Diesel vs Gas Truck Towing: Which Engine Should You Buy?
Diesel wins on torque and range. Gas often wins on payload, which is the number that binds. How to choose by your own towing pattern, not the headline.
Diesel wins on torque and range. Gas often wins on payload, which is the number that binds. How to choose by your own towing pattern, not the headline.
A half-ton covers most trailers. What sends buyers to an HD is pin weight and payload, and the payload sticker you expect may not be on an HD at all.
Margin is worth buying. Trim is not. Why the heaviest version of a truck can carry less than a plainer one, and how much margin actually helps you.
Toyota publishes 5,000 lb for the 2026 Highlander gas models and up to 3,500 lb for every hybrid. Which one you own decides it. Payload decides the rest.
Ram’s own 2026 figures for both engines. The Cummins tows 2,260 lb more than the HEMI and carries 330 lb less. Here’s which limit actually stops you.
GMC publishes up to 22,390 lb for the 2026 Sierra 2500HD. That is one build with available equipment, and payload is what stops most owners first.
Dodge publishes up to 8,700 lb for the 2025 and 2026 Durango. Check which engine you are buying, and check payload, because the ball load is large.
Jeep publishes up to 6,200 lb for the Grand Cherokee. A loaded 25-ft travel trailer can reach 6,000 lb, so the margin is thinner than it looks.
Tahoe and Yukon vs Sequoia vs Grand Wagoneer, 8,400 to 10,000 lb. Every cell carries a model year, a configuration and a source. That is why they differ.
Toyota publishes up to 9,520 lb for the 2025 and 2026 Sequoia. That is one grade and one drivetrain, and payload is what will actually stop you.