Engines play an indispensable role in automobiles. Rightly called powerhouses, they supply all the power the vehicle needs to perform. However, different engines have different reliabilities and vehicles like trucks need the best types to perform heavy duties. Here are 15 of the most durable American truck engines ever produced.

Ford 7.3L Power Stroke V8

The Ford 7.3L Power Stroke V8 engine, introduced in 2020, is designed to deliver impressive power and torque. This turbocharged diesel engine produces 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. Furthermore, the 7.3L incorporates modern technology for enhanced fuel economy and reduced emissions. Its key features include an iron block construction for durability under stress, a forged steel crankshaft, and piston cooling jets to manage heat.

Source: MotorTrend

Ram 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6

Inline-six configurations improve balance and smooth operation in the Ram 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6. It generates up to 400 horsepower and 1,000 lb-ft of torque, showcasing its capability for heavy-duty towing. Designed for reliability under strenuous conditions, the Ram 6.7L incorporates advanced technologies like a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology.

Source: Ram Trucks

Chevrolet Duramax 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel

All Duramax-equipped trucks can easily handle heavy loads, with a peak horsepower of around 445 hp and a torque output of approximately 910 lb-ft. Its power is efficiently managed through modernized features like variable geometry turbocharging and a high-pressure common-rail fuel injection system. The Duramax 6.6L engine is also durable and reliable, with a sturdy cast-iron block and aluminum cylinder heads.

Source: Chevrolet

Ford 6.2L V8 Boss

Introduced in 2010, the naturally aspirated Ford 6.2L V8 Boss engine is built for high-performance applications. The V8 Boss is mated to a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission and has a dual-equal variable cam timing (Ti-VCT) system that optimizes power.It has aluminum cylinder heads and a cast iron block, producing around 385 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. 

Source: Ford

Ram 5.7L HEMI V8

This engine has 5.7 liters displacement and uses a hemispherical combustion chamber design. The result is an impressive 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. Advanced technological qualities like Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and Fuel Saver Technology (cylinder deactivation) improve fuel management by seamlessly transitioning between eight and four-cylinder modes as needed. Such quality enhances fuel management during light-load driving and provides ample power when required.

Source: Ram Trucks

Chevrolet 5.3L V8 EcoTec3

The Chevrolet 5.3L V8 EcoTec3’s power, output, and versatility make it a popular choice in Chevrolet’s truck lineup. Focusing on fuel economy, the 5.3L provides optimum performance and possesses direct fuel injection, Active Fuel Management (AFM), and Variable Valve Timing (VVT). It incorporates aluminum cylinder heads and a lightweight composite intake manifold, while its output is 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque.

Source: Chevrolet

Ford 3.5L EcoBoost V6

Known for its sturdiness, this twin-turbocharged engine’s latest models generate 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The EcoBoost technology enhances fuel management while ensuring performance and uses direct fuel injection and turbocharging to optimize power delivery across the RPM range. Additionally, Ford has integrated modernized qualities such as variable valve timing and a robust aluminum block construction to enhance power output.

Source: Ford

Chevrolet 6.2L V8 EcoTec3

Chevrolet’s 6.2L V8 EcoTec3 engine has 6.2 liters of displacement, direct fuel injection, variable valve timing, and Active Fuel Management (AFM). It yields 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque and is capable of heavy-duty towing and haulage. Furthermore, its aluminum cylinder heads and forged steel crankshaft enhance durability and reduce weight. The EcoTec3 pairs with an automatic transmission or a manual gearbox, depending on the model and trim level.

Source: Chevrolet

Ram 6.4L HEMI V8

The Ram 6.4L HEMI V8 engine is a naturally aspirated, 6.4-liter displacement engine that delivers about 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with fuel-saving technology, the Ram 6.4L HEMI V8 balances power efficiently, seamlessly transitioning between eight and four cylinders to save fuel. The engine joins with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission, ensuring precise gear changes to optimize power delivery.

Source: Ram Trucks

Ford 6.7L Power Stroke V8

As of the latest versions, the Ford 6.7L Power Stroke V8 provides 475 horsepower and a staggering 1,050 lb-ft of torque, designating it as one of the most powerful engines in its class. This powerhouse was introduced in 2011 and has since undergone several updates. The 6.7L’s main characteristics include an advanced turbocharging system, a high-pressure common-rail fuel injection system, and a compacted graphite iron (CGI) block.

Source: Ford

Chevrolet 4.3L V6 EcoTec3

Designed with durability and capability, the Chevrolet 4.3L V6 EcoTec3 engine delivers 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque. Advanced features like direct injection and variable valve timing increase its effectiveness. One of the engine’s standout features is the Active Fuel Management system, contributing to its EPA-estimated fuel management figures. Built on a cast aluminum block and incorporating durable components, this engine can effectively handle demanding workloads.

Source: Chevrolet

Ram 3.0L EcoDiesel V6

As a turbocharged diesel engine, it delivers 260 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. Its innovative design includes a high-pressure common rail fuel injection unit and a variable geometry turbocharger that optimizes fuel delivery and enhances overall effectiveness. Beyond its performance, the Ram 3.0L prioritizes fuel economy, and its low-end torque allows for confident off-the-line acceleration.

Source: Ram Trucks 

Ford 5.0L Coyote V8

Another prominent engine in Ford’s truck lineup is the Ford 5.0L Coyote V8. With a displacement of 5.0 liters, it uses a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) configuration for enhanced efficiency and power delivery. Moreover, the Ford 5.0L is designed with an aluminum block and cylinder heads. High-revving in nature, the Coyote V8 produces around 395 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque.

Source: Ford

Chevrolet 2.7L Turbo I4

Chevrolet’s 2.7L Turbo I4 engine is a compact yet powerful option featuring a turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-4 configuration. The engine has impressive specifications, producing up to 310 horsepower and 348 lb-ft of torque. High power outputs are achieved through technologies like direct fuel injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger, which optimize combustion efficiency. It is often paired with Chevrolet’s advanced transmission systems to enhance efficiency and driving dynamics.

Source: Chevrolet

Ram 3.6L Pentastar V6

This engine is designed to be reliable and low-maintenance due to its durable components. It has a displacement of 3.6 liters and employs a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) design with variable valve timing (VVT). Such configuration yields 305 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque. Features like sequential multi-port fuel injection (SMPFI) provide precise fuel delivery.

Source: Ram Trucks