Summary
High torque is essential for the effortless transportation of weighty cargo when selecting a pickup truck.
Ford’s 6.7-liter Power Stroke Diesel V8 is the current champion, boasting 1,200 lb-ft of torque.
The strength of electric vehicles is illustrated by the Hummer EV’s 1,095 lb-ft torque, which is comparable to that of the Ford.
One of the most critical performance metrics to evaluate when selecting a new pickup vehicle is its torque figure. Given that trucks are frequently employed as workhorses that are expected to transport loads in a variety of conditions, high torque guarantees that they will be able to tow and haul hefty cargo with ease. Consequently, turbocharged diesel engines are frequently installed in pickup vehicles, as they typically offer exceptional fuel efficiency and a significant amount of low-end torque.
HotCars opted to investigate whether they can displace conventional diesel trucks and determine the most potent option for a truck buyer in 2024, as powerful electric pickup trucks are also beginning to dominate the market. It has been discovered that the traditional method remains the most effective, despite the fact that diesel engines have been in use for approximately 90 years. Let us examine the truck that ranks highest in terms of torque and the rationale behind it.
The Ford Power Stroke Diesel Engine Is the Most Torqueful Ever Developed
Ford Power Stroke V8 Specs
| Configuration | Turbo Diesel V8 |
| Displacement | 6.7 liters |
| Power | 500 hp |
| Torque | 1,200 lb-ft |
For the time being, the turbodiesel remains the most powerful engine available in a pickup vehicle. This triumph for the traditional methods is secured by Ford’s 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8, an engine that is included in the American manufacturer’s heavy-duty truck lineup. The engine was initially introduced in 2011 in this configuration and is used in the F-250, F-350, and super-size F-450 models.
Although its peak horsepower of 500 hp is quite impressive, the venerable 6.7-liter lump truly excels in terms of torque figures. The HO’s 1,200 lb-ft of torque is significantly greater than any other engine that has ever been installed in a pickup vehicle. This results in a 150-pound increase in weight over the standard 6.7-liter engine, which is attributed to a marginally upgraded turbo and more aggressive engine tuning.
Ford designed the Power Stroke to be more durable.
Although the gas-powered V8 engines in its heavy-duty range are equipped with a cast-iron block, the diesels are constructed from more durable compacted graphite iron. The standard version of the engine does not include a water-jacketed turbine, whereas the HO version does.
The Power Stroke Possesses an Abundant Payload Capacity
A ten-speed automatic transmission is included with the 6.7-liter V8, which is capable of operating in a variety of conditions. This transmission includes modes such as Normal, Slippery, and Tow/Haul. This, in conjunction with the substantial engine located beneath the hood, renders the F-Series vehicles quite robust in terms of their overall payload capacities.
The total payload is contingent upon the model selected; however, an F-250 with the largest truck bed is capable of transporting 22,000 lbs and carrying 3,900 lbs of weight. When selecting the F-350, the weight capacity increases to nearly 7,000 lbs and 23,000 lbs, respectively. Conversely, the F-450 can handle up to 6,500 lbs and 30,000 lbs. The towing capacity of the model can be further enhanced through the implementation of certain enhancements.
Therefore, it is theoretically feasible for the larger F-350 and F-450 vehicles to accommodate a comparable truck in their compartments; however, the precise positioning and securement of the truck are entirely different issues.
“The 2023 Hummer EV is the most torque-efficient electric pickup truck ever constructed.”
The 2023 Hummer EV Is The Torqueist EV Pickup Truck Ever Built
Hummer EV Specs
| Motor | Tri-motor layout |
| Power | 830 hp |
| Torque | 1,095 hp |
It will come as no surprise to many that an electric vehicle pickup is one of the most difficult pickup trucks ever produced. The torque figures of vehicles with electric powertrains are substantially higher than those of conventional combustion engines due to the fact that they generate a greater amount of rotational force to generate power.
EV trucks can be highly effective in transporting large payloads with minimal noise when combined with instant-power delivery. The Hummer EV pickup is a prime example of this new breed, which is leading the way in terms of torque. General Motors revived the renowned Hummer name under its GMC brand. However, this model was equipped with a powerful electric vehicle (EV) powertrain, in contrast to its predecessors, which were powered by inefficient V8 engines.
The trimotor configuration is the most potent of these, capable of generating 830 horsepower and 1,095 lb-ft of torque. While it is slightly less powerful than the Ford, it is still quite robust. Forget the need to transport construction supplies; a busy tradesperson could simply transport the factory where they are manufactured directly to their next job. The trimotor version of the Hummer EV pickup is capable of traveling approximately 314 miles on a full charge, and it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, according to Hummer. Not bad, given that the Hummer weighs an almost unfathomable 9,000 pounds.
All-Electric Hummer Is Equipped With Versatile Technology
An ‘Ultium Battery System’ is a feature of the Hummer EV, as defined by General Motors. This comprises two layers of battery cells, which are equipped with a sophisticated battery management system to guarantee that they operate at their optimal temperature regardless of the vehicle’s driving intensity.
Additionally, GM ensured that the UBS was designed in conjunction with the truck’s primary structure to improve the package’s robustness.
Additionally, the battery modules are arranged horizontally on the floor to reduce the weight’s impact on the ground. This enhances the distribution of weight and reduces the ungainliness of the Hummer in the bends. Additionally, the battery modules that contain the individual cells are equipped with stiffening ribs, which contribute to the body’s increased torsional rigidity.
The runner-up is the Cummins diesel engine that powers Ram trucks
Cummins Diesel Engine Specs
| Displacement | 6.7-liter turbodiesel |
| Power | 420 hp |
| Torque | 1,075 lb-ft |
Ram’s heavy-duty pickup vehicles are not far behind Ford’s turbodiesel and GM’s EV offerings in terms of the most torque-intensive trucks in history. Ram employs a turbocharged 6.7-liter diesel engine in its Ram 2500, 3500, and 4500 vehicle models, similar to its major competitor Ford. In contrast to Ford, the Ram trucks are equipped with an inline-six engine, as opposed to a V8.
Cummins, a renowned engine manufacturer, has a contract with the brand for the units. Cummins was recently involved in a dispute with the Justice Department. Their performance is quite impressive; however, they are only slightly inferior to Ford’s own offerings. The engine generates 420 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque when equipped with the High Output specification.
The Cummins powerplant is capable of transporting a payload of just over 6,500 lbs. when properly equipped, and it can also handle a weight of 37,000 lbs.
The three vehicles described in this article are capable of completing the majority of heavy-duty tasks with ease; however, the most demanding of the three is currently the dependable turbodiesel technology. However, the rapid advancement of EV technology may result in the newcomers inflicting a severe blow to Grandpa in the near future.