Which Ford F-250 engine is best for towing?

The 6.7L Power Stroke diesel is typically the top choice for towing heavy loads. For lighter to mid-range towing, Ford’s 7.3L gasoline V8 can be a solid alternative, while the 6.2L gasoline V8 covers lighter duties with adequate capability. The best pick depends on how hard you tow, how often you do it, and your budget for fuel and maintenance.

Ford’s F-250 Super Duty lineup currently includes two gasoline engines and one diesel option. Each powertrain offers different advantages in torque delivery, towing capacity, and overall operating costs. This article breaks down how they compare for towing and what to consider when choosing.

Engine options and towing performance

Below is a clear comparison of the three engines in terms of torque, horsepower, and typical towing emphasis. The figures are indicative and can vary by model year and configuration.

• 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel — The top tow-focused option, delivering very high torque and strong sustained pulling power for heavy trailers and equipped applications (e.g., larger gooseneck or fifth-wheel setups). Typical outputs are around 475 horsepower and about 1,050 lb-ft of torque. Pros include best-in-class low-end torque and impressive towing surges; cons include higher initial cost and diesel fuel/maintenance considerations.


• 7.3L Gasoline V8 — A robust gasoline alternative with strong mid-range power and solid torque, suitable for many mid-weight towing tasks and everyday usage. Roughly around 430 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. Pros include simpler maintenance and lower diesel premium; cons include lower max tow figures than the diesel and potentially higher fuel use when towing heavy.


• 6.2L Gasoline V8 — The entry-level gasoline option with adequate towing capability for lighter-duty jobs and smaller trailers. Approximate outputs are around 385 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Pros include lower initial cost and easy servicing; cons include noticeably lower tow capacity compared with the other two engines.

Conclusion: For the heaviest tows, the diesel 6.7L Power Stroke is the most capable. If you tow lighter to mid-range loads or want lower operating costs when not towing, the 7.3L gasoline engine offers a strong balance, while the 6.2L gasoline is best for lighter duties and budget-conscious buyers.

6.7L Power Stroke Diesel: When to choose diesel power

The diesel engine remains the preferred option for frequent or heavy towing, especially for long trips, mountainous terrain, or when you regularly haul large trailers. Torque availability at low rpm helps with trailer stability and hill climbs, and the powertrain is designed to handle sustained pulling. However, fuel costs, diesel maintenance, and potential cold-weather startup considerations are factors to weigh.

• Pros: Best towing capability, strongest low-end torque, strong weight-carrying capacity, good for large or frequent heavy trailers.


• Cons: Higher purchase price, diesel fuel generally more expensive, longer service cycles for certain maintenance items, potential cold-start issues in very cold climates.

Conclusion: If your primary concern is maximum towing ability and you regularly tow heavy trailers, the 6.7L Power Stroke is the engine to choose—provided you’re prepared for the ongoing fuel and maintenance costs.

7.3L Gasoline V8: Balanced towing with fewer diesel considerations

The 7.3L gasoline engine is a strong alternative for owners who tow frequently but not at the extreme end of capacity, or who prefer gasoline ownership economics and simpler service intervals. It provides ample torque and horsepower for most mid-weight trailers and is often praised for reliability and lower fuel penalties when not towing.

• Pros: High power output for a gas engine, simpler maintenance than diesel, lower diesel fuel cost exposure, smoother cold-weather operation.


• Cons: Lower maximum tow rating than the diesel, higher fuel use when towing very heavy loads, less immediate torque at low rpm compared with diesel.

Conclusion: The 7.3L is a versatile choice for a broad range of towing tasks, especially if you tow frequently but do not regularly pull the heaviest loads.

6.2L Gasoline V8: For lighter towing duties and budget-minded buyers

The 6.2L is the entry-level gasoline option and works well for lighter-to-mid-range towing. It’s not designed for maximum towing torque, but it can handle typical day-to-day towing needs without the premium associated with diesel powertrains.

• Pros: Lowest upfront cost among the three, straightforward maintenance, adequate towing for modest trailers.


• Cons: Significantly lower towing capacity than the diesel and the 7.3L, can feel strained with larger or heavier trailers.

Conclusion: If you rarely tow heavy trailers or want the most affordable option with adequate capability for everyday use, the 6.2L gasoline engine is a sensible pick.

How to choose the right engine for your towing needs

To decide which engine is best for you, consider your typical towing weight, the length of trips, and your tolerance for fuel and maintenance costs. The diesel is unbeatable for maximum tow ratings and sustained pulling power, but it comes with higher operating costs. Gasoline options provide solid tow performance with potentially lower upfront costs and simpler maintenance, but their max towing figures are lower. Always check the specific tow rating and payload for your exact configuration (cab/bed style, axle ratio, transmission, and drivetrain), and factor in hitch type (bumper tow vs. fifth-wheel) as well as the weight of your trailer and cargo.

Summary

In the current Ford F-250 lineup, the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel is generally the best engine for maximizing towing capacity and torque for heavy trailers. The 7.3L gasoline V8 offers a strong all-around towing capability with lower maintenance complexity, while the 6.2L gasoline provides adequate towing for lighter tasks at a lower upfront cost. Your choice should balance tow demands, fuel costs, and long-term maintenance when evaluating these powertrains.

Which F-250 to stay away from?

