WELL, EVERYONE, the day has finally come: 1,000 lb-ft of torque can be had straight off the showroom floor, and two out of the three ½-ton pickups achieve an astonishing 30-plus-mpg rating from the EPA (one is pending but likely to hit that number as well). For 2020, there is a diesel-powered pickup truck for nearly every possible experience level. From the Chevrolet and GMC trucks that are light on driver assistance technology but big on towing capability to the Ford and Ram trucks that heap on the features, this year’s diesel segment is more capable and powerful than ever before. Vans have become even more efficient, and, in what we think is a positive sign of things to come, Ford introduces a new four-cylinder diesel engine in the Transit. Diesel is now more competitive, and the vehicles you have to choose from are better than years past.
We detail changes for the 2020 model year in the following pages, in addition to an overview of strengths and weaknesses for each truck and van. Whether you’re looking to tow or just want to experience the superior driveability and economy of a diesel-powered vehicle, 2020 is a great year to get out and drive something.
FORD SUPER DUTY F-250/F-350/F-450
WITH THE HEAVY-duty pickup segment really heating up, Ford is upping the ante with the ’20 Super Duty, which includes the F-250, F-350, and F-450 trucks. The Super Duty with the 6.7L Power Stroke V-8 is its most powerful and capable iteration yet, and to top it off, it’s equipped with an all-new 10-speed automatic transmission.
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EXTRAVAGANZA EXTRAORDINAIRE
EVERY YEAR, Scheid Diesel Extravaganza continues to increase in stature and draw people by the thousands from all over the U.S., Canada, and a few other points around the globe, to the Wabash Valley Fairgrounds in Terra Haute, Indiana.
BUILDERS' CHOICE
SHOW-WINNING, CUMMINS-POWERED ’47 INTERNATIONAL IS SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST A BEAUTY QUEEN
Getting (Un)Stuck
IN THE FIRST installment of this series, I explained how I, along with my wife and two dogs, took Vincent Van Go, my new-tome ’03 Ford E-350 with the venerable 7.3L powerplant, on his first adventure—and wound up at a secluded campsite (aptly named Camp Nada Lotta) in the Southern California desert.
BEST BUY
JOHNNY GILBERT DIDN’T HAVE TO LOOK FAR TO FIND THIS 800HP TOW RIG
Stand Tall
Our ’95 Ford F-350 Two-Wheel-Drive Dualie Gets Leveled and a Fresh Front End
Monster Mega
Magazine-influenced ’07 Dodge Ram Sports Unique Mods And A 650Hp Cummins
2020 Heavy-Duty Diesel Truck And Van Buyer's Guide
Four-Digit Torque Is Here
Van Life
AFTER MORE than 12 years as managing editor of Diesel Power,
Rocky Top Diesel Shootout 6
Great Racing + Great Weather = Perfect Weekend!
Torque: Rotary Diesel No Pistons Needed
Building a diesel engine that does not use traditional pistons may seem odd, but in today’s modern age of high efficiency, low emissions, and weight reduction, an engine with a nonconventional rotor may be the key to things to come.
