If you are looking for true workhorses in the heavy-duty segment, this is the list for you. Nowadays, heavy-duty trucks are more than towing and hauling beasts. Basically, every heavy-duty truck now follows the path of the light-duty trucks that are looking closer to SUVs, especially on the inside. Of course, the goal is unchanged, so heavy-duty models are used for getting a job done. You can use heavy-duty trucks for construction sites, moving objects, and much more.
On the other hand, you can still use them for a casual city ride, as most of the models are offering a high level of comfort and great maneuverability. Hybrid and all-electric powertrains are slowly taking over, but most of the models on the list are still offering gasoline and diesel engines. Without further ado, here’s our list of the best heavy-duty trucks in the United States.
2023 RAM 2500
The upcoming 2023 RAM 2500 will continue with upgrades. It is one of the three most popular trucks in the heavy-duty segment. And while rivals such as Ford F-250 and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 are better in some categories, RAM 2500 provides a more upright interior design. Basically, if you are looking for a comfortable and modern truck, RAM 2500 is the answer. Of course, this model is an all-around player, as it provides nice styling and great performances.
The next 2023 model will offer the same engine lineup. A 6.4-liter V8 gasoline engine is standard once again, providing 410 hp, using 8-speed automatic transmission. However, the optional 6.7-liter turbodiesel engine will gain more power. Right now, this model generates 850 lb-ft of torque, and a new model will produce around 1,000 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, this truck has a towing capacity of 20,000 pounds. The new model will be able to tow even more, although the price will go up.
Click HERE for the 2023 RAM 2500 Review
2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty
The forthcoming 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty is another member of the “big three” in the heavy-duty segment. This truck is an amazing hauler, but it also provides an amazing list of high-tech features, a lot of trim levels, and much more. A new version will reportedly gain a major makeover. At this moment, we only saw a couple of spy photos, but anyway, expect a lot of cosmetic upgrades. Under the hood, the F-250 model hides a potent 7.3-liter gasoline V8.
It is the most powerful gasoline engine in the segment right now. Of course, there is an optional 6.7-liter diesel engine that is capable of towing up to 22,800 pounds. The standard engine delivers 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. On the other hand, a diesel powertrain is capable of producing 475 horses and 1050 lb-ft of torque. We don’t expect improvements in terms of performance. However, this amazing truck will get new bumpers, a new grille, headlights, taillights, and numerous interior upgrades.
Find out more about the Ford F-250 Super Duty HERE
2023 RAM 3500
The main difference between the RAM 2500 and RAM 3500 models is the towing and payload capacity. Logically, RAM 3500 outperforms its RAM 2500 sibling. The 2023 RAM 3500 will not receive major upgrades. We expect mild or minor updates only. One significant upgrade could be the Allison transmission for the diesel powertrain, while the gasoline engine will continue with the ZF-sourced transmission.
Like the RAM 2500, RAM 3500 provides the same 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine as standard. Optionally, the same Cummins turbodiesel engine is available as well. However, you can opt for the diesel output of 1075 lb-ft of torque, which is a significant improvement. Add new Allison transmission and you’ll get an impressive heavy-duty truck. Thanks to that, this model will be able to two 37,090 pounds. Further mechanical improvements are likely, so the 2023MY could arrive with even more impressive performance figures.
HERE is a complete 2023 RAM 3500 Review
2023 GMC Sierra 2500HD
The next 2023 GMC Sierra 2500HD is coming with mild updates. Nothing will change under the hood, and both the exterior and the interior will introduce a couple of upgrades. However, we don’t expect a major overhaul just yet. Sierra 2500HD is a very modern truck, we’d say more modern than the rest of the segment. If you choose the Denali trim level, you’ll get the most premium heavy-duty truck that you can imagine.
On the other hand, a 6.6-liter V8 engine develops 400 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. A 6.6-liter V8 turbodiesel engine is good for 445 hp and 900 lb-ft of torque. While not as powerful as some top-dogs, Sierra2500HD still provides almost 18,500 pounds of towing capacity. On top of that, if you are looking for superb ride quality and great maneuverability, Sierra should be your choice.
Find out everything about the 2023 GMC Sierra 2500HD HERE
2023 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
This is the truck that will get a lot of changes and upgrades. The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD introduces a redesign and it will also gain more power. Thanks to that, the new model will look significantly better and the cabin will be more modern and equipped with more tech. However, the highlight of the new Silverado 2500HD should be a more powerful output. Reportedly, this model will have the same powertrain options as the outgoing model.
