What engine does a D250 have?
The D250 designation most often refers to a Dodge D-Series pickup, and there isn’t a single engine tied to the name—the engine depends on year, market, and configuration.
Context: what the D250 represents
The D250 is a badge used on Dodge’s D-Series trucks, rather than a single, fixed engine family. Over decades, Dodge/Mopar provided multiple engines across different markets and configurations, driven by emissions rules, market demand, and model year updates.
Common engines found in the D250 pickup
The following list covers engines that were commonly installed in D250 trucks at various times. Availability varied by year and market.
- 225 cubic inch inline-six (Slant-6) – a durable, widely used six-cylinder option in earlier D-Series trucks.
- 318 cubic inch V8 (LA family) – the workhorse small-block V8, widely available across multiple generations.
- 360 cubic inch V8 – a larger V8 offering more torque and power, common in mid- to late-generation D-Series models.
- Diesel and market-specific options – diesel trims or market-specific powertrains existed in some regions, but were not standard across all D250 variants.
Because the D250 spanned many years and markets, the exact engine will vary. Checking the vehicle’s VIN and build sheet is the best way to confirm the original powerplant.
How to verify your D250's engine
To confirm the exact engine in your D250, start with the factory documentation or VIN decode, then cross-check the engine code against Mopar/Dodge catalogs for that year and region. The steps below outline a reliable method.
- Locate the VIN and extract the build information from a dealer or official archive to identify the original engine option.
- Inspect the engine block for stamped codes and cast-iron identifiers that map to specific displacements (e.g., 318, 360) and engine families.
- Check the vehicle’s radiator tag, emissions label, or under-hood data plate for displacement and engine family information.
- Cross-reference with period brochures or service manuals for the exact engine offerings by year and market.
Accurate verification helps avoid mistakes, especially if the D250 has undergone engine swaps or restorations.
Additional notes
Engine availability for the D250 varied significantly by generation and region. If you can provide the specific year, country, or a photo of the data plate, I can give you a precise, year-by-year breakdown of what engines were offered for that variant.
Summary
There isn’t a single engine that defines the D250. Typical options ranged from the 225 Slant-6 to the 318 and 360 V8s, with some markets seeing diesel or other powertrains. For an exact match, identify the year and market and verify with the VIN/build data.
How much horsepower does a D250 have?
160 horsepower
It depends on your definition of underpowered. The 1993 D250 Regular Cab boasts 160 horsepower.
Is a Dodge D250 a 3/4 ton truck?
Yes, a Dodge D250 is a three-quarter-ton truck. The number in the model name (D250) indicates its payload capacity, with 150 being half-ton, 250 being three-quarter-ton, and 350 being one-ton.
- Model Designation: The "D250" in the model name signifies a three-quarter-ton truck.
- Payload Classification: Dodge used this numbering system to classify its trucks by capacity:
- 150 = Half-ton
- 250 = Three-quarter-ton
- 350 = One-ton
Is a D250 a Cummins?
Powered by a durable Cummins diesel engine, these trucks earned a reputation for their reliability and strength, paving the way for Dodge's dominance in the diesel pickup market. This D250 runs and drives great, making it a solid piece of American truck history.
What size engine is the D250?
3.0-liter
Range Rover D250 Engine: A Balanced Diesel Performer
This 3.0-liter inline-six diesel engine uses mild-hybrid technology to improve responsiveness while guaranteeing smoother acceleration.
