Fuel economy is a significant advantage of the 2.3-liter EcoBoost. The 2020 Ford Ranger achieves up to 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, with a combined rating of 23 mpg. Beyond fuel savings, this engine empowers the Ranger with a payload capacity of up to 1,860 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds when properly equipped, making it a versatile contender for the title of best truck on the market in the mid-size segment.
GM 2.7-Liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder: Revolutionizing Full-Size Truck Engines
The notion of a four-cylinder engine in a full-size pickup truck was once considered unconventional. However, General Motors has challenged this perception with its innovative 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Boasting 310 horsepower and 348 pound-feet of torque in the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2020 GMC Sierra 1500, this engine delivers a remarkable 22% increase in torque compared to the company’s 4.3-liter V6, while also enhancing fuel efficiency.
This engine incorporates advanced technologies such as cylinder deactivation, dynamic cam timing, and cam profile changes, adapting to varying power demands. An electric water pump further minimizes parasitic drag, boosting efficiency. Both the Silverado and Sierra equipped with this four-cylinder engine achieve an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, making them fuel-conscious options in the full-size truck category and raising the bar for what constitutes the best truck on the market for efficiency.
GM 3.0-Liter Duramax Turbodiesel V6: Diesel Efficiency and Towing Power in Light-Duty Trucks
For those seeking diesel power in a light-duty package, the 3.0-liter Duramax V6 turbodiesel available in the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 is a compelling option. This engine produces 277 horsepower and a robust 460 pound-feet of torque, paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission and the choice of rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.
Fuel economy is a standout feature, with rear-wheel-drive models achieving 23 mpg city and an impressive 30 mpg highway. Four-wheel-drive versions still offer a respectable 22 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, with a combined 24 mpg. The Duramax engine also equips the trucks with a diesel exhaust brake system, a valuable asset when towing downhill. It allows for towing up to 7,400 pounds and a payload of up to 2,378 pounds, positioning these trucks as strong contenders for the best truck on the market for fuel-efficient towing.
Honda 3.5-Liter V6: Refinement and Reliability in the Ridgeline
Honda, while not always top-of-mind in the truck segment, offers a gem in the 2020 Honda Ridgeline with its 3.5-liter V6 engine. This engine is renowned for its smooth operation and proven reliability, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The Ridgeline provides a payload capacity of up to 1,580 pounds and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while achieving fuel economy ratings of up to 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
Honda pairs this V6 with a six-speed automatic transmission and either front-wheel drive or an intelligent all-wheel-drive system. The Ridgeline’s unique independent rear suspension, combined with the V6 engine, provides a car-like driving experience, setting it apart from traditional body-on-frame trucks. Furthermore, J.D. Power recognizes the Ridgeline for its “great” quality and reliability, making it a strong candidate for the best truck on the market for drivers prioritizing comfort and dependability.
Ford 3.5-Liter High Output EcoBoost V6: Unleashing Power in the F-150
Ford’s F-150 offers a wide array of engine choices, but the 3.5-liter EcoBoost High Output V6 stands out for its sheer power. This twin-turbocharged V6 engine produces an astounding 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed transmission to optimize gear ratios, this engine propels the F-150 to speeds rivaling many sports cars. The HO EcoBoost is available in the off-road-oriented F-150 Raptor and the luxurious F-150 Limited.
Equipped with the HO EcoBoost, the Raptor can tow up to 8,000 pounds, while the Limited can handle up to 11,100 pounds. Payload capacities are 1,200 pounds for the Raptor and 1,520 pounds for the Limited. Fuel economy is EPA-rated at 15 mpg city and 18 mpg highway for the Raptor, and 17 mpg city and 21 mpg highway for the Limited. This engine firmly places the F-150, particularly in Raptor and Limited trims, in the conversation for the best truck on the market for performance and luxury.
Nissan 5.6-Liter V8 Endurance: Robust V8 Power for the Titan
Nissan enters the V8 arena with its powerhouse 5.6-liter V8 Endurance engine in the 2020 Titan pickup line. This engine delivers a solid 390 horsepower and 394 pound-feet of torque. The Endurance V8 is matched with a seven-speed automatic transmission and offers rear-wheel or four-wheel drive configurations.
