Sylvie Willis
Diesel SUVs are known for their impressive fuel efficiency, torque, and towing capacity. While diesel vehicles are generally more expensive than their gasoline counterparts, they offer better fuel economy and are more cost-effective in the long run. In recent years, diesel engines have received negative press due to the `Dieselgate` scandal, which involved certain manufacturers cheating on emissions tests. Despite this, several automotive brands continue to offer diesel engine options for their SUVs, providing consumers with powerful and efficient vehicles.
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The benefits of diesel vs. gas
When it comes to choosing between a diesel or gasoline SUV, there are several factors to consider. Both fuels have distinct advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends on your specific needs.
Fuel Efficiency
One of the main benefits of diesel engines is their fuel efficiency. Diesel vehicles often outperform gasoline vehicles in terms of miles per gallon (MPG). Diesel cars can achieve up to 20-30% better fuel efficiency compared to similar gasoline models. This is because diesel contains more energy per gallon, contributing to better fuel economy. As a result, diesel engines can travel farther on a single tank. This benefit is particularly useful for commercial vehicles or long-distance travel, reducing the number of refuelling stops.
Torque and Towing
Diesel engines generate more torque than gasoline engines, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications such as towing and hauling. The high torque allows diesel engines to perform better under load, making them a preferred choice for commercial vehicles or activities like camping or towing trailers.
Longevity
Diesel engines are known for their durability and tend to have a longer lifespan than gasoline engines. They are built to withstand higher pressures and have stronger engine blocks. This makes them a better choice for vehicles requiring heavy usage over long periods. Additionally, the diesel engine's exhaust system tends to outlast its gasoline counterpart due to less corrosive fuel exhaust.
Maintenance and Cost
However, it is important to consider the maintenance and cost differences between diesel and gasoline engines. Diesel engines may have higher upfront costs due to the need for sturdier engine parts, and their maintenance can be more expensive and time-consuming. Oil and filter changes are required more frequently and at a higher cost for diesel engines. Gasoline engines have longer service intervals and generally lower maintenance costs.
Fuel Availability
Another consideration is the availability of fueling stations. Gasoline-powered vehicles have the advantage of more readily available fueling options, which can be a factor in certain regions.
In summary, diesel engines offer benefits such as improved fuel efficiency, higher torque, and longer engine lifespan. However, these advantages come with potentially higher upfront and maintenance costs, and fueling stations may be less easily accessible. Gasoline engines, on the other hand, offer better acceleration and are generally more suitable for lighter vehicles requiring quick, responsive power.
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Diesel engine options
One of the most notable diesel SUV options is the Jeep Wrangler, specifically the 2022 model with the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine. This engine delivers 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, resulting in excellent fuel economy and reliability. The Wrangler also stands out for its cargo space and off-road capabilities.
Another popular choice is the Land Rover Range Rover Sport, which offers a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While Land Rover discontinued diesel engines in the US market in 2021, they are still available in Europe. The Range Rover HSE Sport, with its 3.0-liter TD6 V-6 turbodiesel engine, offers impressive fuel economy, seating for five passengers, and a maximum towing capacity of 7,716 pounds.
The Mazda CX-5 is another diesel SUV worth considering. Mazda offered a diesel option for the 2019 model year, known as the Skyactiv-D, which featured a 2.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with standard all-wheel drive. The CX-5 delivers best-in-class performance, handling more like a sports car than an SUV, and offers good fuel economy. However, it had a very short production run, so finding one on the used market can be challenging.
For those seeking a larger option, the Chevrolet Suburban and its sibling, the GMC Yukon, offer diesel engine options. The Suburban is the largest non-luxury SUV on the market, providing ample space and towing capabilities. The diesel engine delivers 277 horsepower and an impressive fuel economy of 23 MPG for rear-wheel-drive models and 22 MPG for four-wheel-drive models, significantly outperforming the gasoline-powered versions. The GMC Yukon, a close cousin to the Chevrolet Tahoe, offers similar specifications but at a higher price point.
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Fuel economy
Diesel engines are generally more fuel-efficient than their gasoline counterparts, and diesel vehicles often return better fuel economy than similar gas vehicles. Diesel engines offer their best fuel economy on long-distance trips, and because the engine will be able to get up to temperature, the particulate filter will hold enough heat to clean itself. The extra torque you get compared to a comparably sized petrol engine makes it far easier to overtake slower-moving traffic. Diesel SUVs generally have a higher towing capacity than an equivalent petrol, hybrid, or electric model, making them ideal for towing.
The GMC Yukon is one of the most powerful and luxurious SUV models available. It is equipped with a 3.0-liter Duramax I-6 engine, delivering 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The Chevrolet Suburban is the largest non-luxury SUV on the market, offering more space for the money than any other full-size SUV. The Suburban's diesel engine option provides the same 277 horsepower turbodiesel engine as its GM siblings, with fuel economy estimates of 23 mpg for rear-wheel-drive models and 22 mpg for four-wheel-drive models.
