Have you seen our new 2012 diesel car lineup post?
There have been a few exciting new developments in diesel automobiles available in the United States since we published our 2010 list, but for the most part the diesel vehicles available in the US remain the same.
A wide variety of car manufacturers have diesel available in Europe, but the stricter emissions standards in the States have prevented them from bringing those models over here. It’s evidently quite expensive to upgrade a standard diesel engine so that it meets US “clean diesel” standards. Therefore, while there are some diesel powered cars available in the United States, it’s currently a minority market.
Without further hesitation, here’s our list of diesel powered cars for 2011 in the US:
Acura – There has been speculation of an Acura diesel model in the US for 2011, but recent updates show that the manufacturer is currently shying away from one being offered in the US. Currently, there is no diesel model available.
Audi – Audi will continue to offer its TDI diesel line. Complete information can be found on the Audi TDI site. The two cars offered are the Audi A3 TDI and the Audi Q7 TDI.
In 2010, the A3 was listed as the Green Car Journal’s ‘Green Car of The Year.’ It gets 30 mpg hwy and 42 mpg city. You may also remember it from the Green Police Ad featured during the last Superbowl.
The Q7 TDI is Audi’s diesel powered SUV. This SUV gets 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. Coincidentally, it’s also the same diesel engine that the Porsche Diesel engine is based off of (however, Porsche currently only has a diesel model available in Europe). More information about the Q7 can be found here.
BMW – Many will argue that Bavarian Motor Works make some of the finest cars out there. Not to be outdone, BMW also offers two different diesel models: The 335d and the X5 xDrive 35d.
The 335d sedan features a 3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6A engine, and gets 23 mpg city and 36 mpg highway (for a combined total of 27).
The 2011 BMW X5 xDrive 35d features is a 265 horsepower, 3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine with TwinPower Turbo technology that gets 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
Buick – There are no Buick diesel models available in the US for 2011.
Cadillac – Cadillac does not currently offer any of their models in Diesel.
Chevrolet – There are no Chevy cars that feature diesel, but the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD Pickup Truck comes with a Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 that has an output of 397 max horsepower and 765 lb.-ft. of torque.
This truck is supposed to have a 11% increase in fuel saving technology over the 2010 model.
Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge – Chrysler and Jeep do not offer any cars with diesel capabilities for 2011. Dodge, however does. The 2011 Ram Chassis is available in diesel (if you plan to do a lot of heavy loading from now and then, or are really just a hoss).
In addition, the 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 models are also slated to be diesel trucks, with the 2500 typically getting 15 mpg city and 20 hwy.
Ford – Cars, not so much. Trucks, Yes. The Ford Super Duty models (F-250, F-350, and F-450) are all available with a 6.7L Power Stroke(R) V8 Turbo Diesel Engine.
These trucks are workhorses, but can also be the maximum in comfort. The King Ranch edition, for example comes fully loaded so you can utilize your truck in style as well as in an alternative fuel manner.
GMC – Much like Chevy, GMC will feature the Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD models with a diesel engine.
Honda – While there has been plenty of speculation and hope of Honda releasing a 2011 diesel model in the US, it doesn’t appear as if that will be happening.
Hyundai – The folks over at Hyundai currently have no diesel models slated for the US in 2011.
Kia – Kia currently does not have a diesel powered car in the US market.
Lexus – While there are plenty of fuel efficient hybrids that Lexus has to offer, they currently do not have a diesel model available in the United States.
Lincoln – There are no Lincoln diesel models listed for the 2011 year.
Mazda – No diesel models are listed for 2011.
Mercedes-Benz – Mercedes features three models with their diesel Bluetec system. These models are the ML350, the GL350, and the R350. The R350 model is a crossover, while the G and M models are sport utility vehicles.
As far as gas mileage is concerned the M class will get 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, the G class will get 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway, and the R class will get 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. These models were also available in 2010.
Mercury – There are no Mercury diesel models listed for 2011.
Mitsubishi –2011 does not have any diesel models listed for Mercury.
Nissan – There are no diesel cars slated to come out for Nissan in 2011, despite some speculation.
