Top 10 Diesel Cars 2024

Fewer car manufacturers are producing diesel engines these days, and even fewer are investing in new ones. However, the Mazda CX-60 bucks this trend with its brand-new 3.3-liter six-cylinder diesel engine. Mazda claims it’s one of the cleanest diesel engines available, and it only slightly outweighs the 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel in the Mazda CX-5. This engine provides the smooth performance expected from large diesel engines and offers up to 57 mpg, which is impressive given the car's size and engine capacity.

The Volvo XC60 makes you feel confident behind the wheel. It's secure and stable on the road, with a smooth automatic gearbox that eases the stress of traffic. Packed with driver assistance tech and a focus on comfort, the XC60 is incredibly relaxing to drive—just what you need to unwind from daily stress. It comes with two diesel engine options, the D4 and D5 (later updated to B4 D and B5 D with mild-hybrid tech to cut emissions). Both engines are quick enough to be fun without making your passengers queasy.

We could have chosen from many Peugeot, DS, Citroen, or Vauxhall cars for this spot, since many models come with Stellantis group's 1.5-liter BlueHDi diesel engine. We went with the Citroen C4 because of its relaxed vibe—the diesel engine isn’t sporty, and neither is the quirky C4, so they’re a perfect match.

It’s impressively economical, with around 60 mpg achievable in mixed driving. While not as relevant today, the C4’s CO2 output of 94g/km is still impressive—it would have been road tax-exempt a few years back.

The C4 is a family hatchback styled to look like an SUV, offering a higher ride height than a Peugeot 308 or Ford Focus. Its chunky bumper inserts handle minor scratches better than those cars, and it's also pretty practical.

The Mercedes E-Class has always been the top competitor to the BMW 5 Series and deserves a spot on your shortlist if you're looking for a premium, comfortable car for long trips. The entry-level diesel, the E220d, is a standout with its impressive performance and up to 57 mpg. For more power and all-wheel drive, check out the E300d and E400d models.

Mercedes also offers the E-Class with the only diesel plug-in hybrid engine available right now. The E300de combines a diesel engine for highway driving with an electric motor for zero-emission city driving. It's an ideal choice if you need a diesel for long trips but also make a lot of short city drives.

The BMW 5 Series features the same 190hp diesel engine as the 320d, and it performs just as well in this larger car. With the 5 Series, you get more space, bigger screens, and more luxurious leather upholstery compared to the 3 Series. Of course, you'll have to pay more for these upgrades. However, the 5 Series still feels like a great deal because it excels in every area—it's comfortable and handles better than any other large sedan. All its engines are impressive, but the diesel stands out for the best fuel economy on long drives.

Diesel engines are still a great fit for large family cars like the Skoda Kodiaq. The 2.0-liter diesel engine delivers plenty of power, especially when you've got seven people on board and a full trunk. It can also easily tow a two-ton trailer, and there's an all-wheel-drive option if you're heading off-road.

Despite its size, the Kodiaq's 150hp diesel engine, the same one found in the Golf, can achieve up to 50 mpg. The 190hp diesel 4x4 version is also efficient. The Kodiaq handles long journeys effortlessly, offering both comfort and a good driving experience. You and your passengers won't mind covering big miles in this car.

You can’t get a new diesel Ford Kuga anymore, which makes a used diesel Kuga even more appealing. The current Kuga, launched in 2020, offered three diesel engines that are all economical. It starts with a 120hp 1.5-liter diesel, which is quick enough if you’re not into racing. There's also a 2.0-liter diesel with 150hp that doesn't sacrifice much on efficiency, and a 190hp diesel with four-wheel drive—ideal if you live in a rural area or need to tow a caravan or horsebox.

The BMW 3 Series has been a go-to choice for drivers who rack up a lot of miles every year. While the 330e plug-in hybrid is gaining popularity, the 320d diesel remains a key player in the 3 Series lineup. With BMW's claimed 54 mpg, the 320d can travel up to 700 miles on a single tank, showcasing the enduring appeal of diesel for long-distance driving. The 320d offers excellent fuel economy and strong mid-range power for effortless overtaking on the highway.

For those wanting more, BMW offers the M340d. It’s like a diesel version of the BMW M3, combining impressive speed with decent fuel economy. The M340d is the fastest-accelerating diesel car available, hitting 0-62 mph in just 4.6 seconds.

When you compare the A-Class and the Golf, you might think they have the same engines based on their specs. The A-Class offers three 2.0-liter diesel engines: the 116hp A180d, the 150hp A200d, and the 190hp A220d. The A180d and A200d both achieve over 60 mpg. Refined, comfortable, and packed with tech, the Mercedes A-Class is perfect for long drives where diesel engines shine.

You can get the A-Class as a hatchback or sedan, and these engines are also available in the Mercedes CLA and GLA models.

A diesel Volkswagen Golf might not seem like the most thrilling choice, but it's a super reliable one, especially if you're frequently driving on the motorway. VW's 2.0-liter diesel is smooth and quiet—you can barely hear it at 70 mph—and it's very economical. The 116hp version is the fuel efficiency champ, getting up to 67 mpg, but we recommend the 150hp engine. It offers up to 62 mpg, is much quicker, and has more power for overtaking. With the Golf's driver assistance features, motorway driving is a breeze.

Not into the Golf? This engine is also in the SEAT Leon and Audi A3. If you want a sportier diesel Golf, check out the Golf GTD hot hatch with 200hp.