Houston, TX, is a major hub for construction and industrial work. Whether you’re an everyday driver, a rancher, or a contractor, the right diesel truck can help you move around the city, handling the most demanding tasks. Struggling to make the right pick? This guide covers the top diesel trucks to buy in Houston. But first, let’s show you why these vehicles are ideal for this city’s driving conditions and give you some tips on choosing the best one.
Houston’s Unique Driving Conditions: Why Diesel Trucks Excel in the Bayou City
Houston is a metropolis with varying driving conditions. You need a car that can deal with the Texas heat and unpredictable weather while you navigate its heavy traffic. Thankfully, diesel trucks check all the boxes. Here are the top reasons these vehicles thrive in the Bayou City.
Traffic and Stop-and-Go Considerations
Houston typically experiences high congestion levels, especially during long commutes into town on I-10 and I-610 from Pasadena. Since the best diesel truck engines generate high torque at low revolutions per minute (RPM), they are perfect for stop-and-go driving.
Hot Climate Performance
Summers in Houston can be hot, which can take a toll on your car. The good news is that most reliable diesel engines run cooler than their gasoline counterparts, minimizing the risk of overheating. Some turbo-diesel options can even tolerate high temperatures and perform consistently in hot weather.
Flooding and Weather Preparedness
Houston has a history of tropical storms, such as Tropical Storm Allison, which led to the worst flooding the city has ever experienced. Diesel trucks have a higher ground clearance than other types of cars, allowing you to safely drive them through certain waterlogged roads.
Urban vs. Suburban Driving Pattern
Diesel trucks are fuel-efficient enough for daily commutes in Downtown Houston. Powerful engines make them great for hauling or construction work in Red Bluff Terrace, Pasadena Oaks, or Ward Acres.
Houston-Specific Considerations When Choosing a Diesel Truck
Selecting the best diesel truck to buy in Pasadena can be tricky, especially if you’re a first-time buyer. At Monument Chevrolet, we’re here to make the buying process much easier for you. Here are some factors to consider before buying your diesel truck:
- Cooling and heat management: Choose diesel trucks with advanced cooling systems, as they can prevent the engine from overheating during hot weather.
- Flood readiness: We recommend diesel truck engines with a high ground clearance of at least eight inches for safe passage through flooded areas in Houston.
- Towing power: Planning to use your truck for heavy-duty industrial and commercial applications? Ensure it has a towing capacity of at least 8,000 pounds or more.
- Comfort features: Daily commutes in Houston can last an hour or two due to traffic. A diesel truck with features like ergonomic seats and lumbar support can boost your comfort during long drives.
- Fuel efficiency: Although diesel trucks have better fuel economy than gasoline vehicles, you should still choose a fuel-efficient option to slash fuel costs.
Chevy Diesel Truck Options
If you’re scouring the market for used Chevy diesel trucks or newer models with more advanced features, you’re in luck. Monument Chevrolet offers you multiple options with varying features. Check out some of our favorites:
Chevy Silverado 1500
The Silverado 1500 is among the best diesel trucks in the USA, thanks to its diverse engine lineup. Its base model uses a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine, but a turbodiesel 3.0-liter six-cylinder is available on trims like the LT, LZT, and ZR2. This diesel engine delivers 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque, providing an impressive low-end pulling power. With it, pulling your trailer as you head to Southlake RV Resort for camping should be a breeze.
When it comes to fuel economy, the Silverado 1500’s 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine achieves 23 mpg city and 29 mpg highway in rear-wheel drive (RWD). In four-wheel drive (4WD), you can get up to 22 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
Chevy Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD
The Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD are heavy-duty trucks that leverage a Duramax diesel 6.6-liter V-8 engine. Producing 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque, it’s way more powerful than the model’s standard gasoline V-8. That, plus its high towing capacity of up to 36,000 pounds on the 3500HD and 22,500 pounds on the 2500HD, renders the diesel engine suitable for heavy-duty applications. You can use the trucks to move mobile homes, excavators, and other large construction equipment.
Apart from sharing an engine, the diesel-powered Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD have other notable similarities. For example, the Allison 10-speed automatic transmission is a standard feature on both models.
Chevy Colorado
For model years 2016-2022, the Chevy Colorado came with a 2.8-liter I4 Duramax diesel engine that pumped out 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. While this engine is not as robust as the 3500HD’s 6.6-liter V-8, it still brings significant pulling power for hauling heavy loads. You can also enjoy steady performance when driving on challenging terrain.
Another feature that puts the Colorado in the pool of the best used diesel trucks is its good fuel economy. The 2022 model achieves 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway. Notably, Chevy discontinued the diesel-powered Colorado because its new gasoline engine outshone it in several categories, including towing capacity and torque output.
Shop Diesel Trucks at Monument Chevrolet
Can’t wait to drive your diesel truck? Monument Chevrolet is the best place to buy new and used trucks near Houston. Our car dealership is open from Monday to Saturday to ensure nothing comes in the way of you owning your desired Chevy diesel truck. Call us at 713-581-8123 or use our contact form to schedule your test drive today.
Image by Mr. Location Scout is licensed with Pexels License
Connect with us