Pontiac – There are no new Pontiacs for 2011, or ever for that matter. Hence, there will be no Pontiac models available as diesel powered cars either.
Porsche – While there is a Porsche Cayenne diesel powered SUV available in Europe, there is not currently one available in the USA.
However, a unique fact is that the engine technology used for the Porsche Cayenne Diesel features the same look and basic engine design of the Volkswagon Toureg TDI and the Audi Q7 TDI, both of which are available in the United States of America.
Saab – There are currently no Saab diesel models slated for 2011 in America.
Saturn – There are currently no Saturn diesel models available. Much like Pontiac, there will be no more Saturns made ever. So hope you weren’t holding out hope for a Saturn diesel model, because quite simply put: it’s not going to happen.
Subaru – Subaru unfortunately doesn’t have any diesel models available in the US, although they are available in Europe.
Toyota – There has also been some buzz and speculation of Toyota potentially releasing a diesel model in the US in 2011, but this will not be the case either.
Volkswagen – Ah yes, the “V-dub.” There are actually four Volkswagen diesel models available in the United States. They are the Touareg TDI (a sport utility vehicle), the Jetta TDI, The Jetta SportWagen TDI, and the Volkswagen Golf.
Gas Milage for the Touareg is 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. For the Jetta, it’s a whopping 30 mpg and 42 mpg highway. As far as the golf is concerned, you’re going to be looking at a very similar number: 30 mpg city and 41 mpg highway.
Volvo – There have been Volvo diesels before, and there are Volvo diesel cars overseas, but 2011 will not see any Volvo diesel cars in the United States.
Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments!
You missed the best mercedes: the Sprinter van. 22mpg average and can haul more than any minivan or SUV. Same or better average than a VW/Q7/G-series but much better cargo capacity.
I want a 2 liter diesel sedan to replace my Camry which gets 32mpg freeway (actual mileage), but had such a bad experience maintenance wise with my last VW (90’s Golf) that I am reluctant to commit. I am frustrated that Honda and Toyota won’t import their diesels.
For typical everyday type American driving these new common rail turbo diesels are actually much better driving than gasoline engined cars. The torque is so much higher at low revs the cars accelerate and pull hills effortlessly. It feels like your driving an old V8, while at the same time getting better mileage than a Prius. If America could just get a taste of these new generation passenger car diesels, especially from high reliability Japanese makers, they would be hooked. Toyota and Honda should bring them over and rent them out through Hertz and Avis so the public can try them out for extended periods (That’s how I was introduced to the Camry- by renting one at LAX- loved it and bought one).
I am still holding out hope that Mahindra will get their act together to bring over the small diesel truck and SUV they keep promising.
When the hell is BMW going to put there 2.0 diesel engine in a Mini Cooper and bring it over here, I keep hearing the rumor’s that they are thinking about it but nothing ever come’s of it. Oh well we can alway’s dream that maybe they will figure it out that if they do this they won’t be able to build them fast enough. And unlike the Jetta TDI force the consumer to buy the top of the line model just to get the diesel making it very expensive, as we no even a stripped down mini isn’t exactly cheap, and the diesel option alone will probably add a couple of grand to the price to start with.
I have been driving a ’92 Mercedes 300TD. getting about 32 mpg. Nothing out there really compares. 357000 miles and needing to get something new but it is going to be hard for anything to live up to this. The new MB & BMW do not compare to this for mpg. Not spending $50K for a car.
If only BMW would just make a wagon version of their diesel, I could perhaps justify the price. The VW Sportwagen is too small and it doesn’t look like the Passat wagon will be available as a TDI in the future.
Subaru keeps teasing with a possible diesel Forester or Legacy to be released in the US (getting 44mpg!) but they keep putting it off. Some of us need an AWD diesel wagon for long commutes in rough winter areas! I’d buy a Jetta TDI but I’d never get on and off my mountain without a 4wd in the snow. Whoever brings one that’s affordable will get my money!
