Diesel cars have long been celebrated for their fuel efficiency, torque, and durability, but over the years, many models have been discontinued despite their loyal followings. These vehicles offered a unique driving experience, combining power with economic fuel consumption. In this article, we’ll look at some discontinued diesel cars that deserve a return to the market, exploring the qualities that made them stand out and why they would thrive in today’s automotive landscape.
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Volkswagen Jetta TDI (1999-2015)
The Volkswagen Jetta TDI was a popular diesel sedan powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine that produced 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. Known for its excellent fuel efficiency, the Jetta TDI offered a range of up to 500 miles on a single tank, making it a favorite among long-distance commuters. It featured a well-appointed interior and handled much like a gasoline-powered car, with the added benefit of high torque at low RPMs. The model was discontinued after the 2015 Dieselgate scandal, but its blend of efficiency, torque, and practicality makes it a prime candidate for a modern revival with cleaner, more efficient diesel technology or even hybrid-diesel options.
BMW 335d (2009-2011)
The BMW 335d was a performance-oriented diesel sedan that featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six diesel engine. It produced a robust 265 horsepower and an impressive 425 lb-ft of torque, giving it sports car-like acceleration while still offering over 35 mpg on the highway. The car was well-loved for combining the luxury and handling of the 3-Series with the efficiency of a diesel engine. However, it was discontinued due to tightening emissions standards in the U.S. A modern version of the 335d with cleaner diesel technology or hybrid power could bring back the best of performance and efficiency in a luxury sedan.
Mercedes-Benz E320 CDI (2005-2009)
The Mercedes-Benz E320 CDI was a diesel variant of the popular E-Class sedan, featuring a 3.2-liter inline-six diesel engine that produced 201 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This engine offered a smooth and refined driving experience while delivering over 30 mpg on the highway. It was known for its impressive range and luxury features, but like many diesel cars, it fell victim to stricter emissions regulations. A new E-Class diesel could bring back the blend of luxury, power, and efficiency, especially with the advancements in clean diesel technology or hybrid setups.
Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel (2014-2019)
The Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel was powered by a 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine that produced 240 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, making it an excellent choice for towing and off-road adventures. Despite its power, it delivered up to 30 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its class. It was discontinued due to emissions issues, but a new version with modern emissions-compliant diesel technology would appeal to buyers looking for a capable, fuel-efficient off-road SUV that can also handle daily driving.
Audi A3 TDI (2010-2015)
The Audi A3 TDI was a compact luxury hatchback powered by a 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine that produced 150 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. It offered sporty handling, a high-quality interior, and excellent fuel economy, with drivers regularly achieving over 40 mpg on the highway. The A3 TDI was discontinued in the wake of the Dieselgate scandal, but with Audi’s focus on cleaner, more efficient technology, a diesel-hybrid version could make a strong return to the market, blending efficiency with Audi’s trademark performance.
Chevrolet Cruze Diesel (2014-2017)
The Chevrolet Cruze Diesel featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine that produced 151 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. It was one of the few diesel compact cars available in the U.S. at the time and offered excellent fuel economy, achieving up to 46 mpg on the highway. The Cruze Diesel was discontinued as GM shifted its focus away from compact sedans, but a return to diesel could offer an attractive alternative for fuel-conscious consumers in the growing compact market, especially if paired with modern emissions technology.
Ford F-150 Power Stroke Diesel (2018-2021)
The Ford F-150 Power Stroke Diesel featured a 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine that produced 250 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque, making it ideal for towing heavy loads while delivering better fuel economy than its gasoline counterparts. It was discontinued as Ford shifted its focus toward electric powertrains, but with diesel’s inherent towing and fuel efficiency benefits, there’s still a strong case for a diesel-powered F-150. A modern diesel hybrid could provide the best of both worlds, combining torque and efficiency for work and daily driving.
Land Rover Range Rover Td6 (2016-2019)
The Range Rover Td6 featured a 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine that produced 254 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque, offering excellent low-end power for towing and off-roading. It provided a refined driving experience while delivering 28 mpg on the highway—remarkable for a luxury SUV of its size. The Td6 was discontinued in favor of gasoline and hybrid models, but a return of diesel to the Range Rover lineup could appeal to buyers looking for a blend of luxury, performance, and long-range fuel efficiency, especially in off-road and towing applications.
Volvo XC90 D5 (2003-2010)
The Volvo XC90 D5 was powered by a 2.4-liter five-cylinder turbo diesel engine that produced 182 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This engine offered solid performance with impressive fuel economy for a mid-size luxury SUV. Known for its safety features and comfortable ride, the XC90 D5 was popular in Europe, though it never made its way to the U.S. market. A revival of the diesel-powered XC90, possibly combined with hybrid technology, could offer an appealing option for those seeking luxury and fuel efficiency in an SUV.
