When you’re thinking about buying a truck, the lineup of Chevy trucks gives you more options than any other brand. You’ll find four different sizes with this brand, giving you several ways to have the truck you want. The one item that stands out and makes these trucks a little different is found in the engine bay. All four Chevy truck models offer a Duramax diesel engine as an option, making them the most versatile trucks in the market.

Chevy trucks offer more diesel engines than any other brand

Until the Jeep Gladiator arrived, no other brand in the market (except the corporate sibling, GMC) offered a diesel engine in their midsize truck. MotorTrend highlights this fact by giving us a list of these trucks. Chevy gives you this capability in all four models offered. The Duramax engines offered for these trucks are:

Chevy Colorado

2.8-liter turbocharged Duramax diesel four-cylinder engine

186 horsepower, 369 lb.-ft. of torque, 20/30 mpg (2WD), 19/29 (4WD), 18/22 (ZR2)

Tow rating 7,700 pounds

Chevy Silverado 1500

3.0-liter turbocharged Duramax diesel six-cylinder engine

277 horsepower, 460 lb.-ft. of torque, 23/31 mpg (RWD), 22/26 mpg (4WD)

Tow rating 13,300 pounds

Chevy Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD

6.6-liter turbocharged Duramax diesel V8 engine

445 horsepower, 910 lb.-ft. of torque

Tow rating 2500 HD 14,50 pounds

Tow rating 3500 HD 36,000 pounds

Doesn’t Ram have an impressive diesel engine?

Yes, the Cummins lineup of engines is impressive and lasts as long as the Duramax models from the Chevy trucks. Without a midsize truck in the lineup, Ram doesn’t match up with Chevy when it comes to the number of diesel-powered trucks. Until the new Ram Dakota arrives, Chevy still has the upper hand compared to Ram.

What about the Ford Power Stroke diesel engine?

Ford does offer an excellent diesel engine called Power Stroke. While this engine is impressive and powerful, there isn’t a version that fits into the Ford Ranger. In fact, the Ford Ranger only has one powertrain, which could be a bit of a shame for those used to buying Ford trucks with lots of engine options.

Do any other brands offer diesel engines?

We don’t expect to see the Toyota Tundra or Nissan Titan using diesel power, nor will we find one of these engines in their midsize trucks. When it comes to the power and performance of diesel, the Big Three of Ford, GM, and Ram have the desired equipment. Among these, the Chevy trucks, and subsequently GMC trucks as well, offer more variations of their diesel engines for the everyday consumer than any other brand.

Is the diesel engine of the Chevy Silverado 1500 a good engine?

Yes, the 3.0-liter Duramax engine is an excellent model. This engine reaches 95% of its peak torque at 1,250 rpm, giving an impressive amount of power early in the drive, according to Kelley Blue Book. This engine delivers the power desired and can often last more than 500,00 miles.

Does the 6.6-liter Duramax engine cause problems in Chevy trucks?

No, this big diesel engine is one of the most potent and useful engines in the market. According to Pro Source Diesel, this Duramax engine has one of the best post-emissions ratings. Considering this engine has evolved over several generations, any problems from previous models are gone.

How many miles with the 2.8-liter Duramax last?

Even though it’s the smallest of the three Duramax engines, this model should keep a Chevy Colorado on the road for as many as 500,000 miles. Chevy Guide tells us this is one of the most reliable diesel engines in the market. Considering this fact, the Chevy trucks with this engine will keep on going for a long time.

When did the Colorado receive a diesel engine?

The Chevy Colorado returned to the market for the 2015 model year, and the 2.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder Duramax diesel engine arrived the following year. It’s no wonder Chevy trucks have a let up on the competition in this part of the market.

Should you buy a Chevy truck with a Duramax engine?

If you’re looking for the most power and durability a truck engine can offer, you’ll want one of the four Chevy trucks with the Duramax engine under the hood. On the other hand, if you don’t want to spend more on fuel and on the price of the truck, you’ll likely want to stick with one of the gasoline-powered trucks.