Dan; It’s not that they are putting it off. Fuji heavy flat out refuses to bring the forester diesel here. Why? The reason given is that they have no automatic transmission that can take the torque of the boxer diesel engine. The real reason? CARB
Which if they stopped to think, is stupid. AWD sales are best in the snow belt. That excludes all the populated areas of California.
You may have missed the Mercedes E Class
@Joe
Do you have a link? I know Mercedes-Benz had a diesel E class last year, but Edmunds.com doesn’t list one for 2010, and the USA Mercedes site lists it in one spot, but nothing happens when you click on that link. It makes me think that there isn’t going to be one for 2011, but I hope I’m wrong! I’d love to see the E class wagon version in diesel too.
until the power of oil companies is broken ,we will have no progress
with diesel cars in the u.s.a.
It is frustrating to experience the quality and economy of the European diesels, then come back to the US and not be able to find anything. We are really behind in so many ways.
In France I rented a Citroen C5 diesel with the smoothest 5-speed manual transmission that I’ve ever experienced. A great car with incredible mileage and range.
It can’t just be the EPA that is holding everything back in the US.
It is indeed frustrating that we don’t have a good selection of clean turbo diesels in the U.S. Having driven them in Europe, I really wanted to own one here as well. The Mercedes and the BMWs are a bit expensive and probably available only with an auto transmission in the U.S., which is a total disqualifying factor for me.
Since Subaru is stalling and not offering a diesel and since Honda Element is only available with a diesel overseas, I ended up getting the VW Jetta TDI. So far, so good. Great handling, fast and responsive, gets about 45mpg on the highway – 37 combined. Hopefully VW’s quality has improved, as I do like the car – de facto the only affordable diesel vehicle in the U.S.
what about the best affordable car ever, suzuki ,the sx4 awd even gets a 6spd standard bolted up to a turbo diesel
Very Happy with my Jetta SportWagen TDI. I wish I could flat tow it behind my Motorhome though…. I wish the Audi A3 had the same cargo space as the SportWagen. That said, regardless, I might upgrade to an Audi A3 TDI next time.
Been driving my Golf TDI for 7 years now and have had to replace the windshield washer fluid tank. That’s all of the problems we’ve had so far. I pull my pop-up camper all over the US and Canada with it and get just over 39 mpg while towing, and have broken 50 mpg car only. Car looks like I bought it yesterday except for the 3 dents in the hood where pick-ups have backed into it with trailer hitches. The gas users don’t know what they’re missing…..
I’d love to have a decent sedan or wagon diesel available in the US. The Jetta is nice, but too small for my needs, and I must have AWD for the winter. The few diesels other than the VW’s all seem to be available only in huge SUV’s or high performance cars where mileage takes second place to size and power. It’s great that Audi for instance puts a diesel in the Q7, but that thing is a school bus, and it gets the same mileage my current wagon gets. Same for the Benz’s. Why can’t these companies bring over some of their diesels in cars instead of just trying to get the mileage on their SUV’s back up to sem-respectable numbers? Give me a nice AWD wagon that gets high 30’s on the highway and I’d be in heaven.
When will you get it into your heads that America is not, nor will ever likely be ‘green’.
Most, if not all of the car brands listed here sell diesel models everywhere in the world except the United States.
Why?
Americans do not want them and will not buy them, that’s why. They are not interested in economy, they’re interested in status.
I heard from a friend and found a few websites in agreement that Fiat will sell a 500 in the US this year. Does anyone know if it will be offered as Diesel?
You can have my 2006 Jeep Liberty CRD when you peel it from my cold, dead hands….or when someone introduces a decent replacement. Personally I think it is fear. If VW can market a 50 state CRD anyone else can. They are just afraid to.
Congress has a lot of hidden taxes invested in Diesel fuel. Everything that’s shipped is shipped by truck, train, plane, or ship is transported by a Diesel of some kind. So, because Diesel used to be so cheap, and because it was uncommon in passenger vehicles, they taxed the hell out of it, so that everybody would pay the tax and nobody would complain, because the costs were included with the item they bought.
