Best Diesel SUVs of 2022

Who says you need a truck to get the job done? Check out the best diesel SUVs that are more than capable for the everyday driver and weekend off-road warrior.
Written by Elaine Duvet
If you’re an
SUV
fan but want to be thriftier at the pump, a diesel engine might be the answer you’re looking for. These days, who wouldn’t want to go further on a tank of gas?
Jerry
, the
trustworthy insurance comparison app
, checks out the best diesel SUVs that offer the most power, luxury, and practicality. 

The best diesel SUVs from Chevy

Did you know that the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban shares the same turbodiesel 3.0-liter inline-six engine as the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado? The best diesel SUV is just as much a workhorse as it is a family hauler. Its passenger and cargo space is impressive, as well as its reliability and safety ratings.
Buyers can choose between a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 hp, a 3.0-liter turbodiesel (the Duramax) with 277 hp, and a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp. Each engine is equipped with rear-wheel drive and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive is also an option. 
The massive vehicle offers a plethora of standard technology features and excels when it comes to a high towing capacity of 8,300 pounds. And its 10.2-inch touchscreen is intuitive and user-friendly. Drivers can expect an estimated 21 mpg in town and 27 mpg on the highway, both excellent figures for its class. 
Continuing with full-size SUVs, the 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe is a bit smaller than the Chevy Suburban. While the Tahoe may have a stiffer suspension, it shares the same powertrain combos, interior quality, fuel economy, and standard list of features as the Suburban. 
The Suburban offers additional cargo space and two more inches of legroom in the third row, but the Tahoe is easier on your wallet. 
But don’t get it twisted, the Tahoe still features more storage space than most SUVs. To match the Tahoe’s storage capacity, you’d need to buy the long-wheelbase Ford Expedition Max. All trim levels offer a diesel option except the Z71. The best diesel SUV has an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. 
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The best diesel SUVs for luxe living 

The 2022 GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL have a more corporate feel than the Chevy Tahoe. While the GMC Yukon has a higher starting price, its luxurious cabin might just be worth it. The best diesel SUV is hard to beat when it comes to cargo and passenger space. 
Massive for a large SUV, the standard-wheelbase Yukon offers 122.9 cubic feet behind the first row, 72.6 cubic feet behind the second row, and 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. The full-size GMC Yukon XL increases the totals to 144.7, 93.8, and 41.5 cubic feet. 
Buyers can choose between a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 hp, a 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine with 277 hp, and a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp. The diesel engine comes standard on
the 2022 luxe Denali
, and most of the other trims offer the diesel engine for an extra $950. The Yukon earns about 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway with rear-wheel drive, and 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway with four-wheel drive.
The 2022 Cadillac Escalade isn’t known for its speed, but it can handle most road surfaces like a champ. The responsive and smooth ride features high-quality cabin materials and three rows of roomier than average seats. 
The Escalade’s infotainment system sets it apart from its classmates. Drivers found the standard 16.9-inch touchscreen quick to respond and its graphics brilliant. The best diesel SUV comes with a V8 (Escalade ESV) with 420 hp or a turbodiesel six-cylinder (Escalade Duramax) with 277 hp. Both options are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. 
While each of the five trim levels cine with a standard V8 gasoline engine, it's easy to opt for the  3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder engine at no charge. With the turbodiesel rear-wheel drive models, you’ll get 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Four-wheel drive offers 20 mpg in town and 26 mpg on the highway. 
MORE: Car and Driver Ranks the Best and Worst Mid-Size Luxury Crossover SUVs

The best diesel SUV for the adventurer

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler is one very fuel-efficient compact SUV. With 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, the diesel Wrangler makes up for the poor fuel economy of its V6 gasoline counterparts. Perfect for the weekend offroad junkie, the best diesel SUV sports solid axles, large tires, and a rugged four-wheel drive. 
However, like the Ford Bronco, it’s not the most comfortable vehicle for everyday errands in the city. In fact, it feels more like a pickup truck than an SUV. The five engine options include a base 3.6-liter V6 with 285 hp, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 hp, an optional turbodiesel 3.0-liter V6 with 260 hp, a 6.4-liter V8 with 470 hp, and a plug-in-hybrid with 375 hp. 
For the EcoDiesel engine, expect to pay an extra $3,510, and an additional $2,500 for the automatic transmission gearbox. 
Other reliable SUVs with diesel options include the Land Rover Range Rover Velar, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Land Rover Discover, Land Rover Range Rover, Audi Q5, Audi Q7, Jaguar F-Pace, Jeep Grand Cherokee, GMC Terrain, and the Chevrolet Equinox.
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