Last week we returned home from a two-week trip to visit family in Georgia. In the middle of this visit we rented a Mercedes Benz 15-seat passenger Sprinter van with a high roof and a diesel engine. Tall vehicles suffer on mileage due to the additional wind resistance, which sparked my curiosity as to what the fuel consumption (miles per gallon) would be.

We rented the van to make a trip from Atlanta, Georgia to Orlando and then St. Petersburg, Florida. Over 1,000 miles of freeway driving and a couple hundred of city driving. I was somewhat surprised to see our mileage was right at 23 MPG. This was on the dash trip computer and and verified by some old fashioned math on my part.

It got me thinking about the decision I made back in 2020 when we bought our Ford F-250 Super Duty truck, primarily for camping and hauling the occasional heavy or bulky  items. At the time I did my research and decided to buy a new truck with a gasoline engine, not a diesel. Today I stand by that decision — it was the best option for us. But for some folks a diesel engine is a better choice. 

This article will review the pros and cons of both diesel and gasoline engines in tow vehicles. At the end of this post is included a 100,000 mile cost analysis of the Ford F-250 diesel (6.7L Power Stroke HO) vs gas (7.3L Godzilla). Keep in mind there is no “best” option, only the best option for each individual situation.

My last five tow vehicles, including our current truck, have been Ford products. We like them. But there are other good options. Ford, General Motors, and Ram all sell light and heavy duty trucks with both gas and diesel engines. Whether one is interested a light duty (1500 series) or a heavy duty (2500 and 3500 series) all three companies sell gasoline and diesel options.

How to Choose a Tow Vehicle

Back in 2020 we were thinking about replacing our Ford Expedition with a heavy duty truck. In this post, How to Choose a Tow Vehicle, I outlined the reasons for the purchase, even though we were not replacing the trailer we had been towing for over 6 years.

For the purpose of this post I will focused on the F-250 truck we bought, but similar comparisons can be used for comparing options within the offerings of GM and Ram.

Diesel vs. Gas Engines in the Ford F-250 Super Duty: A Comparison of Advantages and Disadvantages

The Ford F-250 Super Duty is a pickup truck that’s built to haul, tow, and handle heavy loads. But when it comes to purchasing your truck, you’ve got a big choice to make: diesel or gasoline engine. Each one has its own set of pros and cons, so it’s up to you to decide which one best fits your needs and lifestyle.

Advantages of a Diesel Engine

1. Superior Towing and Torque
   Diesel engines, such as Ford’s Power Stroke V8, generate higher torque at lower RPMs compared to gasoline engines. This characteristic makes them ideal for towing heavy trailers, fifth wheels, or equipment. For drivers who routinely haul near the F-250’s maximum towing capacity, diesel power provides smoother acceleration and less strain.
2. Fuel Efficiency
   Diesel fuel contains about 13 percent more energy than gasoline. Additionally diesel engines require significantly high compression ratios to operate. Given these two factors, diesel engines typically deliver better fuel economy than gasoline engines, particularly under load. On long-distance hauls or in applications requiring frequent towing, this efficiency can offset the higher price of diesel fuel and the initial engine cost.
3. Longevity and Durability
   Built with heavy-duty components, diesel engines are often designed to endure high stress and longer operating lives. With proper maintenance, a diesel F-250 may last hundreds of thousands of miles, which is appealing for fleet operators and long-term owners.
4. Resale Value
   Trucks equipped with diesel engines generally retain higher resale values. Buyers in the used market often seek diesel-powered trucks for their towing ability and proven durability, making them a stronger investment. However, government regulations, especially in California may impact future demand for diesel-powered trucks.

Disadvantages of a Diesel Engine

1. Higher Initial Cost
   Choosing a diesel F-250 adds a significant premium — the past 5 years or so it has been  more than $10,000 higher the gasoline versions. This upfront cost can be difficult to justify for buyers who don’t tow or drive long distances regularly.
2. More Expensive Maintenance and Repairs
   Diesel maintenance, such as oil changes, fuel filters, and emissions system service, tends to cost more than on gas engines. Repairs can also be complex and costly due to specialized components like turbochargers and DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) systems.
3. Fuel and Emissions Requirements
   Diesel fuel is sometimes more expensive and less readily available in remote areas. Additionally, modern diesels require Diesel Engine Fluid (DEF) and strict emissions equipment, which adds complexity and potential repair points.
4. Noise and Vibration
   Although modern diesels have improved, they still produce more engine noise and vibration compared to their gasoline counterparts, which some drivers may find less comfortable for daily driving.

