The Ford 6.7L Power Stroke makes more power than the Chevy L5P Duramax (500 hp and 1,200 lb-ft against 470 hp and 975 lb-ft) and tows more at the top end (40,000 lbs versus 36,000 lbs on a dually). The Duramax returns 1-2 MPG better unloaded, pairs with the Allison 10-speed, and costs slightly less for major repairs such as injectors and turbos. Both engines routinely pass 200,000 miles with proper maintenance.
For most owners towing under 20,000 lbs, either diesel is more than capable, and the decision comes down to transmission preference, repair costs and brand. The comparison below covers power, reliability, fuel economy, transmissions, towing and long-term ownership cost for the L5P Duramax (2017 and newer) and the current 6.7L Power Stroke.
Duramax L5P vs Ford 6.7 Power Stroke: Quick Comparison
| Specification | Duramax 6.6L (L5P) | Power Stroke 6.7L |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration | V8 Turbo Diesel | V8 Turbo Diesel |
| Horsepower | 470 HP | 500 HP |
| Torque | 975 lb-ft | 1,200 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Allison 10-speed | TorqShift 10-speed |
| Max Towing | 36,000 lbs | 40,000 lbs |
| Fuel Economy | ~15-18 MPG | ~14-17 MPG |
| DEF Required | Yes | Yes |
What Are the L5P Duramax and the 6.7 Power Stroke?
Chevrolet/GMC Duramax 6.6L (L5P)
Introduced in 2017, the L5P Duramax is a joint venture between GM and Isuzu. It features a new injection system, redesigned turbocharger, and improved emissions controls. The L5P is known for its smooth power delivery and refinement.
Key Features: Denso high-pressure fuel system, variable geometry turbo, aluminum heads, compacted graphite iron block.
Ford Power Stroke 6.7L
Ford's third-generation 6.7L Power Stroke (introduced 2020+) is an in-house design featuring new high-pressure injection, larger turbo, and improved exhaust brake. It's the most powerful diesel engine in its class.
Key Features: 36,000 PSI fuel injection, dual sequential turbos (some models), forged steel crankshaft, exhaust brake standard.
Which Has More Power, the Power Stroke or the Duramax?
Winner: Ford 6.7 Power Stroke
The 6.7L Power Stroke produces more horsepower (500 vs 470) and significantly more torque (1,200 lb-ft vs 975 lb-ft). This advantage is noticeable when:
- Towing heavy loads up steep grades
- Accelerating with a loaded trailer
- Hauling maximum payload
However, for most real-world towing under 20,000 lbs, both engines feel equally capable.
Is the Duramax or the Power Stroke More Reliable?
Tie -- Both Are Excellent
The reliability comparison between the L5P Duramax and current 6.7L Power Stroke shows both engines holding up extremely well over time. Common high-mileage reports:
- Duramax L5P: 200,000-400,000+ miles with proper maintenance
- Power Stroke 6.7L: 200,000-350,000+ miles with proper maintenance
Maintenance Is Key
Both engines require premium diesel fuel, quality oil, DEF fluid, and regular fuel filter changes. Neglecting maintenance dramatically shortens diesel engine life regardless of brand.
Which Gets Better Fuel Economy, the Duramax or the Power Stroke?
Winner: Duramax L5P (Slightly)
Unloaded, the L5P Duramax typically returns 1-2 MPG better than the 6.7L Power Stroke. Both are similar-displacement V8 turbo diesels, so the gap comes from tuning and gearing rather than a fundamentally more efficient design, and it narrows to almost nothing once a trailer is attached. Typical owner-reported figures:
- Duramax: 14-16 city / 18-21 highway (unloaded)
- Power Stroke: 13-15 city / 16-19 highway (unloaded)
When towing, both engines see significant fuel economy drops (8-12 MPG typical), and the gap narrows.
Allison vs TorqShift: Which Transmission Is Better?
Winner: Duramax (Allison)
The Duramax is paired with the legendary Allison transmission, considered the gold standard in heavy-duty automatic transmissions. Benefits include:
- Proven reliability in commercial applications
- Smooth, confident shifts even under load
- Excellent heat management when towing
- Strong aftermarket support
Ford's TorqShift 10-speed is also excellent and well-suited to the Power Stroke, but the Allison's reputation gives Chevy an edge with many buyers.
Which Tows More, the Power Stroke or the Duramax?
Winner: Power Stroke
The 6.7L Power Stroke tows more at the top end: a properly equipped F-350 dually is rated up to 40,000 lbs on a gooseneck, against 36,000 lbs for a Silverado 3500 dually with the L5P Duramax. The Ford's extra 225 lb-ft of torque also makes it feel more relaxed at maximum load. Maximum factory ratings:
- F-350 DRW: Up to 40,000 lbs gooseneck
- Silverado 3500 DRW: Up to 36,000 lbs gooseneck
The Power Stroke's extra torque translates to more confident towing at maximum capacity. However, both trucks far exceed what most owners actually tow.
Which Costs More to Own Long Term, the L5P or the 6.7 Power Stroke?
Routine costs are nearly identical: oil changes run $100-150 and DEF $8-15 a gallon on both engines. The gap opens on major repairs, where a Power Stroke injector replacement runs $4,000-6,000 against $3,000-5,000 for the Duramax, and a turbo $3,000-5,000 against $2,500-4,000, because Ford's proprietary parts cost more.
| Cost Factor | Duramax | Power Stroke |
|---|---|---|
| Oil Change | $100-150 | $100-150 |
| Fuel Filters | $50-100 | $60-120 |
| DEF (per gallon) | $8-15 | $8-15 |
| Injector Replacement | $3,000-5,000 | $4,000-6,000 |
| Turbo Replacement | $2,500-4,000 | $3,000-5,000 |
Overall ownership costs are similar, though Power Stroke repairs tend to be slightly more expensive due to Ford's proprietary design.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy the L5P Duramax for the Allison transmission, slightly better fuel economy, quieter operation and somewhat cheaper major repairs. Buy the 6.7L Power Stroke for the highest towing rating, the most torque and the strongest exhaust brake. For towing under 20,000 lbs, either engine will serve well past 200,000 miles with proper maintenance.
Choose the Duramax L5P If You Want:
- Legendary Allison transmission
- Slightly better fuel economy
- Smoother, quieter operation
- Lower repair costs (slightly)
- GMC Denali luxury option
Choose the 6.7 Power Stroke If You Want:
- Maximum towing capacity
- Most torque available
- Best-in-class exhaust brake
- Ford's extensive dealer network
- Highest resale value (typically)
If you're leaning toward a Ford Super Duty, read our F-250 vs F-350 comparison to decide on the right model. Already have your diesel truck? Browse our tire selection to find the perfect set for your build, or check out our lift kit catalog to take your truck to the next level.
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LR Wheels N Lifts services and upgrades both Duramax and Power Stroke trucks - lift kits, wheels, tires, and heavy duty alignment, all in-house. We also keep a selection of both in our lifted truck inventory.
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