10 Best Used Diesel SUVs

From Q7s to Cayennes, these are the 10 best used diesel SUVs to buy.
Written by Sarah Gray
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
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As families get bigger and road trips get longer, fuel-efficient diesel SUVs like the GMC Terrain and Audi Q7 are becoming more popular. But just because an SUV has a diesel option doesn’t mean it’s a good deal.
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Let’s face it, SUVs aren’t the cheapest vehicles—but choosing a diesel SUV can help you save money in the long run. Not only does diesel get more miles to the gallon but technological advancements make straight diesel a cleaner, greener option than gas. Read on to see what models and years offer the best option for your new-to-you diesel SUV.
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2008, 2009, 2014, 2017 Audi Q7

Price: $7,000-$35,000
The
Audi Q7
has earned some outstanding consumer ratings for its older models’ above-average gas mileage (19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway) and reliability. Overall quality and an impressive list of standard options even on base models make this a great option for a used SUV. 
  • Pros: Great for families
  • Cons: Fuel economy not as high as other used SUVs
Key Takeaway One of the key reasons people are buying diesel SUVs is the fuel economy, so if that’s your goal, the Q7 may not be the best option for you.

2010-2016 GMC Terrain

Price: $6,500-$16,000
Fuel economy is a huge selling point for the
GMC Terrain
, which averages a consistent 32 miles per gallon. Each of the model years suggested here earned Top Safety Pick awards from IIHS, and the 2014 model year earned the Top Safety Pick+ rating, making this an excellent pick for families.
  • Pros: Top-rated for safety
  • Cons: Cloth seats can be difficult to keep clean
MORE: 7 things to look for when buying a used car

2010-2012 Mercedes-Benz GL350 Bluetec 4MATIC

Price: $9,000-$15,000
Unlike most diesel vehicles, the
GL350 Bluetec
is surprisingly smooth and quiet from the cabin. While it doesn’t deliver the fuel efficiency of most diesels and diesel hybrids (the Bluetec diesel yields only about an extra 4 mpg city and 5 mpg highway), the savings are significant enough over time to make the comfortable ride make sense.
  • Pros: Impressively smooth and quiet ride
  • Cons: Poor gas mileage

2010-2011 Mercedes-Benz R350 Bluetec

Price: $6,500-$11,000
A bit more minivan than SUV, the R350 Bluetec offers a combination of seating capacity and fuel economy that makes it a great pick for families. The R350’s 268-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 engine’s mpg rating is 18 city and 24 highway, placing it solidly in the middle of the pack for fuel economy.
  • Pros: Lots of room for families
  • Cons: Discontinued model may be hard to find parts for if repairs are needed
Key Takeaway The R350 Bluetec is a great option for drivers with large families to haul.

2011 Audi Q7 TDI

Price: $10,000-$12,500
An SUV that’s as reliable as it is fun to drive, the
Audi Q7 TDI
’s 225-horsepower, turbo-diesel V6 drives as smoothly and as quietly as a gasoline engine. The fuel tank’s average 550-mile range makes it an excellent choice for everything from everyday errands to cross-country road trips.
  • Pros: Plenty of space and fuel economy make it great for long rides
  • Cons: Some owners have reported electrical issues with the infotainment system

2011 BMW X5 xDrive 35d

Price: $8,000-$10,500 
Handling and performance make the
BMW X5 xDrive 35d
a standout in its field. While many diesel SUVs can feel cumbersome and laggy, that’s not the case with the X5. Combined with the spacious and luxurious interior, this vehicle’s average 22 mpg fuel economy makes it a great pick for a used diesel SUV.
  • Pros: All-wheel drive is standard
  • Cons: Optional seven-passenger seating was a pricey add-on

2011 Volkswagen Touareg TDI

Price: $9,500-$11,500
Reasonably priced and reliable, the
VW Touareg TDI
received some rear seat upgrades in 2011 that make this model particularly desirable for families. The 225-horsepower, 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 returns about 28 mpg on the highway, which is notable for an SUV.
  • Pros: Luxurious interior and all-wheel drive comes standard
  • Cons: Diesel mpg advantage only notable in highway mileage

2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel

Price: $20,000-$23,000
The
Porsche Cayenne Diesel
may not be the best diesel SUV, but with the added reliability and clout of the Porsche name, for some, that’s enough. Powered by a 240-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine, the Cayenne returns about 19 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway for an average fuel economy of about 23 mpg
  • Pros: Quality and handling
  • Cons: Pricey, as you’d expect from a Porsche

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel

Price: $24,000-$28,000
EcoDiesel is a comparatively recent addition to the Jeep lineup, but it’s an extremely efficient one, and the 2016 model year added a number of technological perks not available on previous models. The Grand Cherokee’s 3.0-liter V6 returns 22 mpg in the city and a whopping 30 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient Jeeps available.
  • Pros: Unbelievable gas mileage for a Jeep
  • Cons: Comparatively pricey next to other diesel SUVs

2016-2019 Hyundai Tucson

Price: $16,500-$22,500
On the smaller side for SUVs, the
Hyundai Tucson
was redesigned in 2016 to add a bit more heft and safety to its frame. Bigger size didn’t mean sacrificing gas mileage, though, as the next three model years continued to offer up 33 mpg highway.
  • Pros: Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2016, 2017, and 2019
  • Cons: Small for an SUV
Key Takeaway The Hyundai Tucson is a great pick for safety, but it leaves a little to be desired for size.

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FAQs

It depends. Most buyers looking for diesel engines are interested in fuel economy, but diesel can also be a “cleaner, greener” option in some cases. Diesel is a more expensive fuel; however, drivers get more proverbial bang for their buck since overall mpg is higher, especially at highway speeds.
Yes and no. You’ll likely pay more up front, but you could save in the long run. Generally, diesel powertrains cost more and diesel fuel costs more per gallon than gasoline. However, over time, drivers usually end up saving money with diesel since the engines are generally more reliable and they tend to return higher mpg, meaning you’ll purchase less fuel.
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