Today, diesel is reviled. The commitment to electrification and, above all, the bad publicity after the Volkswagen scandal of 2015 almost ended with a technology that is still interesting in some cases. Here we show you seven SUVs where diesel is still the best purchase option .
Since the end of the 90s, the diesel engine has been the main purchase option for the vast majority of drivers, not only in Spain but also in the rest of Europe. But the trend began to change in the middle of this decade.
Since then, a bad image of diesel began to spread, motivated mainly by its high level of contamination . And it is true that diesel pollutes more, but the evolution of technology has also made it possible to reduce emissions, to the point of converting modern diesel engines into highly efficient and less polluting engines than gasoline engines.
In this article we offer you ten reasons why you should continue buying diesel cars and we explain why it is still worth betting on this technology. Next, we are going to show you seven SUVs that are better to buy with a diesel engine.
Kia Sportage
The Hyundai Group, to which Kia belongs , is betting heavily on electrification. In fact, between now and 2035, it plans to phase out internal combustion models in order to reduce its carbon footprint . But, for that, there is still a long way to go and one of its flagship models, the Kia Sportage , is still being sold with a diesel engine.
Specifically, the Sportage can be purchased with a mechanic powered by diesel, a 1.6 CRDi with 115 hp or 136 hp . The latter is the most interesting, since it has a 48-volt mild hybrid system that improves engine performance and reduces consumption.
Thanks to this Mild-Hybrid mechanics, the Sportage is one of the best SUVs on the market to travel comfortably, with a low emissions index and great autonomy.
Seat Ateca
The Seat Ateca was the first SUV of the Spanish brand and, since it went on the market in 2016, it has been a real sales success. After the update, the Spanish SUV is more complete, with extensive equipment, a spacious interior and outstanding dynamic behavior .
It is offered with a 2.0 TDI EVO diesel engine , with two power levels, 116 and 150 hp , and includes an exhaust gas purification system with double AdBlue injection that improves the removal of harmful particles.
Score Karoq
The Karop has also received a restyling that affects, especially, the aesthetic section, but not the mechanics.
It shares engines with the Ateca, so we also have a 2.0 TDI EVO block with 116 and 150 hp , available with automatic or manual gearbox and front or all-wheel drive.
Range Rover
The Range Rover is one of the great novelties of the newly released 2022. For many, the quintessential off-roader, although it has become a sophisticated luxury SUV over the years.
The first units will arrive in the spring, larger than ever and loaded with technology, non-mechanical internal combustion and plug-in hybrid alternatives. However, the 300 and 350 hp diesel engines will be the most interesting and efficient to move its more than 2.5 tons of weight.
Audi Q7
The Q7 is Audi ‘s flagship in the SUV segment, with the permission of the Q8, with a sportier cut. And, although it is also available with electrified mechanics, the 3.0 TDI engine is still the most interesting option, for price and performance.
This engine offers two power levels, 231 and 286 hp , and they have a 48-volt mild hybrid system linked to the crankshaft that delivers an additional 16 hp . This system fulfills three functions: starter motor, alternator and support in acceleration phases .
BMW X5
BMW is making great strides in electrifying its range, launching several pure electric models. However, the diesel continues to have an important weight, as in the X5.
It is available with four diesel engines, with powers between 231 and 400 CV and with enough torque to move its more than two tons with agility. The most interesting diesel version is the xDrive40d , which combines a 340 hp diesel engine with a 48-volt Mild-Hybrid system , which adds another 11 hp.
Mercedes GLE
We end with the Mercedes GLE which, like its rivals from Audi and BMW, has a diesel version electrified by a mild hybrid system. Like all Mild-Hybrid models, the GLE obtains the ECO label from the DGT .
The star SUV can be chosen with two diesel engines, the GLE 4MATIC 300 d, with 272 hp , and the GLE 4MATIC 400 d, with 330 hp. Of these two options, the most interesting is the first, equipped with the electrical system, which allows it to homologate a consumption of only 6.1 liters . A pretty good figure, considering its size and weight.