Remember when diesel dominated the roads? These torque-heavy machines could tow just about anything while maintaining impressive fuel efficiency.
Although diesel vehicle sales have declined, diesel-powered SUVs remain a solid choice for those who need a vehicle that can handle a variety of demands.
Why opt for diesel instead of petrol? Diesel engines offer superior torque and fuel economy, meaning every SUV on this list has enough power to tow significant loads while delivering exceptional range.
We’ve compiled a list of 10 of the best diesel SUVs that make gas stations feel irrelevant and steep inclines seem effortless.
10. 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EcoDiesel
Range: 530–600 miles | Torque: 442 lb-ft
The Jeep Wrangler is widely recognized for its off-road capabilities, but the 2020 Wrangler Unlimited EcoDiesel proves that efficiency and ruggedness can go hand in hand.
Jeep’s decision to introduce a diesel powertrain alongside a more recent hybrid variant marked a significant step forward.
Powered by a 3.0L EcoDiesel V6, this Wrangler variant delivers a robust 442 lb-ft of torque, making towing effortless while providing confidence in both on-road and off-road conditions.
Performance And Fuel Economy
- Engine: 3.0L EcoDiesel V6
- Horsepower: 260 hp
- Torque: 442 lb-ft
- Driveline: Four-wheel drive
- Towing Capacity: 7,650 lbs
- Payload Capacity: 1,242 lbs
- Fuel Economy (City): 22 mpg
- Fuel Economy (Highway): 29 mpg
- Fuel Economy (Combined): 25 mpg
This version of the Wrangler enhances its legendary off-road capability with impressive fuel economy, offering around 25 mpg combined.
9. 2014–2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel
Range: 600–730 miles | Torque: 420 lb-ft
While the Wrangler is built for off-road enthusiasts, the Grand Cherokee is tailored for those who seek a more refined driving experience.
Think of it as the more sophisticated sibling offering the benefits of a diesel powertrain but with a greater emphasis on comfort and premium features.
Performance And Fuel Economy
- Engine: 3.0L EcoDiesel V6
- Horsepower: 240 hp
- Torque: 420 lb-ft
- Driveline: Rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive
- Towing Capacity: 7,400 lbs (RWD) / 7,200 lbs (4WD)
- Payload Capacity: 1,600 lbs
- Fuel Economy (City): 22 mpg (RWD) / 21 mpg (4WD)
- Fuel Economy (Highway): 30 mpg (RWD) / 28 mpg (4WD)
- Fuel Economy (Combined): 25 mpg (RWD) / 23 mpg (4WD)
With 420 lb-ft of torque, the Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel is more than capable of handling towing and hauling duties.
However, its true strength lies in its range capable of traveling over 700 miles on a single tank, surpassing most competitors in long-distance efficiency.
The 2014-2019 model years stand out due to their excellent value and muscular design, which remains a favorite among SUV enthusiasts.
Also Read: Top 10 Police Vehicles That Are Designed for Extreme Durability
8. 2016–2018 Range Rover Sport Td6
Range: 500–600 miles | Torque: 440 lb-ft
Let’s talk about the unmistakable presence of the Range Rover Sport Td6 often spotted chauffeuring celebrities and influencers through Hollywood.
While it may be a staple in valet lines and red carpet events, this SUV is far more than just a luxury status symbol.
The Td6 variant is a well-rounded powerhouse, equally at home navigating rugged mountain terrain as it is gliding through city streets like Rodeo Drive.
Performance And Fuel Economy
- Engine: 3.0L Turbodiesel V6
- Horsepower: 254 hp
- Torque: 443 lb-ft
- Driveline: Four-wheel drive
- Towing Capacity: 7,716 lbs
- Payload Capacity: 1,700 lbs
- Fuel Economy (City): 22 mpg
- Fuel Economy (Highway): 28 mpg
- Fuel Economy (Combined): 24 mpg
With its high-torque diesel engine and Land Rover’s signature off-road capability, the Range Rover Sport Td6 delivers an exceptional blend of power and versatility.
Unlike more rugged SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler, this model provides a plush, high-end driving experience with a refined and luxurious interior.
The 2016–2018 model years stand out as the best value among Range Rover Sport variants, offering the perfect balance of performance, luxury, and affordability.
7. 2016–2021 Range Rover Td6
Range: 600–650 miles | Torque: 443 lb-ft
If the Range Rover Sport is the dynamic and athletic younger sibling, the full-size Range Rover Td6 takes on the role of the elegant and refined elder statesman.
