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Did Ford Ever Put A Cummins In Their Trucks?

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Last updated on 6 min read

Yes—Ford installed Cummins engines in its medium-duty F-650/F-750 trucks from 1998 to 2015, but never in its F-Series pickup line.

When did Ford stop using Cummins?

Ford ended factory use of Cummins engines in 2016 when it replaced the Cummins ISB 6.7L in the F-650/F-750 with its own 6.7L Power Stroke V8.

That shift line up with Ford’s decision to bring diesel development back in-house after the Navistar joint venture wound down. By the 2016 model year, every new medium-duty Ford truck rolled out with the Ford-designed engine, which streamlined parts logistics and warranty administration. It also gave Ford the freedom to calibrate the powerplant precisely for its truck chassis and emissions targets.

Did Ford ever use Cummins engines?

Yes—Ford fitted Cummins ISB 6.7L inline-six turbodiesels in the F-650 and F-750 medium-duty chassis from 1998 through 2015 under a joint venture with Navistar built in Escobedo, Mexico.

These trucks wore Ford badging but got their diesel heart from Cummins, while Ford handled the transmission, axle, and chassis. The setup let Ford offer a diesel without building one from scratch, although the consumer F‑Series pickups—F‑150, Super Duty, Ranger—never saw a Cummins under the hood during that run.

Has Ford used Cummins Motors?

Ford used Cummins inline‑six diesel engines exclusively in its F‑650/F‑750 medium‑duty trucks between 1998 and 2015 as part of the Navistar joint venture.

The engines came straight from Cummins’ Mexican plant, then were paired with Ford‑built drivelines and sold under the Ford badge. Besides these medium‑duty trucks, Ford’s light‑duty pickups, vans, and SUVs have always stuck with proprietary Ford or partner diesel/gasoline powerplants.

Can you get a Ford with a Cummins?

No—since the 2016 model year, Ford does not offer any vehicle with a factory‑installed Cummins engine across its retail, fleet, or medium‑duty lineups.

If you’re after a Cummins‑powered Ford these days, the only realistic path is an aftermarket engine swap—something that demands serious fabrication, wiring, and emissions compliance work. Those mods can void warranties and might run into state inspection hurdles, which is why they’re usually tackled only by specialized builders or enthusiasts.

Why did Nissan get rid of Cummins?

Nissan discontinued the Cummins 5.0L V‑8 diesel in the Titan XD after the 2020 model year due to weak sales volume; fewer than 10% of Titan XD buyers chose the diesel option.

The diesel version added a $6,000‑$7,000 premium over the gasoline V8, and the real‑world fuel savings rarely made up that difference for most buyers. Nissan figured the low take‑rate didn’t justify continued development or emissions certification, so they pulled the plug.

Who currently owns Cummins?

Cummins remains an independent, publicly traded company (NYSE: CMI) as of 2026; it is not owned by any other corporation.

Founded by Clessie L. Cummins and J. Irwin Miller, the firm has stayed independent since it bought back Caterpillar’s stake in the late 1990s. Today its shares are held by a broad mix of institutional and individual investors, and it keeps supplying engines to OEMs all over the world.

Is Cummins or Duramax better?

As of 2026, the Duramax 6.6L L5P offers higher peak horsepower (445 hp) while the latest Cummins 6.7L in Ram trucks delivers greater torque (1,075 lb‑ft), making each suited to different priorities.

Duramax’s extra horsepower helps with high‑speed acceleration, while Cummins’ stronger torque shines at low‑rpm pulling—great for heavy towing up steep grades. Of course, real‑world performance still hinges on truck weight, gearing, and driving conditions, so the best way to decide is to test‑drive both and see which feels right for your usual loads.

Does Caterpillar own Cummins?

No—Cummins has been independent of Caterpillar since the late 1990s and remains a standalone public company as of 2026.

Caterpillar used to hold a sizable equity stake and even a board seat, but Cummins bought those shares back to regain full control. These days the two companies still work together on some research projects, yet there’s no ownership link between them.

What is the best diesel engine ever made?

The Cummins B‑Series inline‑six (first produced in 1984 and still evolving) is widely regarded as the most influential and durable diesel engine for light‑ and medium‑duty trucks.

Its simple pushrod design, tough forged internals, and conservative power ratings have given it million‑mile service lives in vocational work. Other legendary diesels—like the GM 6.6L Duramax, the International 7.3L Power Stroke, and the massive Wärtsilä‑Sulzer RTA96‑C two‑stroke marine engine—are impressive, but the B‑Series stands out for its mix of longevity, serviceability, and sheer widespread adoption.

What is the best Cummins engine?

The current 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel (ISB 6.7) is the most powerful Cummins offered in a consumer pickup as of 2026, rating up to 420 hp and 1,075 lb‑ft in the Ram 2500/3500.

This engine builds on the proven B‑Series architecture, adding high‑pressure common‑rail fuel injection, advanced turbocharging, and modern emissions controls. It serves up the low‑end torque that makes heavy towing feel effortless, all while meeting strict EPA and CARB standards.

Why was the 7.3 Powerstroke discontinued?

Ford discontinued the 7.3L Power Stroke after the 2002 model year primarily because it could not meet tightening California noise regulations, not due to emissions limits.

The engine’s loud idle and combustion noise blew past the new state‑imposed decibel caps for heavy‑duty trucks. Ford swapped it out for the quieter 6.0L Power Stroke in 2003, which kept similar torque but used revised injection timing and exhaust design to cut down the acoustic output.

What makes Cummins engines so good?

Cummins engines excel because of their rugged inline‑six layout, conservative power tuning for longevity, and legendary low‑end torque that simplifies towing and hauling.

The inline‑six layout gives them natural balance and cuts vibration, while forged crankshafts, connecting rods, and cylinder liners take high mileage in stride. Add a simple valve train and a proven fuel‑system design, and you get the million‑mile reputation that makes Cummins a go‑to for work‑truck fleets.

Is Nissan discontinuing the Cummins?

As of 2026, Nissan has already discontinued the Cummins 5.0L V‑8 diesel option for the Titan XD; the engine is no longer offered in any new Nissan vehicle.

The decision came after the 2020 model year, when sales were weak—less than 10% of Titan XD buyers went for the diesel. Nissan then shifted focus to its gasoline V8 and hybrid powertrains, and you won’t find a Cummins‑branded engine in any current Nissan model.

Did Nissan discontinue the Cummins?

Yes, Nissan ended its Cummins partnership after the 2020 model year, dropping the diesel Titan XD starting with the 2021 model year.

The move was driven by low consumer demand and the high cost premium of the Cummins‑powered Titan XD. Nissan hasn’t announced any plans to bring back a Cummins‑equipped truck, and its current lineup leans on proprietary gasoline and hybrid powerplants.

Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
David Evans

David is an automotive enthusiast and writer covering cars, motorcycles, and all types of vehicles with practical maintenance tips.