We’ve already covered buying guides for electric (EV) and hybrid cars – now it’s time to talk diesel. Once a common sight on U.S. roads, diesel passenger cars have all but vanished. Volkswagen exited the market after the emissions scandal, while Mercedes-Benz and BMW dropped their diesel sedans. Today, diesel power is largely reserved for heavy-duty pickups and select SUVs, valued for their unmatched torque, towing capability, and long engine life.
According to Carwow’s 2025 buying guide, diesel vehicles still make sense for drivers who regularly travel long distances (12,000 + miles per year), tow heavy loads or require maximum range (carwow.co.uk). Diesel engines are durable and can return better fuel economy than gasoline equivalents in larger vehicles. They also hold their value well and may remain tax‑efficient for company fleets.
Available new diesel models
The U.S. market’s diesel options are concentrated in pickups and SUVs:
1. Ford Super Duty (F‑250/F‑350) – Ford’s 6.7‑liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8 produces up to 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb‑ft of torque, enabling tow ratings beyond 22,000 pounds. The engine is paired with a 10‑speed automatic and is designed for commercial‑level durability.
2. Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500/3500 HD – General Motors’ 6.6‑liter Duramax turbodiesel V8 develops 470 hp and 975 lb‑ft of torque, towing over 20,000 pounds. Light‑duty Silverado and Sierra 1500 models can also be equipped with a 3.0‑liter Duramax inline‑six that returns nearly 30 mpg on the highway.
3. Ram 2500/3500 – The available 6.7‑liter Cummins turbodiesel inline‑six produces 370 hp and 850 lb‑ft of torque, allowing a 20,000‑pound tow rating (edmunds.com). Ram discontinued the 3.0‑liter EcoDiesel option in the light‑duty 1500, so buyers needing a diesel half‑ton must turn to Chevrolet or GMC.
4. Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel – Equipped with the 3.0‑liter EcoDiesel V6, the Gladiator offers 260 hp and 442 lb‑ft of torque and can tow 6,500 pounds (edmunds.com). However, the diesel option has been discontinued for 2025.
5. Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon – GM’s full‑size SUVs are available with the 3.0‑liter Duramax diesel, delivering around 27 mpg highway and strong towing ability.
Because of tightening emissions regulations, new diesel sedans are virtually nonexistent. If you need a passenger car with diesel‑like range, a plug‑in hybrid may be a better option.
Pros and cons
Pros
1. High torque and towing capacity. Diesel engines deliver tremendous low‑end torque, making them ideal for towing boats or trailers. Heavy‑duty pickups can tow 20,000 pounds or more.
2. Durability and resale value. Properly maintained diesels often run well past 300,000 miles and hold their value better than comparable gasoline trucks.
3. Fuel efficiency on long trips. On highway drives, diesel pickups can achieve 25–30 mpg. The higher energy density of diesel fuel provides longer range between fill‑ups.
Cons
1. Higher purchase price and fuel costs. Diesel trucks cost several thousand dollars more than gasoline models. Diesel fuel is usually more expensive and is subject to higher taxes in some states.
2. Emissions restrictions. Many urban areas impose extra fees on older diesel vehicles. Carwow notes that older Euro 4/5 diesels face charges in London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone and other clean‑air zones. Newer Euro 6 diesels avoid these fees but are expensive.
3. Not ideal for short trips. Diesel engines need to reach operating temperature to clear particulates. Frequent short journeys can clog the diesel particulate filter (DPF), leading to costly repairs.
4. Limited model selection. With few diesel passenger cars left, buyers are largely confined to heavy‑duty trucks and large SUVs.
Editorial recommendations
Choose a new diesel vehicle only if you regularly tow or haul heavy loads or drive long highway distances. For most daily commuting, a gasoline or hybrid vehicle will be cheaper to buy and operate. Always consider the total cost of ownership, including fuel, maintenance and potential emissions‑zone fees. If you do decide on a diesel, opt for models with long engine warranties and plan to follow manufacturer‑recommended maintenance to prolong engine life.
Prepared by Willie Redmond from Yeah! Motor editorial team. All information is based on data available through June – July 2025.