Key Takeaways:
- Current Diesel Engine: Ford uses the 6.7L Power Stroke V8 in its Super Duty trucks, built for serious towing and long-haul performance.
- Diesel Legacy: Ford's diesel history includes collaborations and innovations that led to the trusted Power Stroke series still in use today.
- Performance Mod Tip: Adding a Pedal Commander can improve throttle response in diesel trucks without affecting the ECU or voiding your warranty.
Diesel engines have long been the workhorses of the Ford lineup. Whether it's hauling heavy loads, tackling off-road terrain, or clocking long highway miles, Ford’s diesel options have offered dependable torque and serious durability. But with so many names like “Power Stroke” and a mix of different engines across F-Series trucks, vans, and SUVs, it can be hard to keep track of what’s under the hood. This guide breaks it all down in plain terms for everyday drivers, weekend haulers, and performance tuners alike.
At Pedal Commander, we live and breathe vehicle responsiveness. Our plug-and-play throttle controllers are trusted by thousands of drivers who want more control, more feel, and more excitement behind the wheel. We’ve seen firsthand how understanding your engine can help you unlock its full potential, whether you're pushing for peak performance or just trying to make daily driving more fun.
In this piece, we’ll examine what diesel engine Ford uses, how their diesel lineup has evolved, and what makes Power Stroke engines a favorite among truck owners. We’ll also explore how Pedal Commander pairs with these engines to enhance your driving experience.
What Diesel Engine Does Ford Use Today?
If you're wondering what diesel engine Ford uses today, the answer depends on the vehicle. Ford currently uses several diesel engines across its truck and van lineup, each designed for specific performance goals. The most well-known is the 6.7L Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel, found in Ford Super Duty trucks like the F-250, F-350, and up. This engine is built for heavy-duty towing and long-haul reliability, delivering serious low-end torque and high-end capability.
In addition to the 6.7L, Ford previously offered a 3.0L Power Stroke V6 diesel for the F-150, though it was discontinued in recent years due to changes in demand and emissions regulations. That said, you may still find this engine in used or certified pre-owned models, and it's worth noting for anyone looking into the broader Ford diesel motor lineup.
Ford also equips the Transit van with a 2.0L EcoBlue bi-turbo diesel engine in international markets, though it's no longer offered in the U.S. lineup. Today, the diesel focus in North America is mainly on Super Duty trucks, where torque and towing capacity matter most. And that’s where the latest generation of Ford Power Stroke engines continues to lead.
A Quick Look At Ford Diesel Engine History
Ford’s diesel journey goes back several decades, shaped by the changing needs of truck owners, evolving emissions standards, and constant engineering upgrades. From early partnerships to the birth of the Power Stroke name, Ford’s history with diesel has been anything but boring. Here’s a quick rundown of how the Ford diesel engine history has unfolded:
The Early Days: International Harvester Partnerships
Before building diesel engines in-house, Ford relied on partnerships. In the 1980s and early 1990s, Ford trucks used diesel engines produced by International Harvester (later Navistar). These engines were tough but lacked the refinement and power of today’s offerings.
The Birth of Power Stroke (1994)
In 1994, Ford launched the 7.3L Power Stroke diesel V8, a significant step forward in performance and branding. This engine earned a loyal following for its reliability and torque, helping define the modern Ford Power Stroke engine. It became a staple in heavy-duty work trucks for years.
Modern Era: Innovation and Emissions Focus
As diesel technology advanced, Ford introduced new engines with better fuel delivery, turbocharging, and emissions controls. Engines like the 6.0L, 6.4L, and, eventually, the 6.7L Power Stroke brought Ford’s diesel offerings into the modern era. This ongoing evolution continues to shape the current Ford diesel motor lineup with an eye on both performance and compliance.
Exploring The Ford Diesel Motor Lineup By Vehicle Type
Ford doesn’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to diesel. Instead, it offers different engines depending on the vehicle's purpose, whether that’s commercial hauling, weekend towing, or fleet use. Let’s look at how the Ford diesel motor lineup varies across popular vehicle types:
Heavy-Duty Trucks: Super Duty Lineup
The backbone of Ford’s diesel segment is the Super Duty series: F-250, F-350, and F-450, all powered by the 6.7L Power Stroke V8. These trucks are built to tow massive trailers, haul heavy payloads, and survive under punishing work conditions. This is where Ford truck diesel engines shine most, with torque figures that rank among the highest in the industry.
Light-Duty Trucks: F-150 Diesel (Previous Generation)
Though no longer in production, the F-150 diesel with its 3.0L Power Stroke V6 offered a blend of fuel efficiency and usable torque. It appealed to drivers who needed diesel capability in a daily driver or weekend rig. It was an essential step in expanding Ford diesel engine options to more casual truck owners.
Commercial Vans: Transit Diesel (International)
Outside the U.S., the Transit van lineup includes a 2.0L EcoBlue diesel that’s tailored for delivery drivers and urban businesses. It emphasizes lower emissions and solid fuel economy over raw power. This engine is still part of Ford’s broader Ford diesel motor lineup, even if it’s not currently available in North America.
Inside The World Of Ford Power Stroke Engines
When it comes to Ford diesels, the Power Stroke name carries serious weight. It represents decades of diesel engineering focused on power, torque, and durability. Here’s what makes Ford Power Stroke engines stand out in the diesel world:
Built For Torque And Longevity
Power Stroke engines are designed to deliver high torque at low RPMs, perfect for towing, hauling, and off-road driving. This torque-rich performance makes them a favorite among drivers who demand usable power, not just big numbers on paper. And with proper maintenance, Power Stroke diesels are known to last well over 200,000 miles.
