For the first time, Ford will release its best-selling F-150 truck with an optional 3.0-liter diesel Power Stroke engine that will come with an EPA-estimated 30 mpg later this year. The Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker will start taking dealer orders on the new 2018 Ford F-150 diesel in mid-January, with deliveries expected to start this spring. With the addition of the diesel engine, Ford now offers its F-150 with six different engine options.

The first-ever diesel engine offered for the F-150 comes as a 3.0-liter powerstroke with an 10-speed automatic transmission. Ford reports that it is capable of 11,400 pounds of towing, a 2,020 payload, and making 250 horsepower and 440-pounds of torque. Per the estimated EPA fuel economy rating, Ford says the final figures will be released this spring. Dave Filipe, Ford's vice president global powertrain engineering, said. Ford's F-Series has been America's top-selling vehicle for 40 straight years.

The 2018 F-150's frame will come made of high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy which helped decrease its weight by 700 pounds. Ford says this weight-reduction allowed its engineers to invest in new areas aimed at generating better towing capacity paired with the improved fuel economy rating. This new diesel option is available in 4x2 and 4x4 trucks, and in the Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum editions.

For fleet customers, Ford will offer the diesel option on all trims with SuperCrew 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot beds, and SuperCabs with a 6.5-foot bed. The 2018 Ford F-150 Diesel was unveiled at a tight-lipped media event the same day the automaker announced it was moving 220-plus employees back into Detroit proper. For those curious about its weather testing and capabilities, the Dearborn-based automaker says it tested the F-150 diesel in Davis Dam, Arizona. The Power Stroke-equipped F-150 climbed 13 miles at a 6 percent grade in temperatures at levels hotter than 100 degrees.

The F-150's 3.0-liter Power Stroke comes with an engine-driven fan and dual radiator shutters to help in those high-temperature conditions. David Ives, Ford diesel engine technical specialist, said. As for the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Ford was tight-lipped about anything coming with them other than its new F-150 models. The automaker's press conference is currently scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14 at an offsite location. Before the 2018 NAIAS opens to the public from Jan. 20 to Jan. 28 at the Cobo Center in Downtown Detroit automakers show off new models and make world debuts in scheduled press conferences.

A full-size truck is ideal for those who need more room in the cab, want a larger bed, will occasionally tow large items, or simply prefer additional luxury and safety features. Heavy-duty trucks make the most sense for those who frequently tow seriously heavy equipment. Each class offers something unique for those looking for the best off-road truck, from the midsize Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 to the full-size Ford F-150 Raptor and the heavy-duty Ram Power Wagon.

While the number of different pickup models is fairly small, there's a great deal of differentiation within each model range. The nearly limitless customization options can make it difficult to sift through dealer inventory to find the perfect vehicle. To start, check out our 7 Steps to Buying a Pickup Truck guide for a good overview. Then visit our Truck Center and read our Buying Guide to understand each model's strengths and weaknesses. Our in-depth vehicle reviews provide a detailed analysis and trim breakdown of every new truck on the market. Once a model catches your eye, find a specific truck in your area by clicking on its inventory page. No matter where you are in the research and buying process, Edmunds has tools to help you find your perfect pickup.

It's easy to get lost in the weeds, so we rank the vehicle warranty policies from outstanding to ordinary based on three major provisions: powertrain, bumper-to-bumper and roadside assistance. Some automakers offer lengthy powertrain warranties for their vehicles, but that typically covers only the engine, transmission and driveline. By contrast, bumper-to-bumper coverage — often called "basic" warranties — cover everything else (electrical parts, for example) and often include the powertrain if an automaker doesn't split it out.

Then comes other coverage, from roadside assistance to warranties for body panel corrosion and vehicle accessories. Here's the lay of the land for each automaker. Why they're here: Even when you consider their transferability limitations, these are still the best warranties for 2018. The powertrain policies are years ahead of the rest of the industry, and the bumper-to-bumper warranties are equally impressive.

Caveats: The powertrain coverage for Genesis, Hyundai, Kia and Mitsubishi isn't transferrable to subsequent owners, so it drops to five years or 60,000 miles after the first owner, though bumper-to-bumper and roadside assistance have no term reduction. Volkswagen debuted an expanded warranty in early 2017 for the 2018 model-year Atlas and Tiguan, then later extended it to the rest of the 2018 lineup except the e-Golf, which won’t get the policy.