There was a brief period when truck manufacturers decided that more cylinders equated to more capability. Enter the V10 era—a time when Ford and Dodge rolled out ten-cylinder engines in their trucks, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional gasoline power and the torque-rich diesel options. These V10s weren’t just about numbers; they represented a unique approach to meeting the demands of heavy-duty tasks without venturing into diesel territory.​

Though their reign was short-lived, the impact of these V10 trucks remains significant. They offered a distinct blend of power and performance that catered to a specific segment of truck enthusiasts and professionals. In this article, we’ll explore notable V10-powered trucks that left a lasting impression during this unique chapter in automotive history.

1. 2004–2006 Dodge Ram SRT-10

The Ram SRT-10 was Dodge’s answer to anyone who said trucks couldn’t be fast. It packed an 8.3L Viper V10 engine making 500 horsepower and 525 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual made it a muscle car in a pickup’s body.

It wasn’t built for hauling mulch—it was built for flexing on Mustangs. It also came with performance-tuned suspension, massive brakes, and an optional Quad Cab. This truck was all about bragging rights and laid rubber like it had something to prove.

2. 1997–2005 Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty V10

Ford’s Triton 6.8L V10 was the workhorse gas option for heavy-duty Super Dutys. It churned out 275 to 362 horsepower and up to 457 lb-ft of torque in later years, with a 3-valve upgrade in 2005 that helped performance and fuel economy.

This wasn’t a performance truck—it was for folks who needed serious towing muscle but weren’t ready to go diesel. Mated to stout automatics and strong frames, these V10s lived under campers, horse trailers, and fire department brush trucks.

3. 1999–2005 Ford Excursion V10

The Excursion V10 was Ford’s answer to “What if an F-250 had a third-row seat?” With the same 6.8L V10 found in the Super Duty lineup, it offered 310 horsepower and plenty of torque to pull boats, trailers, or an entire soccer team.

Inside, it was pure 2000s suburban comfort—plush seats, rear AC, and enough space to lose your kids. While it guzzled fuel like a frat boy on spring break, the V10 Excursion remains a cult favorite for families who need truck-like capabilities.

4. 1991–1996 Dodge Ram 250/350 V10

Before the Cummins hype took over, Dodge slipped a V10 into its heavy-duty trucks. The 8.0L Magnum V10 made 300 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque—a serious bump over the 360 and 440 V8s it replaced.

It had the grunt to pull serious loads, and while it didn’t rev high or scream like the Viper’s version, it got the job done. These trucks came with solid axles and heavy-duty suspensions—built for blue-collar tasks with ten-cylinder confidence.

5. 2008–2010 Ford F-450 V10

While diesels were king, Ford still offered the Triton V10 in the F-450 through 2010. With 362 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque, it gave buyers another option for a commercial-grade gas truck without DEF headaches.

Often found in utility fleets, motorhomes, or flatbeds, this beast ran hard and worked harder. It paired well with 5-speed TorqShift automatics and massive rear axles, offering serious hauling capacity for folks who needed a gas-powered rig that wouldn’t quit.

6. 2002–2006 Ford E-350/E-450 V10

Vans don’t get much love, but the 6.8L V10-powered Econoline deserved a salute. Found in ambulances, shuttle buses, and RVs, it delivered dependable torque and decent fuel economy for a workhorse.

The engine sat under a doghouse in the cabin, but it pulled like a champ and was easy to service. These vans weren’t glamorous, but if you needed to carry people and gear reliably, the V10 had your back—mile after mile.

*This article was hand crafted with AI-powered tools and has been car-fully, I mean carefully, reviewed by our editors.