Now that diesel technology has progressed and earned itself green credentials, people in the US are starting to realize what people around the world have known for a very long time: Diesel is better. But if everybody in the US gets a Diesel, the next thing you know, people will be calling for the taxes on Diesel to be reduced, and then congress will lose all that misbegotten revenue that they need to buy votes. So, the create raise the already absurd emissions standards on Diesel every time someone comes out with a successful Diesel model, like the 06 Liberty CRD, and cost the companies who develop those models millions of dollars be effectively outlawing something they took years to develop.
Volvo produces some terrific turbodiesel engines and uses them in cars in Europe, including several in the 160 – 200 HP range with impressive performance and 40+ MPG mixed driving (yes, for a 200 HP engine!). There are rumors that the new S60 sedan may see a turbodiesel version late in the 2011 model year, or in the 2012’s – and then likely also in other models.
Like Dan (June 26th) I have been waiting for the Subaru diesel ever since it was launched in Europe. And like Dan, I am reluctant to buy the Jetta Sportwagon TDI (though I owned two VW Sharan TDIs in Europe) because I need/want AWD for New England winters. I have sent Subaru several requests for information but have heard nothing in reply. One dealer told me the Subaru transmission can’t cope with the diesel’s torque but I find that hard to believe, given the torque of the Subaru V6 gas engine.
I agree, Dan: whoever brings in the first affordable AWD diesel will get my money.
@ George Bennett
It’s possible that their automatic can’t cope with the diesel’s torque figure as the biggest 3.6 petrol engine produces ~330 Nm of torque, whereas the diesel produces another 20 Nm on top of that.
As a European I’m surprised you have so few diesel cars. It would be good if you could get the FIAT 500 with the little 1.3 JTD they sell here – a friend’s got one and it’s an absolute gem.
Its too bad there is such a limited number of diesel cars in the US.
I drive an older Eclass Mercedes. 100,000 miles so far and I bet I can do 200,000 more. In Europe you see them because fuel is taxed so high. In the US gas is much less expensive so the payoff for diesel is less. The Jetta, for example. The petrol counterpart doesn’t require premium fuel which makes the difference in cost actually favor the petrol version. (IF you can go 30% further at 30% more cost what is the benefit)
Keep it up US manufacturing and soon no cars will be made in the US. Two years ago we traveled Europe in Saab 90 TDI and were amazed by the comfort, style and especially the fuel consumption, or actually the lack of it.
Come on America wake up.
We are trading our SUV for a VW TDI.
mahindra appalachian
I have a 2006 Mercedes E Class CDI. I LOVE this car – absolutely love it. I bought it used a year and a half ago and have had nothing but pleasure with this car. It is reliable, rides smooth on the highway (the faster you go, the more quiet it becomes – perhaps this is a diesel feature), it often gets about 41 MPH on long trips and, if I take care of it (and you can bet I will), I can expect to put upwards of 500,000 miles on it and it is a fantastic looking car with lots of gadgets.
And, get this, with my Avalon trade in, I bought it for less than I paid for the Avalon (used, no less) 6 years earlier.
But they are not selling new versions in the U.S., so get this car when you can and hold onto it. It’s fabulous.
That would be 41 MPG, it goes a lot faster than 41 MPH. The car is incredibly stable and smooth at high speeds. The shame is that you can’t drive it at 100 in the U.S. – I have no doubt it would take to such speeds with ease and comfort as it was designed to drive at extremely high speeds on the Autobahn.
I’m disappointed by the diesel line up as well. We rented a VW Passat TDI in England for a month this summer and it was a wonderful car – in the hills of Scotland, and all across England, we consistently got well over 50mpg (US gallons)! I was amazed at the fuel economy, and the torque. And the family fit well in it, and there was a surprising amount of luggage space.
Back here in Colorado, I have been waiting somewhat impatiently for a diesel Subaru Outback because we need AWD (infrequently, but when we need it, we _need_ it). If Subaru release a diesel Outback, I will buy it. Beyond that, I’m disappointed there aren’t more diesel choices in the US.
