It’s an exciting age for diesel lovers. For the first time in 30 years, at least one compression ignition engine option exists in each pickup truck category. While diesel options are still limited in the North American market, any growth is welcomed; and with one look at the latest offerings, it’s blatantly apparent that diesel is diversifying the pickup truck field. For a closer look at the current crop of diesel-powered trucks gracing dealer lots, look no further than our comprehensive 2017 model year review.

Whether you’re in need of 30-mpg, 3 tons’ worth of hauling ability or 30,000-pound towing capability, there’s something for everyone. With a new body, new technology and cosmetic changes throughout, Ford’s Super Duty represents the biggest makeover in the heavy-duty segment for 2017. Perhaps the biggest news is that Ford trucks will now make use of an aluminum body.

In fact, the Super Duty line now shares the same, high-strength aluminum cab as the F-150 (although the Super Duty version is considerably longer), complete with the 170-degree swing-out rear doors and virtually identical interiors. Getting away from sheetmetal shaved roughly 350 pounds off of the truck’s curb weight, which Ford promptly reinvested in the form of beefing up the frame (95 percent of it is fully boxed now). But Ford didn’t stop there.

The 6.7L Power Stroke V8 sees a 65 lb-ft jump in torque output, upping the ante to a class-leading 925 lb-ft of twist. Its horsepower rating of 440 stays the same. Coupling some suspension tweaks in with the aforementioned powertrain and frame improvements, and Ford now lays claim to the highest gooseneck towing capacity in the industry: 32,800 pounds (GCWR checks in at 41,800 pounds when properly spec’d).

Conventional towing beats out Ram and GM as well at 21,000 pounds. And to complement the added towing capability, the ’17 Super Duty features Ford’s Trailer Reverse Guidance. This system automatically shifts viewing perspective (via the navigation screen) depending on which way the trailer is being turned, and a color-coded birds’-eye diagram of the truck helps warn the driver of jackknife conditions.

Aside from the cosmetically new, yet fully functional cowl hood, it’s all about the powertrain on the ’17 Chevy and GMC HD trucks. Specifically, the sixth generation 6.6L Duramax V8 has been revealed, and it packs a potent punch. Along with a best-in-class horsepower rating of 445 hp, the new Duramax (engine code L5P) produces 910 lb-ft of grunt at a low 1,600 rpm.

A stronger cast-iron block and crankshaft, connecting rods with larger rod bearings, and redesigned (more robust) cast-aluminum pistons prepare the short block for the added cylinder pressure (i.e. torque) it will see. Higher-flowing aluminum cylinder heads and a Denso-sourced high-pressure common-rail fuel system play a key role in the L5P Duramax mill’s 48 hp bump and 145 lb-ft increase over ’16 model year trucks.

With ample power on tap, a variable geometry turbocharger and six gear options, the Duramax/Allison combo is as polished as it’s ever been. To cope with the added torque dished out by the new engine, the Allison 1000 was treated to an upgraded torque converter. Conventional towing capacity (20,000 pounds) and gooseneck towing capacity (23,200 pounds) remain unchanged, but with a more potent Duramax power plant under the hood, GM is a chassis beef-up away from upping the ante in this area.

While 2017 marks more of the same for the Ram HD truck camp, a new off-road package is available for all Crew Cab and Mega Cab configuration 4x4 2500 models (diesel or gas). Selecting the off-road option means the truck of your choice will come equipped with a limited slip rear differential, hill-descent control, Bilstein shocks, tow hooks and the same heavy-duty skid plates used on the Power Wagon.

Beyond that, properly spec’d 3500 dual rear wheel Rams still lay claim to a best-in-class payload rating of 6,720 pounds. As for max tow ratings, Ram remains in the thick of things with its 31,210-pound capacity — a close second to the Ford Super Duty. And just like ’16 models, three power ratings are available, depending on which transmission you choose. The high output version of the venerable 6.7L Cummins might once again see a leap in torque output, which begs the question: will Ram be the first manufacturer to offer a diesel engine packing 1,000 lb-ft of torque,