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Southern MN | Ram 6.4 and the ZF transmission is the best combo on the market right now. I like all three of the big brands and have no problems with any of them. Objectively, I maintain this combo is the best at the moment. This is the 3/4 market. Buy this combo in a tradesman trim level and I consider this a bargain in the new truck market.
In the 1/2 ton, I’d say ford 5.0 V8 or GM 3.0 diesel or Ram 5.7 V8 are all very comparable as each have their own strengths and weaknesses. RAM made a huge mistake in 2025 putting that I6 engine in their 1/2 ton and I see in 2026, they are bringing the 5.7 back.
In the diesel world, if you are willing to go with a cheaper trim level, it is almost impossible to beat a RAM tradesman now with the new ZF transmission they mated with the 6.7 diesel. The 6.7 Cummins is relatively simple compared to the competitor engines. If you jump trim levels, say Lariat/Laramie, etc. pricing starts to level out and then I lean more towards Ford to capture their engine/transmission combo with aluminum body. The Ford diesel has a lot more parts on it than the Cummins 6.7 but I’m not at all afraid of it. The Ford 6.7 is a win for them but transmission is not as good as the new ZF Ram started putting in new RAMs this past year.
In my area, if you actually do work and demand something out of the truck, I see tons of RAM and Ford trucks. Yes, I see GM but not near as much and I find them to typically be the diehards and they’ve never really given anything else a shot. This is my area only and a small sample size. Every time I upgrade, I drive all three and buy what I feel is the best at the moment. I’ve owned all three and it changes every time. Thankfully, for us as end users, it is a highly competitive market and the truck lines keep getting better and better. | |
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Most Durable Long Lasting New Truck Engine