Advantages of a Gasoline Engine

1. Lower Purchase Price
   A gas-powered F-250 comes at a significantly lower initial cost. For buyers who use their truck occasionally for towing but mainly for commuting or lighter tasks, the gas option may be the more economical choice.
2. Lower Maintenance Costs
   Gasoline engines are simpler in design and less costly to service. Oil changes, spark plug replacements, and general upkeep are less expensive than diesel maintenance, making ownership more affordable over time.
3. Quieter Operation
   Gas engines are smoother and quieter than diesel engines, offering a more comfortable ride for daily driving or long trips without a heavy load.
4. Better for Short Trips
   Gas engines perform better in stop-and-go driving and short trips. Diesel engines may suffer from incomplete emissions system regeneration if not driven at highway speeds regularly, which can lead to costly issues.

Disadvantages of a Gasoline Engine

1. Lower Towing Capacity and Torque
   While modern gas engines in the F-250 are powerful, they cannot match the sheer low-end torque of a diesel. For those regularly towing heavy trailers, a gas engine may feel underpowered and less efficient.
2. Reduced Fuel Economy Under Load
   Gas engines burn more fuel when towing or hauling, resulting in frequent fill-ups and higher operating costs for heavy-duty users.
3. Shorter Lifespan Under Heavy Use
   Gas engines are not as robustly built as diesel engines. When subjected to constant towing or heavy hauling, their long-term durability is generally lower. 
4. Lower Resale Value
   While gas-powered trucks are cheaper up front, they often depreciate more quickly, especially if aimed at buyers who prioritize towing power.

Conclusion

The choice between a diesel and gas engine in a Ford F-250 Super Duty ultimately depends on how the truck will be used. A diesel engine is the clear winner for drivers who tow or haul heavy loads regularly, rack up highway miles, and want long-term durability with stronger resale value. However, the higher initial investment and maintenance costs may be unnecessary for those who primarily use their F-250 as a daily driver or for lighter-duty tasks. For these owners, the gasoline engine provides a more affordable, quieter, and simpler ownership experience.

In short, the diesel is a workhorse for those who demand maximum performance under heavy strain, while the gas engine is a practical all-around choice for mixed-use drivers.

Technical Comparison: Diesel vs Gasoline Engines in the 2025 Ford F-250

The 2025 F-250 offers several engine options:  

Also relevant:

• Towing capacities vary accordingly. For example, gas engines (6.8 L, 7.3 L) manage up to 18,000 lbs. and up to 19,500 lbs. for fifth-wheel/gooseneck with appropriate configurations. On the diesel side, towing can reach 22,000+ lbs. with the standard or high-output 6.7 L.

Below are the towing capacity charts (conventional and 5th wheel) for our 2020 F-250. Capacities haven’t varied much over the past 25 years.

 

 

Advantages and Disadvantages (Technical)

Below are more technically grounded pros & cons, especially as they apply to the 2025 F-250’s engine options.

Advantages of Diesel (6.7 L Power Stroke)

1. High Low-End Torque
   Diesel’s torque peaks at very low rpm (often around 1,600 rpm or lower) which gives advantages in starting off with heavy loads, moving up grades, or towing large trailers. The standard 6.7L produces ~ 1,050 lb-ft, and the high-output model about 1,200 lb-ft. 
2. Towing Capability & Gross Combined Weight Rating
   With diesel, the gross combined weight rating (GCWR) and trailers with gooseneck/fifth wheel hitch capacities are higher. Diesel variants allow the F-250 to tow ~22,000+ lbs. in many configurations. 
3. Efficiency Under Load / Durability in Heavy Use
   Diesels generally maintain better thermal efficiency under sustained load. The heavy-duty parts (turbo, strengthened block, stronger bottom end, etc.) are designed for high stresses over long durations. Diesel engines also tend to have longer intervals between full rebuilds when properly maintained.
4. Resale & Application Value
   For buyers who need real towing/hauling capacity, the diesel is often more desirable; thus resale value in that segment is stronger.

Disadvantages of Diesel

1. Cost & Complexity
   • Higher purchase price for diesel engine options plus any required high-capacity axle or trailer-towing package upgrades.
   • More expensive components: turbocharger, charge air cooler, high-pressure fuel injection systems, emissions hardware (DEF, particulate filters, etc.). Maintenance labor can also be specialized.

2. Weight & Payload Penalty
   Diesel engines are heavier. That added mass reduces payload capacity (how much cargo + passengers you can carry) even though towing capacity is higher. For instance, payload with the HO 6.7L diesel is lower (~3,900-ish lbs) vs gas models (~ over 4,200 lbs in some configs) in many setups. 
3. Fuel Costs & Fuel Economy Variation

1. • Diesel fuel per gallon is often more expensive (varies regionally).
   • Under lighter loads or frequent stop-and-go, the diesel’s advantage over gas may shrink or even reverse because the diesel’s emissions systems (e.g. DPF regen) require conditions that might not be met.
   • Fuel economy advantage mostly shows under heavy towing or highway driving rather than city use.