I’ve been driving VW diesels for many many years
bunch of Rabbits, a Vanagon diesel, a Eurovan diesel I imported from Canada (still best vehicle ever), and now a Golf TDi
the Rabbits are the best, absolutely
easy and cheap to fix, 50+mpg, and an absolute tank
unfortunately they’re getting scarce
the Vanagon was a total dog
undriveable – it is twice as heavy as the Rabbit with the same engine (!)
the Eurovan is a great vehicle – strong and solid on the hwy @ 70mph, hauls a full lift of plywood or sheetrock, and gets 30mpg w/ the diesel
the TDi is a pain in the A$$ – tons of things break, all the time
however, manageable if you do your own work, own the right tools, frequent the right online forums, and expect to fix something at least once a month
the car’s a real pleasure to drive, when it’s working
overall, buy a Rabbit
before they go extinct
You might want to add Mahindra to your site soon… I think finally for 2011 there vehicles will be for sale. SUV, 1/2 pickup, and a 4 door PU like the avalanch only smaller. Mahindrana.com
Is the information about the A3 stated correctly? “It gets 30 mpg hwy and 42 mpg city” or should that be the other way around?
Anyway, thanks for the good list. Besides the VW Jetta, doesn’t seem like the diesel is really worth it.
Thank you to MATT GROOM for his summary of the problem:
“IT IS ALL ABOUT THE TAX”……………………..
All it takes is the right advertising agency and a competent government to tackle the problem. Revisit the Cash for ********s program(me) that has worked well around the world and you will have every manufacturer bringing vehicles into the USA. Why is it that Europe, a significantly larger market than the USA, has embraced diesel engines so keenly. Fresh back from Europe, it was refreshing to get DOUBLE the distance for the same amount of fuel, where diesel and gas were the same price.
The only problem to tackle apparently is a negligent home industry and its protection interests in Washington. Why do US subsidiaries in Europe do so well with the diesel?
Will it take powerful diesel Asian car manufacturers to flood the US market? Do Detroit et al still not hear the alarm bells?!
Europe cars had diesel but why don’t have any on American cars or Japan in US?
As with many others, I’m frustrated by the lack of interest by Japanese mfg’s bringing their diesel engines state-side. We’ve all heard the rumors of Honda and Subaru for years now, but I doubt that’ll every happen. They all seems to think the hybrid is the answer — bleh. But there’s hope: Mazda! A recent article in C&D mentions them bring their new Sky-D engine to the US in 2012. I hope this isn’t just more vapor-ware. Living in NH, I’d love an _affordable_ AWD diesel car, but have learned to get by with FWD and snow tires. The thought of a diesel Mazda 3 sounds fantastic!
Taxes are just the start: You need to look at the way a barrel of oil is refined around the world and what you find is the US is a gasoline economy. With a larger portion of the barrel used for gas. What is used for diesel competes with home heating oils and jet fuel. With the lower usage of those products in europe and around the world diesel is the more viable selection.
my dream an A5 diesel milage with style not an MB
Do consider the down side of fuel costs if the diesel went main stream!
I have just driven my UK spec Ford Focus 1.6 TDi Estate (Wagon) on a 400 mile trip averaging 62 MPG UK gallon = 52 MPG US gallon, at speeds up to 70MPH. When fuel costs $6 US (petrol and eurodiesel) for a US gallon, fuel economy is premium. Why don’t Ford, a US company, sell its superb clean diesels in the US?
Being a VW TDI specific dealer and full service/repair facility for nearly 13 years, I strongly suggest that one holds off on acquiring any new/used 2009-2011 VW CR (Common Rail) TDI until VW comes up with a resolution with a potential HPFP (High Pressure Fuel Pump) issue. As a matter of fact, I refuse to offer these vehicles for sale at my dealership until this issue is rectified. Some owner’s have been blamed for fuel contamination which resulted in denial of warranty and the cost to repair is estimated at nearly $10,000. Do a Google search on “VW HPFP Failures” and check it out oo try this link to Google: http://www.google.com/search?q=VW+HPFP+Failures&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7GPEA_en BUYER BEWARE!
I don’t want a hybrid. I Live in a place where there is WINTER. Hybrids don’t have much of an advantage in WINTER, you need the engine for interior heat.
I can live with the Gel issue below 0 with additives and winter mix.