While it shares the same diesel powertrain as the Sport Td6, the standard Range Rover version elevates the experience with an even more opulent interior, a smoother ride, and an imposing presence on the road.
Performance And Fuel Economy
- Engine: 3.0L Turbodiesel V6
- Horsepower: 254 hp
- Torque: 443 lb-ft
- Driveline: Four-wheel drive
- Towing Capacity: 7,716 lbs
- Payload Capacity: 1,600 lbs
- Fuel Economy (City): 22 mpg
- Fuel Economy (Highway): 29 mpg
- Fuel Economy (Combined): 25 mpg
While the Td6 may lack the rapid acceleration of its gasoline-powered counterparts taking 7.4 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph it makes up for it with an abundance of torque, accessible as low as 1,750 rpm.
This low-end power ensures smooth and effortless towing and highway cruising. However, despite its many strengths, this generation of Range Rover has been known for mechanical reliability issues, something to consider for potential buyers.
6. 2021–2023 Chevrolet Tahoe Diesel
Range: 530–580 miles | Torque: 460 lb-ft
Chevrolet first introduced the Tahoe in 1995 as a shorter-wheelbase alternative to the legendary Suburban, but it quickly established itself as a top choice for families in need of a capable full-size SUV.
What makes the diesel-powered Tahoe stand out? For one, it’s a relatively recent addition to the lineup. While the Tahoe name has been around for decades, a diesel engine option didn’t become available until the 2021 model year.
Performance And Fuel Economy
- Engine: 3.0L Duramax Turbodiesel I6
- Horsepower: 277 hp
- Torque: 460 lb-ft
- Driveline: Rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive
- Towing Capacity: 8,200 lbs
- Payload Capacity: 1,600–1,700 lbs
- Fuel Economy (City): 21 mpg (2WD) / 20 mpg (4WD)
- Fuel Economy (Highway): 28 mpg (2WD) / 26 mpg (4WD)
- Fuel Economy (Combined): 24 mpg (2WD) / 22 mpg (4WD)
With 460 lb-ft of torque and a maximum range approaching 600 miles, the diesel Tahoe offers some of the most impressive performance and efficiency figures in its class.
Also Read: 10 Common Jeep Engine Problems and How to Fix Them
5. 2021–Present GMC Yukon XL Diesel
Range: 670–740 miles | Torque: 495 lb-ft
In an SUV market where size often equates to superiority, the GMC Yukon XL sits at the top of the food chain.
Measuring a massive 18.7 feet in length, the Yukon XL is six feet longer than a Honda Civic, wider than a king-size bed, and taller than the average doorway.
Thanks to these dimensions, it boasts one of the most spacious interiors available in any SUV today.
Performance And Fuel Economy
- Engine: 3.0L Duramax Turbodiesel I6
- Horsepower: 277 hp
- Torque: 460 lb-ft
- Driveline: Rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive
- Towing Capacity: 8,000 lbs
- Payload Capacity: 1,500–1,600 lbs
- Fuel Economy (City): 20 mpg (2WD) / 19 mpg (4WD)
- Fuel Economy (Highway): 27 mpg (2WD) / 25 mpg (4WD)
- Fuel Economy (Combined): 23 mpg (2WD) / 21 mpg (4WD)
The diesel-powered Yukon XL is a long-haul champion, delivering a range of approximately 700 miles on a single tank.
Under the hood, it shares the same 3.0L Duramax turbodiesel engine as the Chevrolet Tahoe, producing 460 lb-ft of torque.
However, what sets it apart from its gasoline-powered counterparts is its impressive highway fuel economy reaching up to 27 mpg despite its massive size.
4. 2021–2024 Cadillac Escalade
Range: 550 miles | Torque: 460 lb-ft
For years, the Cadillac Escalade has reigned as the ultimate symbol of luxury and excess. However, with the introduction of the diesel-powered variant, this extravagant SUV gained an unexpected but welcome trait: efficiency.
While not quite as massive as the GMC Yukon XL, the Escalade is still an imposing figure on the road. In its standard form, it stretches over 17 feet in length, while the extended-wheelbase ESV model extends beyond 18.5 feet.
Performance And Fuel Economy
- Engine: 3.0L Duramax Turbodiesel I6
- Horsepower: 277 hp
- Torque: 460 lb-ft
- Driveline: Rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive
- Towing Capacity: 8,200 lbs
- Payload Capacity: 1,600–1,700 lbs
- Fuel Economy (City): 21 mpg (2WD) / 20 mpg (4WD)
- Fuel Economy (Highway): 27 mpg (2WD) / 26 mpg (4WD)
- Fuel Economy (Combined): 23 mpg (2WD) / 22 mpg (4WD)
Now, let’s talk about the interior. The Escalade doesn’t settle for ordinary there are no cramped back seats or cheap plastic finishes here.
