When choosing a car that can stand the test of time, diesel engines often take the lead. Known for their rugged durability, impressive fuel economy, and ability to rack up hundreds of thousands of miles, diesel-powered vehicles have a reputation for outlasting their gasoline counterparts. Whether you’re a road warrior, a fan of the great outdoors, or just someone looking for a reliable everyday ride, a diesel car might be the ultimate choice. Here are 21 diesel cars that have set themselves apart as long-distance champions.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Diesel (Launch: 1996)
Designed by Steve Mattin, the E-Class Diesel brings that timeless Mercedes elegance with plush leather seats and walnut trim that make you feel like royalty on the road. With a mileage that hits an excellent 30 mpg, it’s built to handle decades of commutes and countryside escapes. Diesel engines in the E-Class outlast their gasoline peers, often clocking over 500,000 miles. Fun fact: the E-Class Diesel was often the preferred choice for European taxi drivers due to its incredible reliability and low maintenance costs.
Volkswagen Golf TDI (Launch: 1996)
The Golf TDI, crafted under the eye of Herbert Schäfer, is a classic compact with an unexpected edge. Inside, it’s roomy yet cozy, with sport-style seats and a tech-savvy dashboard about driver comfort. Known for a mileage of 45 mpg, it easily outpaces gasoline versions in endurance. Many owners have bragged about reaching the 300,000-mile mark without breaking a sweat, making it the ultimate thrifty buddy on long commutes. Did you know? The Golf TDI has won multiple “Green Car of the Year” awards, proving diesel can be both eco-friendly and long-lasting.
Ford F-250 Super Duty Diesel (Launch: 1999)
When you think rugged, think of the F-250 Super Duty. Designed by Pat Schiavone, its interior packs a no-nonsense feel with rugged vinyl seats and straightforward controls, so you know it’s ready for work. The diesel variant boasts 20 mpg and legendary towing power, with drivers reporting half a million miles and still going. Fun fact: the F-250’s Power Stroke diesel engine was specifically designed to handle over 500,000 miles, making it a staple among heavy-duty truck owners.
BMW 3 Series Diesel (Launch: 2007)
Adrian van Hooydonk shaped this beauty, giving it a blend of sophistication and sportiness. The leather seats and ambient lighting are perks, but its 40-mpg efficiency steals the show. Diesel 3 Series owners often surpass the 300,000-mile milestone. With this reliable, stylish ride, you’re as set for daily drives as long-haul adventures. Fun fact: BMW’s diesel engines are known to produce less CO₂ compared to gasoline engines, giving them an eco-friendly edge.
Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Diesel (Launch: 2001)
A beast from Tom Peters’s mind, the Silverado 2500HD Diesel has an interior that’s as straightforward as it is comfortable, with durable cloth seats and easy-to-navigate tech. It delivers a respectable 25 mpg and can plow through tough jobs year after year, often surpassing its gasoline counterpart’s lifespan by hundreds of thousands of miles. Here’s a fun stat: Some Silverado Diesels have crossed over 700,000 miles without a major overhaul, making them true workhorses.
Toyota Land Cruiser Diesel (Launch: 1981)
The Land Cruiser, designed for adventure, has an interior that screams rugged luxury. With leather-trimmed seats and a spacious cabin, it’s built for long journeys. This diesel powerhouse can reach up to 28 mpg and easily surpass 300,000 miles, proving it’s in it for the long haul. When other SUVs break down, the Land Cruiser is just getting warmed up. Fun fact: United Nations peacekeeping forces have used the Land Cruiser worldwide due to its reliability in rough terrain.
Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel (Launch: 2014)
When Jeep brought on Mark Allen to design the EcoDiesel version, they knew it needed style and endurance. With an upscale interior featuring leather and wood accents, it’s a diesel that goes the distance at 30 mpg. It lasts about 50% longer than its gasoline version, making it the dependable friend always ready for a road trip. Fun stat: the EcoDiesel engine is known for reducing CO₂ emissions by 20%, proving that performance can meet eco-friendliness.
Honda Accord Diesel (Launch: 2015, Europe Only)
Designed by Toshiyuki Kusakihara, the Accord Diesel is a sleek sedan with an efficient 52 mpg on the highway. While the interior offers supportive seating and ample tech, the longevity wows. Honda’s diesel engines are known to outlast their gasoline versions, often reaching 250,000 miles or more. Fun fact: this diesel variant was in such high demand in Europe that Honda struggled to meet pre-order demand!
Mazda6 Skyactiv-D (Launch: 2014)
With a design by Ikuo Maeda, the Mazda6 Diesel offers a refined interior with premium materials and ergonomic seating. Its impressive 45 mpg means fewer fuel stops on the open road. Mazda6 diesels often outlast gasoline versions significantly, turning heads with style and durability. Fun stat: Mazda’s Skyactiv-D technology reduces soot emissions by 90%, making it one of the cleanest diesels on the road.
