Diesel cars are often chosen for their promise of better fuel economy, but not all models live up to that reputation. Some diesel vehicles, despite the expectations, turned out to be inefficient at the pump. In this article, we’ll take a look at 14 diesel cars that fell short when it came to delivering on fuel efficiency.
Contents
Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI
Volkswagen’s Touareg V10 TDI was expected to combine power and efficiency, but it leaned heavily toward the former. Boasting a massive 5.0-liter V10 diesel engine, the vehicle struggled to deliver on fuel economy. Averaging only about 18 mpg, it fell short of expectations for a diesel. Its weight and luxury features further dragged down its efficiency, making it a costly choice at the pump.
Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel
The Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel offered an appealing diesel option for SUV enthusiasts, but real-world fuel economy was less impressive. Although its 3.0-liter V6 promised efficiency, drivers often reported around 21 mpg in city conditions. The vehicle’s large size and off-road capabilities hindered its fuel savings. Buyers looking for diesel benefits found themselves spending more than expected on fuel.
Chevrolet Cruze Diesel
The Chevrolet Cruze Diesel seemed like an efficient alternative in the compact car segment, but its 1.6-liter turbo-diesel engine didn’t quite measure up. While it promised better fuel economy than its gasoline counterpart, drivers only saw minor improvements, with city averages around 30 mpg. Diesel’s higher price at the pump further negated the modest savings. This left many questioning whether the diesel option was worth the cost.
Ram 1500 EcoDiesel
The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel aimed to bridge the gap between power and fuel efficiency, but it didn’t quite succeed. With its 3.0-liter V6 engine, many drivers expected significant fuel savings. Instead, the truck managed only 21 mpg in city driving, far below the class leaders. The added complexity of emissions systems also raised long-term ownership costs, further diminishing its appeal.
Mercedes-Benz GL350 Bluetec
Luxury and efficiency don’t always go hand in hand, as demonstrated by the Mercedes-Benz GL350 Bluetec. Equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine, it returned only about 22 mpg combined. Given the high price tag of this SUV, many owners were disappointed with its performance at the pump. Additionally, the vehicle’s size and weight severely limited its fuel-saving potential.
BMW X5 xDrive35d
The BMW X5 xDrive35d brought performance to the diesel market, but it failed to deliver significant fuel savings. Powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six turbo diesel engine, it returned an average of 23 mpg. For a luxury SUV, this was underwhelming. Its sporty handling and heavy design further reduced its efficiency, leaving drivers paying more for fuel than they had anticipated.
Land Rover Range Rover Td6
Land Rover’s Range Rover Td6 offered rugged capability, but when it came to fuel efficiency, it fell short. The 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine managed just 22 mpg in combined driving conditions. Its hefty weight and all-wheel-drive system made it one of the least economical diesel SUVs available. Drivers found themselves paying premium prices for a vehicle that didn’t deliver on diesel’s traditional savings.
Audi Q7 TDI
Audi’s Q7 TDI was another luxury diesel SUV that didn’t live up to its fuel efficiency promises. Powered by a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine, it achieved only 22 mpg in mixed driving conditions. The vehicle’s size and focus on performance significantly hindered its fuel savings. For drivers expecting a balance between luxury and economy, the Q7 TDI often fell short.
Nissan Titan XD Diesel
Equipped with a 5.0-liter Cummins V8 engine, the Nissan Titan XD Diesel was built for power, but its fuel economy left much to be desired. Averaging only 15-17 mpg, it didn’t offer the fuel savings many diesel enthusiasts had hoped for. The truck’s large size and heavy build severely impacted its diesel efficiency. It was hard to justify the extra fuel costs for those seeking both power and economy.
Peugeot 407 HDi
The Peugeot 407 HDi was designed as a mid-sized sedan with diesel economy in mind, but the results were lackluster. Sporting a 2.0-liter diesel engine, it averaged around 25-27 mpg. This was barely better than gasoline-powered competitors. With its outdated technology and heavy build, the Peugeot 407 HDi failed to offer the diesel efficiency that buyers expected.
Volvo XC90 D5
Volvo’s XC90 D5, with its 2.4-liter five-cylinder diesel engine, fell short in the fuel efficiency department. While it promised diesel savings, real-world results averaged only 24 mpg. The vehicle’s all-wheel-drive system and heavy frame worked against its efficiency. This left buyers wondering whether the diesel premium was worth it for such modest fuel savings.
Mazda CX-5 Diesel
The Mazda CX-5 Diesel aimed to bring diesel efficiency to the compact SUV market, but it underdelivered. Its 2.2-liter diesel engine achieved only a slight improvement over the gasoline model, with a combined average of 28 mpg. Given the higher cost of diesel and the vehicle itself, the small savings were not enough to justify the switch for many buyers. Emissions controls further complicated its long-term appeal.
Jaguar XF Diesel
The Jaguar XF Diesel was designed to combine luxury with efficiency, but it didn’t fully succeed. Powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel engine, it delivered an underwhelming 30 mpg combined. For a diesel vehicle, this wasn’t much of an improvement over its gasoline counterparts. The high cost of repairs and maintenance further discouraged buyers looking for savings.
Citroën C5 HDi
The Citroën C5 HDi entered the market as a diesel sedan with potential for efficiency, but real-world performance didn’t quite match. Equipped with a 2.0-liter diesel engine, it returned about 28 mpg, which wasn’t significantly better than its gasoline rivals. Its heavy build and outdated diesel technology made it less efficient than advertised, disappointing those looking for fuel savings.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
More from MyCarMakesNoise
20 Fascinating Facts About the Iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, also known as the G-Wagen, has a fascinating history and impressive capabilities. Originally developed as a military vehicle in the 1970s, it transitioned into a luxury SUV without losing its ruggedness. Read More.
18 Vintage RVs That Are Now Highly Collectible and Worth Restoring
Vintage RVs offer a unique charm and a glimpse into the golden age of travel, where adventure met retro style. Many of these classic RVs have become highly collectible due to their distinctive designs, quality craftsmanship, and nostalgic appeal. Read More.
20 Easy Ways People Neglect Their Motorcycle’s Engine
Neglecting a motorcycle’s engine can lead to costly repairs and performance issues down the road. Many riders unintentionally overlook routine maintenance tasks, often resulting in unnecessary wear and tear. Read More.
