These days, hybrid and electric pickup trucks are all the rage. Between the introduction of the Ford F-150 Lightning to the recent unveiling of the all-new Ford Maverick, you might even find yourself asking if buying a diesel pickup truck is worth it. The good news, however, is that there are plenty of new diesel pickups worth your consideration. And according to Edmunds? The following models make up the best new diesel pickup trucks of 2021.

Why buy a new diesel truck?

There are several reasons to consider buying a new diesel truck. In fact, Autotrader reports that there are quite a few benefits to choosing a diesel truck over a gas-powered one. First and foremost, diesel trucks can often tow more than their gas-powered counterparts. 

Diesel trucks are typically more fuel-efficient than gas-powered trucks too. As a matter of fact, diesel engines are 15% more efficient than gas engines, Autotrader reports. That’s not all, either. Unlike gas-powered pickups, diesel trucks have better resale value.

The 2021 Ford F-150 diesel is one of the best new diesel pickups, according to Edmunds

Sure, Ford recently unveiled an all-electric version of the iconic Ford F-150. But if it’s a new diesel truck that you’re after? The 2021 Ford F-150 is one of the best new diesel pickups on the market today, Edmunds reports. 

Available with a turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel V6 engine under the hood, the Ford F-150 diesel achieves 250-hp at 3,250 rpm and 440 pound-feet of torque at 1,750 rpm. With this diesel engine under the hood, the F-150 also boasts a maximum towing capacity of 12,100-pounds. It can manage a max payload of 1,840-pounds too.

An available diesel engine isn’t the only reason Edmunds highlighted the Ford F-150 as one of the best new diesel pickup trucks either. This year’s model is also available with a slew of sought-after features. Take, for example, features like Pro Power Onboard, which functions as a mobile generator.

Pick the 2021 Jeep Gladiator for one of the best new diesel pickups

As iconic as the Ford F-150 is, maybe it’s just not the right new diesel pickup for you. The good news is that Edmunds also included the 2021 Jeep Gladiator among its picks for the best new diesel pickup trucks. And, much like the Ford F-150 diesel, the Jeep Gladiator diesel has plenty to offer. 

With its available 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine under the hood, the 2021 Jeep Gladiator boasts a best-in-class torque rating of up to 442 pound-feet. It also offers up to 260-hp. And when it comes to maximum towing power? The Jeep Gladiator diesel is rated to tow up to 6,500 pounds.

“More than just an extra powertrain choice, this addition gives the Gladiator even greater appeal if you’re one for road-tripping or overlanding and want the most range possible out of your rig,” Edmunds added.

The 2021 Ram 2500 is a new diesel pickup truck with serious towing power

Edmunds also included the 2021 Ram 2500 among its picks for the best new diesel pickup trucks. Available with a 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel I6 engine under the hood, this year’s Ram 2500 offers no shortage of power. In fact, with a Cummins diesel engine under the hood, the Ram 2500 boasts 370-hp and 850 pound-feet of torque. It can also tow up to 20,000-pounds. 

That’s not all that the 2021 Ram 2500 has going for it. As a matter of fact, since its debut just two years ago, Edmunds reports that the latest version of the Ram 2500 has also “set new benchmarks for the class when it comes to ride smoothness, interior luxury and touchscreen size.” 

Edmunds isn’t the only one to think so either. According to Car and Driver, the Ram 2500 rides better than both the heavy-duty Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra. The Ram 2500 is also far more luxurious than many of its competitors. So much, so that Car and Driver gave this year’s model an Editors’ Choice award.

How to pick the best new diesel pickup for your towing and hauling needs

When it comes to shopping for the best new diesel pickup, you’ve got plenty of options to consider. But to determine the best option for your towing and hauling needs? Well, that’s going to take a test drive.