The Heavy Hitters Of 2025
If you need serious towing power, rugged durability, and torque that feels endless, heavy-duty trucks are where legends are made. For 2025, manufacturers have stepped up with even stronger engines, improved payload capacity, and cutting-edge tech. According to JD Power, these are the best heavy-duty pickups for 2025.
#25 – Nissan Titan XD
The Titan XD bridges light-duty and heavy-duty. It packs a 5.6L Endurance V8 with 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 9-speed automatic. With up to 11,050 lbs of towing, it’s capable but trails in refinement and aftermarket support compared to domestic HD rivals.
#24 – Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Custom
Powered by a 6.6L V8 gas engine (401 hp, 464 lb-ft) or optional Duramax diesel (470 hp, 975 lb-ft), the Silverado 2500HD Custom offers serious grunt. With max towing around 22,500 lbs, it’s brawny but basic, appealing to worksite buyers who prioritize strength over luxury.
#23 – Ford F-250 XL
The 2025 F-250 XL features Ford’s 6.8L V8 gas engine (405 hp, 445 lb-ft) and optional 7.3L Godzilla V8. With up to 23,000 lbs towing, it’s a workhorse for entry-level fleet users. Interior tech is minimal, but capability and dependability remain Ford-strong.
REVIEW | 2025 Ford F-250 XL, Heritage Ford
#22 – Ram 2500 Tradesman
This bare-bones hauler delivers serious value with its 6.4L HEMI V8 (410 hp, 429 lb-ft) or the optional 6.7L Cummins diesel (370 hp, 850 lb-ft). With a towing ceiling near 20,000 lbs, it’s ideal for jobsite pros who prefer reliability over luxury.
#21 – GMC Sierra 2500HD Pro
The Sierra 2500HD Pro matches the Silverado in specs: a 6.6L gas or optional Duramax diesel. Its towing hits 22,500 lbs, and GMC’s refined suspension tuning gives it a smoother ride. While the Pro trim is basic, build quality and engine durability shine.
#20 – Ford Super Duty Tremor (F-250/F-350)
Ford’s Tremor package turns its Super Duty trucks into serious off-roaders. Equipped with 35-inch tires, lifted suspension, and locking diffs, it keeps the same 7.3L gas or 6.7L diesel engines. Its unique balance of work capability and trail toughness earns it a solid spot.
#19 – Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD LT
With a max towing capacity of 36,000 lbs (Duramax diesel), the Silverado 3500HD is a true workhorse. Its Allison 10-speed transmission keeps torque steady, and upgraded trailering tech makes hauling simpler. It’s not flashy, but its sheer pulling power makes it formidable.
#18 – Ram 3500 Big Horn
The Ram 3500 Big Horn runs the legendary Cummins turbo-diesel with up to 420 hp and 1,075 lb-ft of torque. That means it can tow nearly 37,000 lbs when properly configured. It’s built for serious work but also boasts an upscale interior for long days.
#17 – GMC Sierra 3500HD SLE
Sharing the 6.6L Duramax diesel and 10-speed Allison automatic, the Sierra 3500HD SLE delivers up to 36,000 lbs towing. GMC’s ride quality and tech edge slightly over its Chevy cousin, offering a more premium experience without losing worksite grit.
#16 – Ford F-350 XL
The F-350 XL boasts the same engine lineup as the F-250 but with heavier-duty axles and suspension. With up to 35,750 lbs of towing when equipped with the Power Stroke diesel (500 hp, 1,200 lb-ft), it’s the sweet spot between price and raw ability.
2023 Ford F-350 XL (Power Stroke): Finally An Affordable Diesel Truck!, Ben Hardy
#15 – Ram 2500 Power Wagon
A heavy-duty icon, the Power Wagon brings off-road chops to the HD world. The 6.4L HEMI V8 (410 hp) and locking diffs, winch, and disconnecting sway bar make it perfect for rugged jobsites or overland adventures. It trades towing (10K lbs) for trail dominance.
#14 – Ford F-250 Lariat
The Lariat trim adds comfort and capability, pairing the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel with upscale tech like a 12-inch touchscreen. With up to 23,000 lbs towing and advanced trailering assist, it’s where Ford HDs start to feel truly refined.
