Full-size pickup trucks are popular in the United States for various reasons. The Ram 1500, for example, has a stunning interior. Other trucks, such as the Tesla Cybertruck, are ultra-efficient in terms of fuel use. There’s nothing else that can quite do what a full-size truck can. However, every truck must have a sufficient level of torque. Torque helps the vehicle start moving from a stop and pulls it up steep hills. It also contributes to the vehicle's power when hauling items or towing something behind it.
When an engine is pushed to its limit, torque measures the maximum amount of twisting force it can produce. Torque output is determined by a variety of factors, including the engine's size and design. Simply put, the more torque an engine possesses, the better equipped it is for difficult tasks such as towing, hauling, or climbing steep grades. Here are the most powerful pickup trucks based on torque.
10 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor - 510 Lb-Ft
2021 Ford F-150 Raptor horsepower and torque figures are identical to the previous generation Raptor that ditched the old 6.2-liter V-8 in favor of the EcoBoost V6. That means the Raptor’s twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 produces 450 hp (the best of any F-150) and the second-best torque figure, which sits at 510 lb-ft.
The new F-150 Raptor, on the other hand, can tow even more than the model it replaces. Its maximum payload and conventional towing ratings also rise by 200 pounds to 1400 and 8200 pounds, respectively. The Ford F-150 Raptor is 6 inches wider than the F-150, giving it additional stability on the highway and off-road terrain, as well as a beefier, sportier appearance.
9 2005 Dodge Ram SRT10 - 525 Lb-Ft
The insane Dodge Ram SRT10 is powered by an 8.3-liter V10 sourced directly from the howling monster that is the Dodge Viper. The ferocious V10 generated 500 horsepower and 525 lb-ft of torque. This was (and still is) uncharted terrain for a pickup, and the SRT10 set a Guinness World Record for the quickest full-sized pickup, which it still retains today.
The truck was designed by the DaimlerChrysler's Performance Vehicle Operations team, which included Viper, Prowler, and racing experts who had previously worked on NASCAR cars and Le Mans Vipers. It was meant for towing, not unloaded acceleration.
8 2021 Ram 1500 TRX - 650 Lb-Ft
Not only is the Ram 1500 TRX the fastest and most powerful light-duty vehicle available, but it also has the highest torque. The supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 delivers an astounding 702 hp in addition to 650 lb-ft of torque. With these configurations, Ram drivers can expect an 8,100-pound towing capacity with the new Ram 1500 TRX model as well as a maximum trailer weight of 5,000 lbs.
While the TRX was meant for off-roading, the truck's 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat V8 makes it quite speedy on pavement. Ram claims it will go from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds.
7 2022 F-150 Lightning - 775 Lb-Ft
Looking to get a new truck this year? Need something big and powerful that can do more than just get the job done? Then you might want to consider the Ford F-150 Lightning. With performance specs that go above and beyond, the Ford F-150 Lightning gives you the ability to tow heavy trailers with ease.
The F-Series, America's best-selling truck for more than four decades, takes a leap into the future with the F-150 Lightning, which is enhanced by all the benefits of electrification and packed with connected technology. The F-150 Lightning is a powerhouse with 563 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque – the greatest torque of any F-150 ever – a thrilling drive, high-tech features, and the potential of towing up to 10,000 pounds.
6 2017 GMC Sierra 2500 HD - 910 Lb-Ft
There's only one new feature on the 2017 GMC Sierra HD, but it's a significant one. According to the manufacturer, the truck's new 6.6-liter Duramax turbo diesel V8 produces a massive 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. It feels good to drive, too.
The Sierra 2500HD offers an incredibly comfortable ride for a heavy-duty pickup truck. It maintains control of body motions even when not towing a large load or hauling heavy items in the bed. Although the 3500HD has a stiffer ride, it’s not punishing.
5 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD and 3500 HD - 910 Lb-Ft
Heavy-duty pickup trucks, like the 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD, are designed to tackle the chores that their half-ton counterparts can't. Despite sharing a brand with the smaller Silverado 1500, they are equipped with a Duramax V-8 engine that produces 910 lb-ft of torque and has a maximum towing capacity of 36,000 pounds.
The gas engine and six-speed automatic transmission work well together to keep the truck's speed under control, which is especially vital when pulling up steep hills. Nonetheless, the Duramax powertrain is the one to get if you frequently tow hefty weights. The Silverado is surprisingly easy to drive and handles nicely for its size. The ride quality is decent, but it is a little bouncy on uneven roads.
4 2020 Ford F-250 - 1,050 Lb-Ft
The 2020 Ford F-250 is a rugged and hard-working truck that can serve as a basic truck for workers or as a luxury vehicle for your business or family. It was designed for heavy-duty work and boasts exceptional towing and hauling ratings. The 2020 F-250 has only three engine options, but they are all horrendously powerful. The standard engine is a 6.2-liter V-8 with 385 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. The 2020 model gets a new engine: a 7.3-liter V-8 with 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque.
If these two options aren't quite what you're looking for, the F-250's turbocharged diesel V8 engine produces up to 475 hp and an incredible 1,050 lb-ft of torque. So, whether you’re carrying a serious payload or towing the heaviest trailers, the F-250 truck is designed to excel at conquering the most challenging jobs.
3 2021 Ford F-450 Lariat - 1050 Lb-Ft
The 2021 Ford F-450 Super Duty Lariat does not disappoint when it comes to engine specs, which is always the first consideration when it comes to pickup trucks. This truck is powered by a 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 Turbodiesel engine producing 1,050 lb-ft of torque and 475 hp. You can pull up to 24,200 pounds with conventional towing and 35,000 pounds with 5th-wheel/gooseneck hauling with this kind of power.
The Ford F-450 Lariat has the most advanced power train lineup ever, so it’s no surprise that its impressive torque and capability features come right along with it. So the Ford F-450 Lariat is a competent truck that can handle the toughest of jobs.
2 2022 Super Duty F-450 XLT – 1,050 Lb-Ft
This is where we enter the realm of insane torque figures. For more than 40 years, the Ford F-150 has been America's favorite pickup truck, and it is one of the most powerful and outstanding full-size trucks on the market. Having said that, it is still a light-duty model, and while it works well for most drivers, there are some that want more power. That's when the 2022 Ford Super Duty lineup comes into play.
The 2022 Super Duty F-450 XLT range includes a 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel engine with 1,050 lb-ft of torque, which is in addition to a solid 475 hp. It can tow up to 37,000 pounds, which is both outlandish and far more than the weight limit of a typical Class A driver's license.
1 2021 Ram 3500 HD - 1,075 Lb-Ft
The battle for top-dog rankings in the heavy-duty truck segment is never-ending, and Chrysler recently increased their lead in several major categories with the 2021 Ram 3500 HD and its Cummins diesel engine. The most remarkable figure is the max towing capacity, which is 1,075 lb-ft.
That's 75 more than the previous year's model and 25 more than the optional Power Stroke turbo-diesel 6.7-liter V-8 (1050 lb-ft total) on the Super Duty. Ram says it upped the boost limits on the variable-geometry turbocharger and increased the flow rate of the fuel-delivery system to extract the additional torque. Additionally, they boosted the gooseneck towing capability to 37,100 pounds, which earns them the best in class award.