Land Rover Range Rover TD6 (Launch: 2016)
Phil Simmons crafted a masterpiece with the TD6, boasting an interior fit for royalty with leather seating and wood veneers. With 28 mpg and renowned off-road ability, it’s a diesel that far outlasts the gasoline models. Land Rover enthusiasts report 200,000 miles with ease—an ideal blend of luxury and resilience. Fun fact: this Range Rover diesel version offers 20% more fuel efficiency than its gasoline counterpart.
Audi A3 TDI (Launch: 2009)
Walter de Silva’s Audi A3 TDI is a refined hatchback with a sleek design and practical mileage—around 43 mpg. The diesel engine can reach 250,000 miles, easily outpacing gasoline A3s. A small car with big ambitions proves that a compact can be mighty. Fun fact: the A3 TDI won the 2010 “Green Car of the Year” award, highlighting its eco-friendly, durable design.
Chevrolet Cruze Diesel (Launch: 2014)
The Cruze Diesel, styled by John Cafaro, boasts comfy interiors and an incredible 48 mpg. Diesel versions can reach 300,000 miles, more than double many gasoline versions’ lifespan. If you need a car with stamina in an affordable package, here’s your best pick. Fun fact: the Cruze Diesel can save up to 50% in fuel costs over gasoline versions over a car’s lifetime.
Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel (Launch: 2001)
Designed by Luc Donckerwolke, the Santa Fe Diesel provides a plush interior and dependable mileage of 32 mpg. Diesel versions often outlast gasoline by a solid 150,000 miles, making it the reliable family hauler. Fun stat: in some markets, the Santa Fe Diesel outsold gasoline variants due to its reputation for long-term reliability.
Volvo XC60 Diesel (Launch: 2008)
Robin Page’s Volvo XC60 Diesel offers Scandinavian minimalism inside and a respectable 30 mpg. Diesel XC60s often live up to 300,000 miles, making it a long-lasting, stylish companion for every journey. Fun fact: Volvo’s diesel engines were so efficient that they became a top choice among eco-conscious European families.
Nissan Titan XD Diesel (Launch: 2016)
Diane Allen’s Titan XD Diesel has a durable interior and a 20 mpg mileage. Known for towing and durability, it outlasts its gasoline peers by hundreds of thousands of miles. When you need power that sticks around, Titan XD is ready to work. Fun stat: the Titan XD diesel was engineered to tackle over 600,000 miles without breaking down.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Diesel (Launch: 1978)
Bruno Sacco’s S-Class Diesel is pure class with a mileage of 25 mpg. Diesel versions regularly hit 500,000 miles, giving it an almost regal longevity over gasoline models. It’s the aristocrat of diesel cars. Fun fact: the S-Class Diesel is often found in antique car collections due to its durability and classic design.
Jaguar XE Diesel (Launch: 2015)
Styled by Ian Callum, the XE Diesel boasts leather interiors and 42 mpg. Jaguar’s diesel engines often double the mileage lifespan of gasoline, adding a touch of elegance to endurance. Fun fact: Jaguar’s diesel lineup has become popular among luxury sedan owners for both performance and longevity.
Ram 1500 EcoDiesel (Launch: 2014)
Ryan Nagode’s Ram EcoDiesel combines rugged interiors with a cozy vibe. Its 27 mpg and 400,000-mile potential make it the ideal workhorse. The truck sticks with you through thick, thin, and endless miles. Fun stat: the EcoDiesel engine is designed to handle up to 12,000 pounds of towing, outperforming many gasoline engines.
Volkswagen Touareg TDI (Launch: 2003)
Klaus Bischoff’s Touareg TDI brings a lavish cabin with leather and wood accents. Unlike their gasoline siblings, the 28 mpg SUV often lasts 200,000+ miles, showing that diesel Touaregs are ready for the long haul. Fun fact: the Touareg TDI set a Guinness World Record for fuel efficiency, covering nearly 1,500 miles on a single tank.
GMC Sierra 2500HD Diesel (Launch: 2001)
The Sierra Diesel, with interiors styled for durability, offers 25 mpg and a lifespan that stretches over 500,000 miles. It’s the one you call on for heavy-duty endurance. Fun fact: the Sierra’s Duramax diesel engine was co-developed with Isuzu, known for crafting engines that last well over a million miles.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
Reliability is a core feature that defines a vehicle. Over the last few decades, some vehicles have emerged as a reliable and durable option, standing out as workhorses that never quit. These vehicles not only prove themselves in terms of performance but transcend their role and become reliable partners, always fulfilling their role. Here are 12 Cars known for their unbreakable reliability.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