#13 – Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LTZ
The LTZ trim balances toughness and luxury, with heated leather seats and towing up to 22,500 lbs via the Duramax diesel. Chevy’s 10-speed Allison transmission ensures smooth shifts under load. It’s the sweet spot for everyday users who tow often.
#12 – GMC Sierra 3500HD Denali
Denali trim brings near-luxury comfort with the 6.6L Duramax diesel (470 hp, 975 lb-ft). Its towing max is 36,000 lbs, and its refined interior, with massaging seats and premium audio, makes it the classiest brute on the job.
#11 – Ford F-350 King Ranch
The King Ranch combines cowboy luxury with heavy-duty grit. Available 7.3L gas or Power Stroke diesel options, up to 35,750 lbs towing, and features like adaptive steering make it both capable and elegant. It’s for those who tow big and live big.
BEST NEW TRUCK?? 2024 Ford F-350 King Ranch Review, MacPhee Ford
#10 – Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn
The Laramie Longhorn pairs Western luxury with raw strength. Its Cummins diesel produces 420 hp and 1,075 lb-ft torque, capable of 37,000 lbs towing. Rich leather, wood trim, and high-end tech prove this truck can work hard and look good doing it.
2024 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn [NEW] [USED] P1786, Son's Ford Auburn
#9 – Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD High Country
Chevy’s top trim packs the 6.6L Duramax and Allison 10-speed, with a max towing rating near 36,000 lbs. Add ventilated leather seats, digital trailering cameras, and real aluminum accents, and it’s a heavy-duty truck that feels like a luxury SUV inside.
#8 – Ford F-450 XL
The F-450 takes things up a notch with dual rear wheels, a 6.7L Power Stroke diesel (500 hp, 1,200 lb-ft), and 40,000+ lbs towing potential with a gooseneck. Built for the heaviest hauls, it’s pure muscle on wheels.
2024 Ford F-450 XL Dallas, Houston, Austin, Katy, Buda TX, Carsandpickups
#7 – GMC Sierra 2500HD AT4X
The AT4X is a new breed of off-road heavy-duty. Equipped with the 6.6L Duramax diesel, Multimatic DSSV shocks, and skid plates, it’s equal parts workhorse and adventure rig. It’s the best of both worlds for 2025 HD buyers.
#6 – Ram 2500 Limited
Luxury meets brute force with the 6.7L Cummins diesel (370 hp, 850 lb-ft). Inside, expect top-tier materials, air suspension, and active noise cancellation. Its towing capacity is impressive at 20,000 lbs, and refinement is unmatched in the heavy-duty space.
2024 RAM 2500 Limited Walkaround, Review, And Features!, Joshua McDonald
#5 – Ford F-350 Platinum
At this level, Ford’s Power Stroke diesel dominates with 500 hp and 1,200 lb-ft torque. The Platinum adds adaptive cruise, trailer steering assist, and a high-end cabin. It’s nearly unstoppable for both work and family travel.
#4 – Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD ZR2
A beast on trails and jobsites alike, the ZR2 brings 35-inch tires, DSSV dampers, and skid plates to the HD lineup. It’s powered by the 6.6L Duramax (470 hp), giving off-road capability without losing towing (22,500 lbs).
2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD ZR2 Review And Features, Joshua McDonald
#3 – GMC Sierra 3500HD Denali Ultimate
The Denali Ultimate is GMC’s heavy-duty masterpiece. With a 6.6L Duramax and unmatched luxury, it tows 36,000 lbs and surrounds you with tech and hand-stitched interiors. It’s one of 2025’s most complete HD trucks.
#2 – Ram 3500 Limited Longhorn HD
The most capable Ram yet, offering over 37,000 lbs towing, incredible torque, and class-leading interiors. The Cummins engine’s longevity and refinement make it a truck for life, not just work.
2025 RAM 3500 Limited Longhorn: The Cowboy Truck Gets A New Interior!, JB Reviews
#1 – Ford F-450 Super Duty Platinum
The 2025 F-450 Super Duty Platinum reigns supreme. Its 6.7L High Output Power Stroke diesel pumps out 500 hp and a jaw-dropping 1,200 lb-ft torque. With best-in-class 40,000+ lbs towing and advanced tech, it’s the ultimate heavy-duty truck for power, luxury, and reliability.
Hands On Look at the 2025 Ford Super Duty F-450 Platinum, Long McArthur
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