Instead, the cabin is a showcase of high-end craftsmanship, adorned with premium leather, wood, and metal accents.
At the heart of it all is an expansive, curved OLED display that spans the dashboard, delivering an immersive, almost cinematic experience for both driver and passengers.
Additionally, the Escalade can be equipped with Cadillac’s cutting-edge Super Cruise system, offering a hands-free driving experience.
3. 2014–2018 BMW X5 xDrive35d
Range: 550 miles | Torque: 413 lb-ft
The BMW X5 xDrive35d might not have received the same fanfare as its gasoline-powered counterparts, but it was a hidden gem in BMW’s lineup.
Under the hood, its 3.0L turbodiesel inline-six may lack the excitement of the renowned B58 gasoline engine, but it compensates with a robust 413 lb-ft of torque.
This translates to effortless acceleration and passing power, making highway driving a breeze. And with a combined fuel economy of 27 mpg, it stands as one of the most efficient SUVs on this list.
Performance And Fuel Economy
- Engine: 3.0L Turbodiesel Inline-6
- Horsepower: 255 hp
- Torque: 413 lb-ft
- Driveline: All-wheel drive (xDrive)
- Towing Capacity: 6,000 lbs
- Payload Capacity: 1,400 lbs
- Fuel Economy (City): 24 mpg
- Fuel Economy (Highway): 31 mpg
- Fuel Economy (Combined): 27 mpg
However, the X5 xDrive35d isn’t just about straight-line power. This BMW is arguably the best-handling SUV on the list, thanks to its finely tuned suspension, intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system, and nearly perfect 50/50 weight distribution.
The result is an SUV that remains remarkably composed through corners, offering a level of agility rarely found in vehicles of its size.
2. 2019–Present Mercedes-Benz GLE 350d
Range: 540 miles | Torque: 457 lb-ft
For years, the Mercedes-Benz GLE and the BMW X5 have been locked in a fierce battle for dominance in the luxury SUV segment.
While the X5 frequently earns praise for its dynamic handling, the GLE has carved out a niche of its own, attracting buyers who prioritize comfort, cutting-edge technology, and a distinctive design.
The diesel-powered GLE 350d enhances this appeal, offering an impressive range of up to 540 miles on a single tank making it an ideal companion for long highway journeys.
Performance And Fuel Economy
- Engine: 3.0L Turbodiesel Inline-6
- Horsepower: 268 hp
- Torque: 457 lb-ft
- Driveline: All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
- Towing Capacity: 7,700 lbs
- Payload Capacity: 1,700 lbs
- Fuel Economy (City): 22 mpg
- Fuel Economy (Highway): 27 mpg
- Fuel Economy (Combined): 24 mpg
One of the standout features of the GLE is its available air suspension system, which allows it to glide effortlessly over road imperfections.
This system, famously capable of bouncing like a low-rider, provides a supremely smooth ride.
While the BMW X5’s interior might edge out the GLE in terms of outright material quality, the Mercedes-Benz cabin has a more distinctive, high-tech feel, thanks in large part to its sweeping dashboard layout and the brand’s intuitive MBUX infotainment system.
1. 2018–2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar D300
Range: 518 miles | Torque: 479 lb-ft
The Range Rover Velar stands as the automotive equivalent of a high-fashion statement piece, boasting a sleek, minimalist design that sets it apart from the more traditional, boxy silhouettes of its Range Rover siblings.
Performance And Fuel Economy
- Engine: 3.0L Turbodiesel V6 (D300)
- Horsepower: 296 hp
- Torque: 479 lb-ft
- Driveline: All-wheel drive
- Towing Capacity: 5,512 lbs
- Payload Capacity: 1,400 lbs
- Fuel Economy (City): 26 mpg
- Fuel Economy (Highway): 30 mpg
- Fuel Economy (Combined): 28 mpg
Despite its streamlined and stylish appearance, the Velar surprises with its practicality. It even offers a 7-seat configuration, making it a viable option for larger families.
Under the hood, the D300 diesel engine strikes an impressive balance between power and efficiency. With 479 lb-ft of torque, it delivers strong towing capability and swift acceleration, all while maintaining an admirable 28 mpg combined fuel economy.
Positioned between the smaller Evoque and the larger Range Rover Sport, the Velar is the perfect option for those seeking a luxury SUV experience without the premium price tag of the flagship models.