Best Used Diesel SUVs: Top 10
Diesel cars have gradually got rid of the disadvantages that often became an obstacle to their purchase. Modern powertrains have eliminated detonation, become compliant with environmental regulations, and they are still more economical than gasoline cars.
Let's list the main advantages of diesel-powered machines:
- Diesels are 25-30 percent more fuel efficient than gasoline engines with similar characteristics. This is because diesel is one of the most efficient and energy-intensive fuels available today. Due to its high useful energy content compared to gasoline, it provides higher fuel economy.
- Diesel engines don't use spark plugs or distributors, so they don't need ignition adjustments.
- Diesel engines are designed for a heavier load due to their higher compression ratio. As a result, they tend to last much longer than gasoline engines.
Best diesel SUVs
Our ranking of the best used diesel SUVs available on the aftermarket:
- Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
- Toyota Fortuner
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Land Rover Defender 110
- Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
- Ram 1500
- Jeep Wrangler
- Jeep Gladiator
All Jeeps with diesel engines presented in the review can be bought at a unique automobile auction PLC Auction. This is a platform-aggregator, which concentrates thousands of actual offers on the sale of used cars of any makes, models and types (crossovers, jeeps, sedans, hatchbacks, etc.) from the USA, Europe, Korea, UAE.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 150 Series
The Toyota Prado is a favorite among urbanites and adventurers due to its ability to strike a balance between comfortable driving, practicality, and a high-performance all-wheel drive system.
According to Toyota, the Prado has a ground clearance of 219 mm and the ability to traverse water obstacles up to 700 mm deep. Approach, departure and descent angles are 30.4, 21.1 and 23.5 respectively.
The Prado is equipped with Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 tires as standard, which are suitable for light off-roading. A positive point is the presence of a full-size spare wheel placed on the rear door. The towing capacity is 750 kg (without brakes) and 3000 kg (with brakes).
The Prado has been rated five stars in the ANCAP safety rating based on tests conducted in 2011. This vehicle is equipped with seven airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense safety system. This suite includes lane departure warning, collision avoidance system (PCS) with pedestrian detection, automatic high beam shifter, and active cruise control. A rearview camera is available, though front and rear parking sensors are missing.
View Toyota Land Cruiser Prado diesel models
Toyota Fortuner
Despite its close ties to the Hilux, the Fortuner inherits only the hood and front doors. The Fortuner's exterior features bold, sculpted body lines, subtle automatic LED headlights and a wide, trapezoidal black grille. At the rear there is an integrated spoiler, and the composition is completed by stylish 18-inch alloy wheels.
A special design element is the dominant chrome beltline that characterizes all variants. This gives the vehicle a modern and muscular look, distinguishing it from the Hilux. It is important to note that inside, the Fortuner retains almost all the same features as its Hilux "relative".
For 2021, Toyota has enriched the palette with new colors. New colors include Emotional Red and Deep Sea. A very popular color with buyers is Emotional Red, which helps this car stand out on the road.
The interior is decorated very stylishly, especially in the Limited model with black leather seats, power and heated. In contrast, the GLX model, which lacks this luxury, offers only cloth seats with manual adjustment.
Regardless of the trim level selected, the Fortuner's interior remains well-equipped, with black synthetic leather, ebony décor and silver inserts. All trim levels come with a convenient 220-volt outlet, which is ideal for charging a laptop while traveling. There are also three 12 V sockets.
Chevrolet Tahoe
The 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe is impressively large, but on the road it exhibits surprising maneuverability compared to other large SUVs. There are three engine options available in the lineup. Now, unlike previous versions of the Tahoe, there is a version with a diesel inline six-cylinder engine. All trims feature three-row seating, and even the base LS version is equipped with popular infotainment system features and driver assistants.
Off-road enthusiasts will find the Z71 model most appealing, thanks to its two-speed transfer case, adjustable air suspension and massive off-road tires. More luxurious options are available in the Premier and High Country models. Only the Chevrolet Suburban has more cargo space, which offers similar specifications.
Three new colors are offered for the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe: Silver Sage Metallic, Sterling Grey Metallic and Radiant Red Tintcoat. There is an optional black grille, replacing the familiar Bowtie logo with brand-specific letters. Premier and High Country models are now equipped with GM Super Cruise hands-free capability. A Performance package is available for the RST version, which includes a sport exhaust system, suspension tuning.
View Chevrolet Tahoe diesel vehicles
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
SUVs based on Ute trucks, such as the seven-seat Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, are becoming increasingly popular among buyers who value practicality. These vehicles offer good off-road capabilities and high towing capacity of light commercial models with a frame body as their backbone.
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport shares a platform with the updated Triton pickup. Both models are mechanically identical, with a similar interior and front end design. The rear end is unique to the Pajero Sport and includes a third row of seats and 1,488 liters of luggage space behind the tailgate with overhead hinges.
Under the hood is Mitsubishi's 2.4-liter four-cylinder MIVEC turbodiesel engine (133 kW/430 Nm) with miles per gallon consumption of 26.7, which was inherited from the Triton. This engine is paired with an eight-speed Aisin automatic transmission. The variety of gears makes the Pajero Sport smooth and efficient, providing a wide range of gear choices for off-roading. A two-speed transfer case provides all of Mitsubishi's familiar Super Select-II all-wheel drive features.
Arguably the best diesel Jeep if you're on the lookout for a roomy, well-equipped seven-seater SUV. It's a versatile family vehicle with kit that sets it apart from the competition.