4. Maintenance & Emissions Systems
   More frequent or more costly filters/fuel system maintenance, plus required monitoring and maintenance of DEF systems, turbo, etc. Also, more stringent emissions compliance means more potential failure points or maintenance requirements over time.
5. Noise, NVH, Response
   Diesel engines tend to have greater noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). Though modern 6.7L diesels are well refined, gas engines still tend to be quieter, especially when idling or in lower rpm. Also, gas engines may have better transient response (throttle response) in lighter load conditions.

Advantages of Gasoline (6.8 L or 7.3 L V8)

1. Lower Initial Cost and Simpler Maintenance
   Gas engines are less expensive to produce and to purchase. Maintenance is mechanically simpler (no turbocharger, no DEF, fewer high-pressure fuel components, easier cold-start in many cases).
2. Higher Payload in Some Configurations
   Because gas engines are lighter and have fewer emissions weight penalties, gas F-250s often have higher payload capacity. That matters if you carry heavy cargo in the bed or transport many passengers.
3. Smoother Operation, Quicker Warm-Up, Better Short Run Performance
   Gas engines heat up quicker, often idle smoother and more quietly. For drivers who do mostly city driving or short trips without consistent high load, gas may provide better drivability and less stress on the engine/emissions system.
4. Better Cost Predictability
   Gas engine maintenance costs tend to be more predictable; fewer specialized parts (diesel injectors, turbo, emission after-treatment) that can cause expensive surprises.

Disadvantages of Gasoline

1. Lower Towing Capacity / Torque, Especially at Low RPM
   Even the strongest gas V8 (7.3 L) only produces ~ 485 lb-ft of torque, which is far less than the diesel’s 1,050-1,200 lb-ft. That means larger trailers, steep inclines, or heavy loads demand the diesel to avoid overworking the gas engine.
2. Fuel Consumption Under Heavy Load
   When towing or hauling, gas engines will consume more fuel vs. a diesel doing the same work. Over long distances and over time that adds up.
3. Reduced Engine Longevity Under Constant Heavy Use
   Though modern gas engines are robust, under continuous heavy duty use (towing near max capacity, long sustained loads, steep terrain), gas engines tend to experience more wear, especially in components like cooling, valve train, etc., compared to a diesel built for those extremes.
4. Emissions & Efficiency Penalties at High Loads
   Gas engines at high loads may run richer or work harder, increasing fuel consumption, heat, and wear, and may face more rapid degradation of certain components (e.g. exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters) when stressed regularly.

Trade-Offs & Use Case Implications

Putting together the technical data above, the optimal engine choice depends heavily on these factors:

• Towing/Hauling Frequency & Size: If you tow often, especially heavy loads (goosenecks, large campers, equipment), or drive uphill or over mountainous terrain, the diesel is strongly favored due to its torque and sustained pulling power.
• Typical Driving Conditions: For mostly highway driving, long distances with load, diesel may offer better fuel economy per unit of work. For shorter trips, stop-and-go, or mostly unloaded driving, gas might be more efficient when factoring in maintenance and fuel cost.
• Ownership Cost vs Resale: Diesel trucks cost more up front and may have higher cost of upkeep. But for buyers who use the truck for demanding work, the return on that investment via capability and resale may be worthwhile.
• Payload Needs vs Towing: If your priority is maximum payload (cargo / bed weight / passengers) rather than maximum towing, a gas engine might make more sense, because you lose payload with heavier diesel engines and emissions hardware.
• Maintenance Facilities and Fuel Access: In areas with difficulty accessing high quality diesel fuel, or where diesel maintenance is more costly or less available, the simplicity of gas becomes more valuable.

By the Numbers

To make this more concrete, consider two similarly equipped 2025 F-250s:

• Truck A: High-output diesel (500 hp / 1,200 lb-ft torque).
• Truck B: 7.3 L gas (430 hp / 485 lb-ft torque).

Suppose each is towing a 20,000 lb trailer over a mountainous route:

• Truck A will be under less strain, operating in lower rpm ranges, using its high torque to pull inclines more effectively, likely consuming less fuel per mile under those loads than Truck B, which will need to rev higher, stress cooling/drivetrain more, and may overheat or degrade faster.
• On flat highway when unloaded, Truck B may have similar fuel consumption per gallon of fuel, but since diesel tends to have more energy per gallon and better thermal efficiency, diesel may still win or be very close, depending on gear ratios, aerodynamics, etc.

Now, for frequent short trips or light towing (< 8,000-10,000 lbs), Truck B (gas) may be cheaper over time, fewer maintenance hassles, cheaper fuel in many areas, no diesel specific emissions regeneration issues, etc.

