Buying a truck is a big investment, and choosing between a diesel pickup truck and a gas truck can have a lasting impact on your driving experience and ownership costs.
The right choice depends less on which engine is “better” and more on how you use your truck every day.
Think About How You Actually Use Your Truck
Before comparing engines, consider how your truck spends most of its time.
Do you tow a camper into the Rockies every weekend? Haul construction equipment across Colorado? Or is your truck mainly used for commuting, errands, and occasional weekend projects?
The answers matter because diesel and gasoline engines are designed for different strengths.
A diesel pickup truck typically produces more low-end torque, making it ideal for towing heavy trailers and carrying large payloads. Gas trucks, meanwhile, offer quicker warm-up times, smoother operation during short trips, and a lower purchase price.
Many truck buyers focus on horsepower numbers, but torque, maintenance costs, and annual mileage often have a bigger impact on long-term satisfaction.
Diesel engines generally achieve better fuel economy because diesel fuel contains roughly 15% more energy than gasoline. That advantage becomes more noticeable during highway driving and when hauling heavy loads.
The Daily Commuter & Short Tripper
If your truck spends most of its life driving around Denver, running errands, commuting to work, or making short weekend trips, a gas truck usually makes more sense.
Gas-powered trucks cost less upfront, making them attractive for buyers who don’t regularly need maximum towing capability.
Routine maintenance is also generally less expensive. Oil changes, filters, and many repairs tend to cost less than comparable diesel services. Modern gasoline engines are also well-suited for stop-and-go traffic, where diesel engines may not always reach ideal operating temperatures.
For many vehicle owners, these benefits outweigh the fuel economy advantages of diesel.
A gas truck is often the better choice if you:
- Drive fewer than 15,000 miles each year
- Rarely tow more than a small trailer
- Mostly drive around town
- Want lower maintenance costs
- Prefer a lower purchase price
This doesn’t mean gas trucks are weak. Today’s gasoline-powered pickups are capable of towing respectable loads while providing comfortable everyday driving.
If your truck serves as both your family vehicle and your daily commuter, gasoline is often the more practical option.
The Heavy Hauler & Long-Distance Cruiser
Now consider the opposite driver.
You regularly tow a fifth-wheel camper. You haul construction equipment across Colorado. Your weekends involve pulling boats or horse trailers. Or perhaps you drive thousands of highway miles every month for work.
This is where a diesel pickup truck shines.
Diesel engines generate significantly more torque at lower engine speeds, reducing strain while towing heavy loads. They also tend to maintain fuel efficiency better under load than comparable gas engines.
Long-distance drivers also appreciate the extended driving range that diesel trucks often provide between fill-ups.
Although diesel fuel prices fluctuate, many owners recover part of the higher fuel cost through improved fuel economy on long highway trips.
A diesel truck may be the better investment if you:
- Frequently tow heavy trailers
- Drive long highway distances
- Haul cargo for work
- Keep vehicles for many years
- Need maximum towing capability
Diesel ownership does come with tradeoffs.
Maintenance can be more expensive because of larger oil capacities, fuel filters, emissions systems, and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) requirements. However, drivers who consistently use their trucks for heavy-duty work often find those additional costs worthwhile because the truck performs exactly as needed.
Consider Ownership Costs Beyond Fuel
Fuel economy is only one part of truck ownership.
Many buyers focus entirely on miles per gallon but overlook purchase price, maintenance, insurance, depreciation, and repair costs.
Ownership expenses include far more than fuel, making it important to evaluate your total annual driving habits instead of looking only at fuel savings.
For example, a diesel pickup truck typically costs more when purchased new. Routine services often require more oil, specialized filters, and additional maintenance items.
A gas truck generally offers:
- Lower purchase price
- Lower routine maintenance costs
- Simpler ownership for light-duty use
A diesel pickup truck generally offers:
- Better towing performance
- Improved highway fuel economy
- Excellent long-distance capability
- Strong resale value in many markets
There isn’t a universal winner.
The best truck is the one that matches your lifestyle.
Which Truck Is Right for Denver, Colorado Drivers?
Colorado presents unique driving conditions.
Steep mountain grades, changing weather, and long highway drives can all influence your decision.
If you’re towing through the Rockies several times each month, a diesel pickup truck can make climbing grades easier while reducing engine strain.
If your truck spends weekdays navigating Denver traffic and weekends making occasional home improvement runs, a gas truck will likely deliver everything you need without paying for capabilities you’ll rarely use.
At Mile High Car Helper, we encourage buyers to think beyond today’s needs. Consider how long you plan to own the truck, how often you’ll tow, and how many miles you drive each year.
Choosing the right engine now can help reduce ownership costs while giving you the performance you actually need.
Mile High Car Helper: Helping Denver Drivers Choose the Right Truck
At Mile High Car Helper, the top-rated used car sales and auto repair shop in Denver, Colorado, we help car owners make informed decisions before they buy.
With locations on Acoma Street and South Broadway, Mile High Car Helper combines the expertise of an auto broker, used-car dealer, and full-service repair shop under one roof.
Our ASE-certified technicians provide transparent pricing, trusted diesel repair expertise, and honest guidance whether you’re shopping for your next truck or maintaining the one you already own.
Don’t guess which engine is right for your lifestyle. Visit Mile High Car Helper, serving Denver, Colorado, and let our team help you find the truck that fits your driving habits today and for years to come.
Contact Mile High Car Helper at 303-276-0259 or reach our Facebook page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a diesel pickup truck better than a gas truck?
It depends on your driving habits. Diesel trucks excel at towing, hauling, and long highway trips, while gas trucks are generally better for commuting, short trips, and lower ownership costs.
When should I choose a diesel pickup truck?
A diesel pickup truck is ideal if you frequently tow heavy trailers, haul equipment, drive long distances, or plan to keep your truck for many years.
Are gas trucks cheaper to own?
Yes. Gas trucks typically have a lower purchase price, less expensive routine maintenance, and simpler ownership costs compared to diesel trucks.
Which truck is better for driving in Colorado?
If you regularly tow through the Rocky Mountains, a diesel truck provides more low-end torque and better performance on steep grades. For everyday driving around Denver, a gas truck is often the more practical choice.
Do diesel trucks get better fuel economy?
Generally, yes. Diesel engines are more fuel-efficient, especially during highway driving and while towing heavy loads, although fuel prices and maintenance costs should also be considered.
What should I consider before buying a truck?
Think about your annual mileage, towing needs, maintenance budget, purchase price, cargo requirements, and how long you plan to own the vehicle before deciding between diesel and gas.