Several major automakers produce diesel cars, though the landscape has shifted significantly, especially in the United States. The primary manufacturers today are German brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi, which offer diesel variants in their SUVs and sedans. Stellantis (the parent company of Ram, Jeep, and Dodge) is a key player, particularly with the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. General Motors and Ford have largely phased out diesel passenger cars but still produce diesel-powered heavy-duty trucks. Outside the US, brands like Toyota, Land Rover, and Hyundai offer diesel options in various global markets. The popularity of diesel passenger vehicles has declined in favor of hybrids and EVs, but they remain a strong choice for high-torque applications like towing.
The following table outlines some of the key diesel models and their engine specifications available in recent years.
| Manufacturer/Brand | Model Example | Diesel Engine | Key Specification (e.g., Torque) | Market Availability |
|---|
| Mercedes-Benz | GLE 350d | 3.0L I6 Turbo | 479 lb-ft | Global (Limited US) |
| BMW | X5 xDrive40d | 3.0L I6 Turbo | 457 lb-ft | Global (Limited US) |
| Stellantis (Ram) | Ram 1500 | 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 | 480 lb-ft | North America |
| General Motors | Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD | 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 | 910 lb-ft | North America |
| Ford | F-250 Super Duty | 6.7L Power Stroke Turbo-Diesel V8 | 1,050 lb-ft | North America |
| Land Rover | Range Rover Td6 | 3.0L I6 Turbo | 457 lb-ft | Global (Not US) |
The focus for most automakers has shifted from small diesel cars to larger vehicles where the diesel engine's advantages in torque and fuel efficiency under heavy loads are most apparent. If you're in the market for a new diesel vehicle in the US, your choices will predominantly be among German luxury SUVs or domestic heavy-duty pickup trucks. For used car buyers, options expand to include diesel versions of models like the Chevrolet Cruze and previous-generation BMW 3 Series.