However, a reliable Duramax V8 diesel engine will allegedly produce 505 hp and 1085 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to that, this engine will be the first diesel unit in the segment with a power of over 500 horses. It is a serious upgrade, so the 2023 Silverado 2500HD will surely provide over 35,000 pounds of towing capacity. The standard gasoline engine will remain. This 6.6-liter V8 engine is rated at 400 horsepower and a torque of 465 lb-ft.
HERE is everything you need to know about the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
2023 Ford F-350 Super Duty
Like the F-250 model, the new 2023 Ford F-350 Super Duty will use the same powertrain options. Furthermore, both models are offering the same cab styles, the same interior design, and much more. Again, the main difference is in the towing and hauling ability. The F-350 model has a towing capacity of 32,000 pounds. On the other hand, F-250 provides 22,800 pounds. The same is with the payload rating, 7,650 against 4,270 pounds.
Basically, if you only want to work with specific items, F-250 is your choice. However, if you want to do serious heavy-duty jobs, then the F-350 Super Duty truck is the way to go. Both models are similarly priced, as the difference is truly minor. The sales will begin later in 2022 and the price will be slightly increased.
2023 Ford F-350 Super Duty Review is HERE
2023 GMC Sierra 3500HD
The 2023 GMC Sierra 3500HD is also known for its hauling abilities. This model can tow up to 24,000 pounds with the standard box. Moreover, provides 16,550 pounds of towing capacity with the conventional or the gooseneck hitch. Again, both diesel and gasoline engines are on offer. We’d recommend a crew cab long box variant.
The interior is premium enough in the entry-level version and luxurious in the range-topping trim levels. Reports are saying the Sierra 3500HD will provide more power than the outgoing model. The rest of this heavy-duty truck will provide mild upgrades, just enough to keep the truck competitive.
HERE is ours 2023 GMC Sierra 3500HD review
2023 Nissan Titan XD
The new 2023 Nissan XD is also about to introduce numerous upgrades. Interestingly, it is the only truck on the list that is not a part of the Ford, Ram, or General Motors. The Japanese manufacturer has big plans for the Titan model. One of the most impressive things about this truck is the XD variant. This model slots somewhere between the light-duty and heavy-duty segments. However, many experts will confirm that this is actually a heavy-duty truck. A new version will gain more premium materials. Only the crew cab setup is currently available.
The Nissan Titan XD will reportedly arrive with a new twin-turbo engine. Regular Titan comes with a 5.6-liter V8 engine. However, the twin-turbo V6 engine will be a smaller displacement, but it will provide more or less the same performance. The goal is to improve efficiency and this is how Nissan gets it done. The XD version is a diesel-powered truck. Thanks to that, a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 330 hp and 555 lb-ft of torque will remain.
2023 Nissan Titan XD – Everything you need to know is HERE
2023 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
The all-new 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD is one of the biggest models in the heavy-duty segment. Upgrades are coming and some of them will be dramatic. Like the Silverado 2500, its sibling will gain the same engine improvements as well. Thanks to that, we expect a significant increase in terms of heavy-duty abilities. The Duramax diesel engine is optional but we’d highly recommend it to anyone. Base V8 gasoline engine develops 400 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, using a six-speed automatic transmission.
On the other hand, a 6.6-liter V8 diesel is producing 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. Moreover, a 10-speed automatic transmission is available. Expect serious improvements in terms of engine power, so the new Silverado 3500HD could become the segment leader in terms of towing capacity.
2023 RAM 2500 Power Wagon
The last model on this list is the 2023 RAM 2500 Power Wagon. This isn’t a heavy-duty workhorse. Quite the opposite as the Power Wagon is an off-road beast. Unfortunately, this model will not offer a diesel engine, despite numerous rumors. A 6.4-liter V8 Hemi gasoline engine remains the only powertrain choice at the moment. This truck comes with a more aggressive design and wilder character. It is the ultimate off-road-oriented truck that can take you anywhere.
The manufacturer offers a lot of off-road equipment, including skid plates, unique suspension, larger wheels, and chunkier tires. The Power Wagon produces 410 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Moreover, a four-wheel-drive system comes as standard. If you are looking for a hauling beast, this is not a model for you. However, if you are a real truck enthusiast who seeks off-road adventures, the Power Wagon is the best possible choice.
HERE is what we know about the 2023 RAM 2500 Power Wagon
