The 10 Best Diesel SUVs on the Market in 2024

in Best of Segment
SUV in the snow

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There’s no doubt about the popularity of SUVs. If you’re in the market for a capable family hauler that checks many boxes, it’s hard to go wrong with an SUV. Typically, SUVs come in gas engines and, more recently, electric motors or hybrids. However, did you know that SUVs come in diesel engines as well?

Unfortunately, with the continued rise in popularity of electric and hybrid vehicles, SUVs with diesel engines are becoming fewer by the day. That’s good news if you’re looking for an SUV with better fuel economy and more torque. However, there are still a handful of diesel SUVs that you can buy on the market.

For today’s post, we made a list of some of the best diesel SUVs you can buy now. Please keep in mind that these models are also available in gas engines. Let’s get to it!

10 Best Diesel SUVs in 2023

Many diesel SUVs have ceased production, so you’ll have to look into the earlier models for the diesel option. In no particular order, below are the top diesel SUVs that you can still buy in 2023.

1. 2022 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Unfortunately, the diesel engine is only available in four-door wranglers. Four-door Wranglers may seem a bit weird to many, but the 2022 Wrangler Unlimited is one of the best diesel SUVs available. In addition, the online automotive search engine iSeeCars.com rated the 2022 Wrangler Unlimited as the top non-luxury diesel SUV.

Even though the Wrangler has its fair share of problems, it offers top-notch offroading performance and excellent fuel economy. It comes with a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 that puts out 260 hp and an impressive 442 lb-ft of torque.


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2. 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The Cadillac Escalade is a popular luxury SUV, and it’s easy to see why. The Escalade warrants its luxury-appropriate price tag, from the excellent torque to the gorgeous interior to the incredibly smooth ride.

The Escalade SUV surely deserves to be called the flagship vehicle of the Cadillac brand. The 2022 Escalade is available with a diesel engine – a 277-hp 3.0-liter turbodiesel-6. However, it’s not exactly the best in terms of fuel economy.

3. 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe

In terms of sheer size, the Chevy Tahoe has the distinction as one of the largest in the SUV segment. As a large SUV, it offers a ton of passenger space and can comfortably seat adults in all of its three rows. In addition, it offers a quiet interior environment.

Despite stiff competition, the Tahoe manages to be successful, thanks to its reasonable price tag and a high tow rating of up 8,200 lbs. It comes with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine.

4. 2022 GMC Yukon

The GMC Yukon is another sizable SUV that is basically the corporate twin of the Tahoe. However, the Yukon is more expensive and is, in fact, the most expensive non-luxury full-size SUV on the market.

The Yukon is one of the best diesel SUVs when it comes to cargo and passenger space. Furthermore, it offers a luxury-worthy cabin with an intuitive infotainment system. The 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine has an output of 277 hp.

5. 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee

If you don’t mind buying a used diesel SUV, you should check out the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. As a Jeep brand, the Grand Cherokee offers excellent offroad performance, a smooth ride, and capable handling.

Unfortunately, Jeep dropped the diesel engine for the 2020 version of the Grand Cherokee. The 2019 Grand Cherokee comes with a diesel V-6 engine, and all models that include this engine wear an EcoDiesel badge.

6. 2018 BMW X5

Unfortunately, many diesel SUVs have been discontinued due to the lack of demand, and manufacturers focus on hybrid or electrified vehicles. One casualty of that trend is the BMW X5 diesel which was discontinued in 2019.

If you want a BMW X5 with a diesel engine, you’ll have to purchase a used 2018 X5, which can be tricky to find nowadays. It comes with a 3.0-liter turbodiesel I-6 engine that offers 255 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque.


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7. 2022 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban can seat up to nine passengers and dwarfs its cousin, the Tahoe, in sheer size. As a big-bodied SUV, you can trust that it can haul your large family easily, thanks to its host of interior and comfort features.

However, you have to remember that the Suburban is a large beast of a vehicle, so measure your garage first to ensure that it fits. The optional diesel 3.0-liter six-cylinder pumps out 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.


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8. 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Despite heavily committing to diesel engines back in 2015, Land Rover has moved away from diesel with its current lineup. Therefore, if you want a diesel Land Rover Range Rover Sport, you’ll have to browse the used market for a 2021 model.

With that said, the diesel option is available for the HSE Silver Edition model for about $1,000 when it is brand new. The diesel engine operates at 254 horsepower and a considerable 443 lb-ft of torque.

9. 2019 Jaguar F Pace

The 2019 Jaguar F Pace is an excellent compact luxury SUV with a lot on the table, including sophisticated safety features and a roomy interior. Like many SUVs on this list, the F Pace diesel option has been discontinued, which is a shame.

The 2019 F Pace diesel version is only available through the Premium trim upgrade. Fortunately, the turbodiesel engine features lofty mpg ratings of 33 highway and 26 city.

10. 2019 Land Rover Discovery

The 2019 Land Rover Discovery is a luxury midsize SUV that fits nicely into this list of the best diesel SUVs. The main selling point of the discovery is its expansive cargo capacity and impressive towing power.

Unfortunately, the current Discovery models have no diesel powertrains, so you’ll have to look back a few years for the 2019 version. The 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine cranks out a respectable 254 hp.



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