Conclusion

From a technical standpoint:

• If you anticipate high towing loads, frequent use, and require maximum torque (especially low rpm torque), the 6.7 L diesel (especially the high-output version) is the superior choice. It provides massive pulling power, better durability under load, and higher GCWR/towing ratings.
• If your usage is more moderate—mixed driving, shorter trips, less frequent towing, and you value lower upfront cost and simpler maintenance—then one of the gasoline V8 options (7.3 L or 6.8 L) is likely more cost-efficient and pragmatic.

Cost of Ownership Projection

100,000-mile, side-by-side cost-of-ownership projection for a 2025 Ford F-250 diesel (6.7L Power Stroke HO) vs gas (7.3L Godzilla): showing the assumptions up front, the step-by-step math, and a final total, using recent market data (fuel prices, dealer option pricing, real-world MPG reports).

Quick Summary

Under baseline assumptions, over 100,000 miles the diesel F-250 costs about $5,300 more than the gas F-250 (total cost higher for diesel). That gap is driven mainly by a large diesel option premium up front and modestly higher maintenance, which outweigh diesel’s fuel savings at the assumed MPG and fuel prices. However, small changes to MPG, resale premium, or diesel option cost shift the outcome a lot — I include break-even scenarios below.

Assumptions

Using conservative, evidence-based assumptions and show sources for each:

Vehicle & option

• Gas engine: 7.3L V8 (Godzilla).
• Diesel engine: 6.7L Power Stroke V8 (High-Output where applicable).
• Diesel option premium over comparable gas model: $11,500 (dealer option listings vary; examples show ~$10.5k–$13k).

Fuel prices (national averages, Sept 2025)

• Regular gasoline: $3.17 / gallon (AAA national avg).
• On-highway diesel: $3.69 / gallon (AAA / EIA averages). 

Fuel economy (combined driving estimate)

• Diesel F-250 (6.7L): 18.0 mpg combined 
• Gas F-250 (7.3L): 14.0 mpg combined Maintenance & repairs (variable cost per mile)
• Gas truck: $0.10 / mile (scheduled & unscheduled average for light-duty ICE).
• Diesel truck: $0.13 / mile (diesel repairs & parts typically cost more: injectors, turbo, after-treatment). Resale / depreciation
• Assume the diesel truck retains $7,000 more resale value than the gas truck after 100k miles (diesel trucks commonly trade at a premium in the used market for heavy-duty buyers). This is an approximate conservative assumption based on market patterns and dealer pricing. (Please note that past performance is not guarantee of future value).

Other cost categories

• Not included are financing interest, insurance, registration, or taxes (they are treated equal across the two vehicles). 

Calculations (step-by-step)

1) Fuel cost over 100,000 miles

• Gas gallons = 100,000 mi ÷ 14.0 mpg = 7,142.86 gallons
  Fuel cost (gas) = 7,142.86 × $3.17 = $22,714
• Diesel gallons = 100,000 mi ÷ 18.0 mpg = 5,555.56 gallons
  Fuel cost (diesel) = 5,555.56 × $3.69 = $20,500

Fuel savings (diesel vs gas) = $22,714 − $20,500 = $2,214 saved by diesel over 100k mi.

2) Maintenance & repair cost over 100,000 miles

• Gas maintenance = 100,000 × $0.10 = $10,000
• Diesel maintenance = 100,000 × $0.13 = $13,000

Diesel maintenance premium = $3,000.

3) Up-front option vs resale

• Diesel option cost (upfront premium) = +$11,500. 
• Resale advantage for diesel after 100k miles = +$7,000 (diesel sells for more on used market). 

Net upfront/resale delta (diesel) = $11,500 − $7,000 = $4,500 (net extra)

4) Total ownership difference (diesel relative to gas) over 100k miles

Combine the three major buckets (net premium after resale + maintenance difference + fuel difference):

• Net premium after resale: +$4,500
• Maintenance: +$3,000 (diesel more expensive)
• Fuel: −$2,214 (diesel saves fuel)

Total = $4,500 + $3,000 − $2,214 = +$5,286

Interpretation: under these baseline inputs the diesel costs $5,286 more than the gas F-250 over 100,000 miles.

Practical Recommendations

• If you regularly tow heavy loads (lots of miles towing, mountainous routes) or you drive very high annual miles(30k+ per year), diesel becomes more attractive and may approach or beat gas in total cost because diesel’s fuel and durability advantages compound.
• If your use is mixed: daily commuting, short trips, occasional towing under ~10k lbs, the gas 7.3L is probably the more economical and lower-hassle choice over the first 100k miles based on the numbers above.