Turbocharging And Fuel Injection Tech
Each generation of Power Stroke has introduced improvements such as advanced turbo systems, upgraded injectors, and variable-geometry turbos. These innovations allow better throttle response, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions. That’s part of why Ford diesel engine options continue to evolve within the Power Stroke family.
A Legacy In The Ford Truck Diesel Engines Category
From the legendary 7.3L to the latest 6.7L variant, Power Stroke engines have become a benchmark for Ford truck diesel engines. They’re trusted not just by contractors and commercial drivers, but also by enthusiasts who love a mod-ready platform with real muscle. Whether stock or tuned, Power Stroke diesels deliver real-world performance.
Ford Diesel Engine Options For Trucks And SUVs
Ford offers a variety of diesel configurations, each tailored to different driving needs, from towing trailers across the country to managing fuel economy in a family SUV. While fewer diesel SUVs exist today, trucks still dominate the conversation. Here’s a look at how Ford diesel engine options play out across the lineup:
F-Series Super Duty: All-In on Diesel Power
The Super Duty range (F-250 through F-450) remains the strongest example of diesel performance in Ford’s lineup. These trucks come equipped with the 6.7L Power Stroke V8, making them perfect candidates for hauling, off-road setups, and aftermarket mods. The combination of strength and reliability keeps them at the top of the Ford truck diesel engines class.
Diesel in Light Trucks: Past Options Still Valued
Although Ford discontinued the 3.0L Power Stroke in the F-150, it’s still a popular used choice for drivers looking for diesel performance in a smaller, more fuel-efficient package. Some owners continue to modify these models to boost responsiveness and torque. It's one example of how the Ford diesel motor lineup once offered more variety for daily drivers.
SUV Diesels: Rare But Not Forgotten
While Ford’s diesel focus is primarily in trucks, there have been a few SUV models overseas with diesel variants. For example, the Ford Everest in global markets has seen success with diesel powertrains. Although not available in the U.S., it reflects Ford's history of diesel engine experimentation in SUVs.
Bringing Diesel Performance To Life With Pedal Commander
Diesel trucks are built for power, but throttle lag can hold back that performance, especially when quick response matters most. Pedal Commander solves that issue by giving drivers direct control over how their gas pedal responds. This plug-and-play throttle controller installs in minutes and offers four adjustable modes (Eco, City, Sport, and Sport+) with a total of 36 sensitivity levels. Whether you’re towing, daily driving, or chasing better fuel efficiency, it makes a noticeable difference in how your diesel feels on the road. And because it connects only to the pedal sensor, there’s no trace left behind, meaning your factory warranty stays intact.
Pedal Commander is compatible with nearly every vehicle in the Ford diesel motor lineup, from heavy-duty Super Duty trucks to older diesel-equipped F-150s. It’s a simple but powerful way to wake up your throttle and enhance the driving experience without touching your engine. For added peace of mind, Pedal Commander also offers an optional anti-theft feature through its app, allowing you to disable the pedal entirely when parked. Explore the full range of Ford performance parts, or dive into model-specific solutions like Ford Bronco performance parts, Ford Explorer ST performance parts, Ford Mustang performance parts, and Ford Maverick performance parts to find the right fit for your ride.
Final Thoughts
Ford’s diesel engines have earned their reputation by combining raw strength with long-term durability. Whether it’s the legendary Super Duty lineup, past light-duty diesels, or international options, the Ford diesel engine history shows a consistent focus on purpose-built performance. From the powerful 6.7L Power Stroke to the once-available 3.0L V6, there’s a lot to appreciate if you value torque, towing power, or long-distance reliability.
Choosing the right diesel comes down to how you use your vehicle. For those already behind the wheel of a Ford diesel, adding responsive throttle control with Pedal Commander can transform how it feels to drive, sharper, quicker, and more dialed-in. It’s a small mod with a big payoff for anyone who wants more out of their engine without diving into complex tuning. If diesel is your lane, Ford still gives you solid reasons to stay there.
Frequently Asked Questions About What Diesel Engine Ford Uses
What’s the difference between a Power Stroke diesel and a regular gas engine?
A Power Stroke diesel engine uses compression ignition. It is optimized for torque, fuel economy under load, and long-term durability, unlike gas engines, which are tuned for quicker acceleration and higher RPM performance.
Are Ford diesel engines more fuel-efficient than their gas counterparts?
In many cases, yes. Diesel engines typically deliver better fuel economy during towing or highway driving, thanks to their higher thermal efficiency, especially in larger vehicles.
Can I use biodiesel in my Ford diesel truck?
Most modern Ford diesel engines, including the 6.7L Power Stroke, are compatible with B20 biodiesel (20% biodiesel, 80% petroleum diesel), but it’s best to check the owner’s manual for exact fuel recommendations.
Why did Ford stop offering the 3.0L Power Stroke in the F-150?
Ford discontinued the 3.0L Power Stroke due to changing market demand, tightening emissions regulations, and the rising performance of gas-powered alternatives.
Is diesel better for towing than gas in Ford trucks?
Diesel engines, especially the 6.7L Power Stroke, produce higher torque at lower RPMs, making them better suited for towing heavy loads over long distances.
What maintenance is unique to Ford diesel engines?
Diesel-specific maintenance includes diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) refills, fuel filter changes, and periodic regeneration of the diesel particulate filter (DPF), all critical for proper function.
Do Ford diesel engines hold resale value better than gas engines?
Generally, yes. Diesel-equipped Ford trucks often retain value longer due to their durability, towing capability, and appeal to both commercial and private buyers.