In the single-cab Titan, this engine enables a payload of 1,850 pounds and a towing capacity of up to 9,660 pounds. The Titan XD, a heavier-duty variant, can tow up to 11,680 pounds and carry up to 2,990 pounds with this V8. The EPA rates the fuel economy of the standard Titan at 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway. As a heavy-duty truck, the Titan XD is not EPA-rated for fuel economy. The 5.6-liter V8 makes the Nissan Titan a strong contender for those seeking the best truck on the market with traditional V8 power.
Ram 5.7-Liter Hemi V8: Popular Power and Hybrid Efficiency in the Ram 1500
Ram has significantly impacted the truck market with the redesigned Ram 1500, and the 5.7-liter Hemi engine is a major draw for buyers. On its own, this engine delivers 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, paired with a smooth eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission. Adding to its appeal, the Hemi is also available with the optional eTorque mild-hybrid system, which provides up to 130 pound-feet of additional torque at lower speeds, enhancing both performance and efficiency.
Equipped with the 5.7-liter Hemi and eTorque, the 2020 RAM 1500 boasts a best-in-class towing capacity of up to 12,750 pounds and a payload rating 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. With an optional 33-gallon fuel tank, drivers can achieve a remarkable range of up to 750 miles on a single tank with the eTorque V8. The Ram 1500 with the 5.7L Hemi, especially with eTorque, is a strong contender for the best truck on the market, balancing power, towing, and modern efficiency.
Toyota 5.7-Liter V8 i-FORCE: Proven Reliability in the Tundra
Toyota has consistently offered the Tundra full-size pickup with its reliable 5.7-liter i-FORCE DOHC V8 engine since 2007. This engine produces 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission and the option of rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.
The longevity of the 5.7-liter i-FORCE engine is a testament to its exceptional reliability. This engine empowers the 2020 Toyota Tundra with a towing capacity of up to 10,200 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,730 pounds. For optimal towing performance, specifying the tow package is recommended, as it adds essential engine and transmission oil coolers. Fuel economy for the Tundra is rated at 13 mpg city and 18 mpg highway. The Toyota Tundra, with its long-standing 5.7L i-FORCE V8, is often considered the best truck on the market for long-term reliability and dependability.
GM 6.2-Liter EcoTec3 V8: Advanced Fuel Management for Power and Efficiency
At the top of the engine lineup for the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2020 GMC Sierra 1500, you’ll find the potent 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine. This robust V8 delivers 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. GMC and Chevrolet pair this engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive for maximum capability. Trucks equipped with this engine can tow up to 9,300 pounds and handle a payload of up to 2,165 pounds in the bed.
What truly distinguishes this engine is its Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) technology. DFM allows the engine to deactivate cylinders when not needed, conserving fuel. Unlike previous cylinder deactivation systems, DFM can seamlessly switch the engine into any of 17 different firing patterns, utilizing varying numbers of cylinders based on real-time power demands. This sophisticated system operates so smoothly that drivers are often unaware of its activity. The 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 helps position the Silverado and Sierra as the best truck on the market for those wanting a blend of powerful V8 performance and surprising fuel efficiency.
Ford 6.7-Liter Power Stroke Turbodiesel V8: Heavy-Duty Torque King for Super Duty Trucks
Ford has elevated its legendary 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbodiesel for the 2020 model year, available in the Ford F-Series Super Duty truck line. This engine now produces a formidable 475 horsepower and an astounding 1,050 pound-feet of torque. Ford matches this powerhouse with a heavy-duty 10-speed automatic transmission.
This immense power translates to a towing capacity of up to 24,200 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 7,850 pounds for the Ford Super Duty. Ford backs this engine with a five-year or 100,000-mile warranty, demonstrating their confidence in its durability. As with other heavy-duty trucks, the EPA does not provide fuel economy ratings for the Super Duty. The 6.7-liter Power Stroke firmly establishes the Ford Super Duty as a leader and arguably the best truck on the market in the heavy-duty segment, particularly for demanding towing and hauling tasks.
Conclusion:
The quest for the best truck on the market ultimately depends on individual needs and priorities. Whether you prioritize fuel efficiency, towing capacity, reliability, or raw power, the diverse range of engines available in today’s pickup trucks ensures there’s a perfect match for every driver. From the efficient four-cylinders to the torque-rich diesel V8s and powerful gasoline V8s, manufacturers are pushing the boundaries of truck engine technology, delivering impressive performance and capability across the board. This list provides a starting point to explore the engine options and find the best truck to conquer your specific tasks and adventures.