I would LOVE the Ford Fiesta Econetic, but alas I have to get a foreign car again. VW or Audi here I come.
I am PISSED at USA makers for not offering me a Diesel car.
I have ’08 MB GL320 CDI & ’10 VW Jetta TDI station wagon. Love both of them. In GL we could go from ATL to Miami on 3/4 of tank or from ATL to HH islands and back for 1/2 of tank.
VW constantly gives me 38+ mpg in combine drive. Ocassionally, when I see Prius on the road I tend to tailgate them and VW board computer shows 56or more mpg.
The issues is that typical Prius owner will always obey driving rules, whereas driving VW TDI – that is hard – it has such huge torque for sch small car that is tough to control (almost).
In first 12 months we made 21k miles on VW and we paid off every single $ we put into.
No issues with either of the car – so far.
I would consider to buy another diesel either from Audi (A4) or VOlvo S60 or Mazda 6. Drove each one of those in Europe and can say that it is as good as it could be.
Well informed comments! Not sure why so few people are aware of what this small group of people are sure about.
There is good info for all of you. 24B gallons of sustainable, biodiesel grown and processed in the US within the next 6-7 years. Massive project that makes diesel engined cars, not just the best solution to our petroleum problem, but the only valid solution. etcgreen.com
The day our car market embraces diesel is the day we convert to the metric system.
Not a single US diesel car or SUV, so sad. I am strong believer in supporting local businesses and I believe this is the key to a successful economy. The big 3 US auto makers are as local as it gets for us. My family needs a new vehicle and i have vowed to never buy a gasoline powered vehicle again and I have always avoided foreign vehicles. Diesel is what I want and unless I want a massive truck that retails for $40k + then I have no options. If I am going to spend that much it will be on a Tesla and with that I am holding out for the S-coupe.
The Automakers have no incentive to rock the boat. The mark-up on hybrids is better than diesels, they are a guaranteed 15+ year maintenance contract to their dealers, as no shop in their right mind will take on the liability. They’ll sell more parts/maintenance on gas engined cars than they ever will on diesels. The “Big Oil” folks certainly have no interest in YOU buying less fuel. The laws are written to preclude you from buying a diesel in Mexico or Canada and driving it back, it can even confiscated and crushed legally if you do so. I wonder who paid to have THOSE laws written…
It’s really all about having a captive market. Americans are fed an advertising diet of “performance gas car” by the auto builders and there is NO mention of alternatives, ever. Those of you who are old enough can remember the “dangerous radial tires from Europe” ads that our tire manufacturers ran in the ’60’s, trying to discourage radial tire use. It was that profit thing: if they don’t have to retool, profits stay up. It was a viable and legal strategy. The auto folks are doing the same thing now. If people stay ignorant there is a greater profit opportunity. They apparently have enough clout to make the legal system work FOR THEM, not you. About 1/2 the cars sold in Europe are Diesel; hybrids are a real hard sell to folks that know better. For a laugh call up Chrysler and ask them when they’ll have a 60 MPG Fiat 1.3L Multijet Doblo or Panda for sale…and ask them why WE can’t get the diesel engined 40+ MPG PT Cruiser…it’s rather obscene that you are not even ALLOWED to buy a car that would be better for yourself and the country. Apparently “competition is for suckers”, certainly not the Auto Industry.
how simple is this equation? BMW is the closest and CAN do this:
— mid sized wagon (bigger than Jetta…Passat perfect…Volvo V70 perfect)
— diesel powerplant
— 32-34 mpg highway
Built to last 20 years…
I am in if someone would build one!
I don’t see land rovers evoque here
Have a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 3.0 v-6 Turbo Diesel (Daimler) LOVE IT, watch for a great used one, great on fuel, lots of luxury features, loads of torque and power, best I’ve got 27-8 mpg at 50mph
My first experience driving a diesel was last year, I rented a diesel-based Kia in England and drove it for two weeks. As nearly as I could judge I was getting around 50 mpg and the engine was electric engine smooth with loads of torque on hand in all situations. I have no idea why diesels wouldn’t actually be prefered over gas models.