You should generally avoid the 2006, 2008, 2011, and 2017 Ford F-250 models due to common issues like the "death wobble," transmission problems, and other electrical and brake failures. Other models to approach with caution include the 2003-2007 F-250 with the 6.0L Power Stroke engine due to potential engine problems, and the 2008-2010 F-250 with the 6.4L engine, which has known EGR cooler issues. 
Model years to avoid

• 2006: Known for stalling, power steering loss, and brake issues, along with the death wobble. 
• 2008: Has serious brake problems and the death wobble. 
• 2011: Often experiences transmission issues, rough shifting, and the death wobble. 
• 2017: Plagued by the "death wobble" and other suspension/steering problems. 
• 2017-2019: Specifically mentioned as being susceptible to the "death wobble". 
• 2003-2007 (with 6.0L Power Stroke engine): Prone to head gasket and oil cooler failures in stock form. 
• 2008-2010 (with 6.4L Power Stroke engine): Has common EGR cooler failures that can lead to coolant loss and overheating. 

General issues to be aware of

• Death Wobble: This is a recurring problem in several model years, especially 2008, 2011, and 2017, and is related to suspension and steering components. 
• Transmission Problems: Rough shifting and unexpected gear changes have been reported in certain years, notably 2011. 
• Engine Issues: Specific diesel engines have known problems. The 6.0L and 6.4L engines are especially notorious for requiring significant maintenance or bulletproofing to be reliable. 
• Brake Failures: Some models have reported brake problems, including sudden failure and issues with the brake booster. 

Is the 6.7 or 6.2 F-250 Super Duty better?

As seen in the table above, the 6.7L V8 engine can carry a much larger towing capacity than the 6.2L V8 and 7.3L V8. Make sure to check your owner's manual to determine your exact towing capacity.

Which F-250 is best for towing?

The best F-250 for towing is the one equipped with the 6.7L Power Stroke turbo diesel engine, which offers the highest towing capacities. A 2025 F-250 with this engine can achieve up to 22,000 lbs in conventional towing and 22,900 lbs in fifth-wheel/gooseneck towing. However, the specific best option depends on the exact configuration (engine, cab, bed, and drive train) and individual needs, as payload capacity is often the limiting factor.
 
Engine options and towing capacity (2025 F-250)

• 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel: Offers the highest towing capacity, reaching up to 22,000 lbs for conventional and 22,900 lbs for fifth-wheel/gooseneck. 
• High-Output 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel: Also delivers exceptional towing, with a conventional capacity of 22,000 lbs and fifth-wheel/gooseneck capacity of 23,000 lbs. 
• 7.3L V8 Gas: Provides a maximum conventional towing capacity of 17,200 lbs and fifth-wheel/gooseneck capacity of 17,200 lbs. 
• 6.8L V8 Gas: Has the lowest capacity of the group, with a maximum conventional towing capacity of 14,800 lbs and fifth-wheel/gooseneck capacity of 14,800 lbs. 

You can watch this video to learn more about the F-250's towing capacity with a diesel engine: 39sWay Scarff Ford Isuzu in Auburn, WAYouTube · Oct 15, 2025
Key considerations for choosing the best F-250 for towing

• Engine and transmission: The 6.7L Power Stroke diesel is the clear winner for sheer towing power. The 10-speed TorqShift automatic transmission is also a key component for a capable towing experience. 
• Payload capacity: Payload is often the limiting factor. It is crucial to ensure that the combined weight of the trailer's tongue or pin weight plus the passengers and cargo inside the truck does not exceed the specific truck's payload capacity. 
• Configuration: The specific configuration, including cab size, bed length, and drivetrain (4x2 vs. 4x4), affects the final towing and payload numbers. 
• Usage: The "best" F-250 depends on your specific needs. If you're towing extremely heavy loads frequently, the diesel is the most capable choice. For less demanding towing, a gas engine may suffice. 

Is the F-250 6.7 better than the 7.3 gas?

The primary difference is that the 6.7L diesel excels in towing and torque, while the 7.3L gas is cheaper to buy and maintain, and has better high-end horsepower. For heavy-duty towing needs, the diesel is the superior choice. For lighter towing, daily driving, and overall cost savings on maintenance and purchase price, the 7.3L gas engine is the better option. 
You can watch this video to learn how the 7.3L gas engine compares to the 6.7L diesel engine in towing: 58sT & T Landscape & MasonryYouTube · Dec 10, 2022
6.7L Diesel

• Pros:
  • Superior towing capacity: It has significantly higher towing capacity, especially for heavy loads like 5th wheels. 
  • Higher torque: It delivers more torque at lower RPMs, making it better for hauling heavy loads up hills. 
  • Durability: Diesel engines are generally built to last longer with proper maintenance. 
• Cons:
  • Higher upfront cost: The diesel engine option is more expensive to purchase. 
  • Higher maintenance costs: Diesel trucks have more complex emissions systems (like DPF and DEF fluid) and can have more expensive repairs. 
  • Heavier weight: The heavier engine reduces the truck's payload capacity. 

7.3L Gas

• Pros:
  • Lower initial and maintenance cost: It is cheaper to purchase and has simpler maintenance requirements with no complex emissions systems. 
  • Higher horsepower: It produces more horsepower at higher RPMs. 
  • Lighter weight: It is a lighter engine, which increases the truck's payload capacity. 
• Cons:
  • Lower towing capacity: While capable, it is not designed for the heaviest towing jobs compared to the diesel. 
  • Lower torque: It has significantly less torque than the diesel engine. 
  • Lower fuel economy: It generally gets lower gas mileage, though highway fuel economy can be acceptable. 

This video discusses the cost and maintenance differences between the 7.3L gas and 6.7L diesel engines: 59sSalty TripsYouTube · Apr 6, 2025
Which is right for you?

• Choose the 6.7L Diesel if you regularly tow heavy loads (e.g., large 5th wheels, heavy equipment) and want the best performance for those tasks. 
• Choose the 7.3L Gas if you tow less frequently, are on a tighter budget, and want a truck with lower maintenance costs and higher payload capacity for daily use.