
10 Trucks With Some Of The Most Toughest Engines

Some trucks roll off the lot ready to take a beating, while others gain their reputation after years of refusing to quit. The best ones? They combine high durability with engines that scoff at mileage. Are you looking for a truck that won’t disappoint you? Keep reading to meet the trucks with the strongest engines.
Ford F-250

The Ford F-250 has dominated worksites and highways. Much of its reputation comes from its powerhouse diesel engines, particularly the 7.3L Power Stroke V8. Introduced in the mid-’90s, this engine features a cast-iron block and direct fuel injection. Early models came with forged steel connecting rods, while later versions switched to powdered metal connecting rods.
Toyota Hilux

The Toyota Hilux is a global symbol of power. The 22R gasoline engine, a carbureted 2.4L inline-4 produced from the early ’80s through the late ’90s, is a key factor in its resilience. Additionally, the Hilux’s diesel engines, like the 2L-T, have also earned a reputation for incredible longevity.
Chevy Silverado 2500

When Chevy introduced the Silverado 2500, it aimed to build a heavy-duty truck capable of enduring brutal workloads. The Duramax 6.6L LBZ diesel (2006–2007) quickly gained a cult following. Its cast-iron block and high nickel-content heads, along with common-rail fuel injection, make it one of the most durable diesels ever built.
Dodge Ram 2500

The Dodge Ram 2500’s durability is owed to one legendary name: Cummins (1989–1998). The 5.9L 12-valve Cummins turbo-diesel revolutionized the heavy-duty truck market. With its inline-six design and gear-driven camshaft, it was built to last a lifetime. Unlike V8 diesels, which rely on complex valvetrain systems, this inline-six configuration reduces internal stress and wear.
Ford F-150

The Ford F-150 has been America’s best-selling truck for decades. One of its toughest gasoline engines is the 300 Inline-6 (1965–1996). This 4.9L pushrod engine has a bulletproof iron block, a simple design, and legendary reliability. It was a favorite among fleet operators, often long-lasting with minimal upkeep.
GMC Sierra 2500HD

Designed to handle heavy towing and punishing workloads, the GMC Sierra 2500HD features a durable chassis and powerful engine options. The 6.6L Duramax LB7 and LLY turbo-diesels, produced from 2001 to 2007, stand out for their forged steel internals and high-pressure fuel injection.
Chevy C/K 2500

Before the Silverado, Chevy’s C/K series trucks were the gold standard for durability. The 350 Small-Block V8 (1955–2002) powered these trucks for decades. Built with hydraulic lifters and a simplistic carbureted fuel system, this gasoline engine is nearly impossible to beat. This is why many Chevy C/K 2500s from the 1980s and 1990s are still in service.
Mack RD688

Mack trucks are synonymous with heavy-duty reliability, and the RD688 (1980s–2005) is a prime example. Its E7 engine, a 12.0L inline-six diesel, is engineered to withstand decades of usage. Designed for construction and heavy-haul applications, the E7 has a massive cast-iron block and wet-sleeve cylinder liners.
International 4700

The International 4700 isn’t a flashy truck but one of the toughest ever built. The key to its durability lies in the DT466 engine (1971–2016), a 7.6L inline-six diesel that’s virtually unbreakable. Unlike most engines, the DT466 is designed with replaceable cylinder liners that make it highly rebuildable.
Ford Super Duty F-350

When bigger jobs demand even more durability, the Ford Super Duty F-350 steps up. Built for extreme towing and heavy loads, it thrives in demanding industries like construction and agriculture. The 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine, introduced in 2011, comes with a compacted graphite iron block and an advanced turbocharger design.