The interior of the Pajero Sport Exceed features comfortable leather seats with power and heated seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and ignition system. Adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, automatic headlights and sensitive rain sensors make the Pajero Sport Exceed an even more attractive choice.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500's heavy-duty capability is traditional to the family. For generations, this full-size pickup truck has been operated on ranches, participated in construction work, and hauled boats. The Silverado 1500 is ready with a variety of drivetrain and powertrain options, including a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, two eight-cylinder engines, and a Duramax diesel.
It's still the same big American pickup truck. It's a monster from any angle, and Chevrolet has done everything to enhance that effect, from accents with a chrome grille on the LTZ version to a raised and blacked-out hood protrusion on the ZR2 model
Inside, the Silverado 1500 offers a massive touchscreen, but the interior is inferior in luxury to competitors like the Ram 1500. You can tow impressive loads with this pickup, and for off-road enthusiasts, a reinforced version, the Silverado 1500 ZR2, is available.
View diesel Chevrolet Silverado 1500s
Land Rover Defender 110
Land Rover Defender has always been one of the world leaders in overcoming off-road. "Old" models, for decades, were famous for their versatility, and they could be easily modified: they were used in nature reserves, in the fire department (with ladders), and some even became amphibians.
But it was the old Defender, and in 2016 its manual assembly line production finally shut down as high costs and strict environmental standards made further development of the lineup impossible.
After a brief hiatus, the new Defender was unveiled at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. It lacks some of the family details, but still remains true to its roots, especially the front end with its signature round headlights and flat rear end.
The appearance of the Defender 110 is impressive - it is a four-door car with five, six or seven seats, its length is more than five meters, it has a full-size spare wheel on the rear door, and the front end has the same original design thanks to the round headlights.
You can use the handrails to get inside. The interior meets all modern standards, it is distinguished by a well-thought-out layout and a whole set of technologies that will take a long time to learn. The front seats are heated and cooled, with the ability to control 14 parameters, electric drive with memory, and the steering wheel is electrically adjustable. The latter is also heated, and the centerpiece of the interior is an 11.4-inch touchscreen.
Other features to mention are the Meridian surround sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, navigation, and more.
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Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 offers an unrivaled level of comfort. It is the ultimate diesel SUV that stands out not only for its unique performance but also for its comfort level. Its outstanding performance and handling make it a leader among other full-size pickup trucks, and the Ram 1500 TRX with its stunning 702 horsepower exterior, which must be considered separately, is a unique piece of automotive engineering.
Available with rear- or all-wheel drive, a choice of extended or four-door passenger cabs, and two body styles. It has competitors in the form of the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado, but the Ram stands out because of the level of luxury and comfort that its rivals don't "reach". That's what earned it an award in the "10 Best Trucks and SUVs of 2024" category.
Inside the Ram 1500, there are extremely functional storage compartments and plenty of room for passengers. Top-of-the-line packages are available with upscale materials and luxuries not found in pickup trucks. Models can be outfitted with premium features like heated and ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof, while top-tier versions offer premium leather trim and real wood inlays.
Jeep Wrangler
Jeep Wrangler is a symbol of four-wheel drive power, a full-size Jeep that in its latest guise has surpassed all previous versions. Significant improvements cover all areas of its functionality, though the cost of the purchase and maintenance itself turns out to be quite high. When comparing its efficiency and luxury with premium SUVs from European brands, the Wrangler lags behind. It is also noted for its imperfections in the area of safety technologies.
Few of today's automotive legends can boast a history like that of the Jeep Wrangler. Its roots date back to the World War II era, when the Willys Jeep was created, characterized by its ability to travel in the toughest conditions and simplicity of design, including a folding windshield for easy transportation. Despite the emergence of competitors, the Jeep Wrangler has remained true to its roots since the 1940s.
Available in three trims and two body types - Sahara, Overland and Rubicon in two or four door variants. Compared to any other premium SUV in this segment, the on-road comfort, steering and noise reduction leave much to be desired. The lack of a manual transmission is compensated by an automatic transmission that works well to help reduce the driver's workload.
The Wrangler shows its superior off-road ability with its low overhang angles and substantial ground clearance. In the Rubicon version, with lowered gears, reinforced axles, differential lock and other off-road features, it's simply unstoppable.
Jeep Gladiator
The best used diesel SUV in its category. The Jeep Gladiator is the result of combining a pickup truck body with the rear end of a four-door Wrangler. The result is a mid-size pickup truck that makes for a truly enjoyable off-roading experience. Its stiffness on hard roads is higher than its counterparts like the Chevy Colorado or Honda Ridgeline, but its all-wheel drive system and suspension make it capable of overcoming any obstacle.
The Gladiator, along with the Toyota Tacoma, is one of the few pickup trucks to offer a six-speed manual transmission. Also available is an eight-speed automatic transmission that does everything for you. The Gladiator's diesel powertrain has been eliminated as an option in the latest versions and buyers are left with only gasoline options.
The Jeep uses the same four-door body as the Wrangler Unlimited, but with a longer wheelbase (3488 mm compared to 3008 mm), which allows you to organize the rear cargo area.
Thanks to the square body shape, there is plenty of room in the cabin, even for people of above-average height. Large square windows provide excellent visibility, and rear seat passengers have access to ventilation deflectors, window switches, USB-A and USB-C sockets and a 230V AC outlet, all located behind the center console. There are also mesh pockets behind the front seats and a fold-down center armrest.