Volkswagen Touareg TDI (2009-2016)
The Volkswagen Touareg TDI was a mid-size luxury SUV powered by a 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine that delivered 240 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Known for its towing capacity, off-road ability, and fuel efficiency, the Touareg TDI was a favorite among diesel SUV fans. It was discontinued as VW shifted its focus post-Dieselgate, but with growing interest in fuel-efficient SUVs, a modern Touareg diesel could be reintroduced with clean diesel technology, offering buyers a powerful yet efficient alternative in the luxury SUV market.
Jaguar XE 20d (2016-2019)
The Jaguar XE 20d was a compact luxury sedan that featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine. It produced 180 horsepower and 318 lb-ft of torque, offering a blend of performance and fuel economy, with up to 40 mpg on the highway. It was discontinued as part of Jaguar’s shift towards electric powertrains, but a modern diesel hybrid version could bring back the fuel-saving benefits while maintaining Jaguar’s reputation for refined performance.
Mercedes-Benz GLK 250 Bluetec (2013-2015)
The Mercedes-Benz GLK 250 Bluetec was a compact luxury SUV powered by a 2.1-liter twin-turbo diesel engine that produced 200 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Known for its robust diesel torque, impressive fuel efficiency, and solid build quality, the GLK 250 offered both luxury and practicality. It was discontinued due to stricter emissions standards, but a revival could tap into the demand for efficient luxury SUVs, especially with the development of cleaner diesel technologies or diesel-electric hybrids.
Honda Civic i-DTEC (2012-2015)
The Honda Civic i-DTEC was powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged diesel engine that produced 118 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, offering one of the best fuel economy ratings in its class, achieving over 60 mpg in European markets. Known for its reliability and efficiency, the i-DTEC was a popular choice for long-distance commuters. It was never introduced in the U.S. and was discontinued due to Honda’s shift toward hybrids, but a return of the diesel Civic could offer eco-conscious drivers a high-mileage option with the fun-to-drive dynamics of the Civic.
Audi Q7 TDI (2009-2015)
The Audi Q7 TDI was a full-size luxury SUV powered by a 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine that produced 240 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Known for its towing capabilities and long-range fuel efficiency, the Q7 TDI was a top choice for drivers needing a blend of power and practicality in a luxury package. Discontinued after Dieselgate, the Q7 TDI could make a strong comeback with advanced emissions technology, offering eco-conscious luxury SUV buyers a capable and efficient alternative.
Peugeot 508 BlueHDi (2011-2019)
The Peugeot 508 BlueHDi was a mid-size sedan powered by a 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine that produced 180 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It offered excellent fuel efficiency, smooth power delivery, and a comfortable ride, making it a favorite for long-distance driving. Discontinued as Peugeot shifted focus to electrification, a modern-day version of the 508 diesel could offer buyers a fuel-efficient alternative, particularly in regions where diesel remains a popular choice for long-range driving.
BMW X5 xDrive35d (2009-2018)
The BMW X5 xDrive35d featured a 3.0-liter inline-six twin-turbocharged diesel engine that produced 255 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, providing excellent performance while delivering impressive fuel efficiency for an SUV. It was capable of towing and off-road driving, making it versatile for both daily commutes and outdoor adventures. The diesel X5 was discontinued as BMW moved towards hybrid and electric models, but a diesel version could still appeal to those seeking efficiency, torque, and range in a luxury SUV.
Fiat 500L MultiJet Diesel (2012-2018)
The Fiat 500L MultiJet Diesel was powered by a 1.3-liter turbo diesel engine that produced 95 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. While not a performance car, it offered fantastic fuel economy, making it ideal for urban driving and long trips alike. The 500L diesel was discontinued as Fiat refocused its lineup towards gasoline and electric models. A return to diesel, especially with cleaner technology, could appeal to European markets where small, efficient diesel cars are still in demand.
Chevrolet Colorado Duramax Diesel (2016-2021)
The Chevrolet Colorado Duramax Diesel featured a 2.8-liter inline-four turbo diesel engine that produced 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, offering excellent towing capacity for a mid-size truck. The Duramax diesel engine provided up to 30 mpg on the highway, making it a standout in the mid-size truck market. The diesel option was discontinued as GM shifted focus to electric trucks, but with the need for fuel-efficient towing vehicles still prevalent, a diesel-powered Colorado could fill that gap, especially with updated emissions technology.
Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv-D (2019-2021)
The Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv-D was a diesel-powered variant of Mazda’s popular compact SUV, featuring a 2.2-liter twin-turbocharged diesel engine that produced 168 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. It offered excellent fuel efficiency and strong torque for a compact SUV, but was discontinued due to low demand in the U.S. market. A modern version of the CX-5 diesel could tap into the growing interest in fuel-efficient SUVs, particularly if paired with hybrid technology for added environmental benefits.
Skoda Octavia TDI (2000-2013)
The Skoda Octavia TDI was powered by a range of diesel engines, with the 1.9-liter TDI being the most popular. Producing 105 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, it was known for its fuel efficiency and reliability, achieving over 50 mpg in real-world conditions. The Octavia TDI was discontinued as part of Skoda’s shift towards electrification, but a modern-day diesel version could still offer an affordable, fuel-efficient option for those looking for a practical and economical vehicle, particularly in markets where diesel remains popular.
This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.
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