The Mazda CX-5 is another notable diesel SUV, delivering best-in-class performance. It is powered by a 2.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, offering front-wheel-drive models with fuel efficiency estimates of 28 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. All-wheel-drive models drop by one mpg in both categories. The BMW X5 is a large SUV that combines comfort and handling, offering a choice of diesel engines with exceptional performance and efficiency. The X5's diesel engines deliver 298 hp or 352 hp, providing a spacious and well-made interior, and an entertaining driving experience.
The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover HSE Sport is also worth mentioning, as it offers impressive fuel economy with ratings of 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. It seats five passengers and has a maximum towing capacity of 7,716 pounds. The Jeep Wrangler, equipped with the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine, delivers excellent fuel economy and reliability. The Wrangler is rated at 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most impressive SUVs today.
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Towing power
Diesel SUVs are known for their impressive towing capabilities. They generally have a higher towing capacity than equivalent petrol, hybrid or electric models. This makes them ideal for those who frequently tow trailers or caravans.
The Chevrolet Suburban, for example, is the largest non-luxury SUV on the market. It offers an incredible amount of space, with a whopping 144.7 cubic feet of cargo space. The Suburban is a popular choice for those who need to transport their family and tow equipment. It is powered by a 277-horsepower turbodiesel engine, delivering an impressive 23 MPG for rear-wheel-drive models and 22 MPG for four-wheel-drive models.
The GMC Yukon, a close sibling of the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, also boasts impressive towing capabilities. With its 277-horsepower turbodiesel engine, it can easily tow a camper or side-by-side, and has ample cargo space. The Yukon offers a comfortable and luxurious experience, with a rating of 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway.
The Land Rover Range Rover Sport is another notable diesel SUV with exceptional towing capacity. The 2021 model, equipped with a 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine, has a maximum towing capacity of 7,716 pounds. It offers a comfortable ride for five passengers and features a maximum of 59.5 cubic feet of cargo space.
The Jeep Wrangler, particularly the 2022 model with the 3.0-litre EcoDiesel V-6 engine, is another excellent option for towing. It produces 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, providing exceptional performance and fuel economy.
Lastly, the Mazda CX-5, offered with a 2.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine, delivers an impressive blend of performance and efficiency. While it may be challenging to find one due to low production numbers, it offers excellent city and highway fuel economy, making it a well-rounded choice for those seeking a diesel SUV with strong towing capabilities.
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Cost
The cost of a diesel SUV varies depending on the make and model. For example, a diesel-powered, Denali-trimmed GMC Yukon is priced at just over $70,000. In contrast, the base price of the Chevrolet Suburban is reasonable, but its more luxurious versions can easily reach $80,000. The GMC Yukon is the most expensive non-luxury SUV on the market, with its diesel engine option priced higher than its gas engine counterpart.
The Mazda CX-5, available as a diesel SUV in 2019, was only offered in the top-of-the-line Signature trim, making it a rare find on the used market. Front-wheel-drive models of the CX-5 offer an estimated 28 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway, while all-wheel-drive models provide one MPG less in both areas. The CX-5 handles more like a sports car than an SUV, with supple ride quality, ample acceleration, and good fuel economy.
The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, available with a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine, is another diesel SUV option, offering 22 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. With a maximum towing capacity of 7,716 pounds, this vehicle is among the best diesel SUVs in terms of performance and efficiency. However, Land Rover is known as a luxury brand, and its vehicles are more expensive than rival luxury SUVs.
The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, equipped with the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine, delivers 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The Wrangler stands out for its cargo space, off-road capabilities, fuel economy, and reliability, making it one of the most impressive SUVs today.
While diesel vehicles generally provide better fuel economy than their gasoline counterparts, the price of diesel fuel is often comparable to that of gasoline. Additionally, diesel-powered vehicles tend to be more expensive than their gasoline equivalents. However, the higher purchase price of a diesel SUV can be offset by fuel savings, especially for long-distance drivers or those covering lots of motorway miles.
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Frequently asked questions
The most fuel-efficient diesel SUV will depend on the year and location. For example, the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban is the largest non-luxury SUV on the market and is the most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered SUV. The 2022 Jeep Wrangler is also one of the most impressive SUVs today, with great fuel economy. In the UK, the Skoda Karoq is a great used buy, and the Mazda CX-5 is one of the best-looking SUVs available.
Diesel engines offer their best fuel economy on long-distance trips, and they are generally more fuel-efficient than their gasoline counterparts. They also have a higher towing capacity than equivalent gasoline, hybrid or electric models.
The Chevrolet Tahoe is one of the largest and most fuel-efficient SUVs on the market. The GMC Yukon is nearly identical but more expensive, and the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover HSE Sport is also among the best diesel SUVs.
