Are Diesel SUVs Still Worth Buying?

Are diesel SUVs still a good choice in 2026? How many diesel-powered SUVs are still on the market for you to choose from?

For decades, diesel trucks and SUVs made a lot of sense, but that has changed in recent years. Some automakers even went so far as to offer small diesel engines, but that quickly ended with the Volkswagen diesel crisis and the movement toward hybrids and EVs. Still, it’s hard to argue with the benefits of diesel power in large vehicles. Diesel fuel efficiency is typically much better than that of gas-powered engines, and diesel towing capacity is usually impressive, making these engines useful and powerful. Should you choose one of the diesel SUVs offered in 2026? Let’s explore.

How many diesel SUVs are still available in 2026?

Diesel SUVs used to dominate the market with their impressive towing power and fuel efficiency, but the landscape has changed dramatically. Only a handful of new diesel SUVs remain available from GM’s lineup, including the Tahoe, Suburban, and Yukon models with the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine. Meanwhile, the used market still offers options from BMW, Mercedes, Land Rover, and the discontinued Cadillac Escalade diesel. Basically, if you don’t want a GM vehicle, you’re limited to used diesel SUVs, and that might not be appealing to many shoppers. Still, the Chevrolet Tahoe diesel and GMC Yukon diesel could be impressive choices with good power and efficiency for your driving needs.

Why should you drive a diesel SUV?

When you consider a diesel vs gas SUV, there are some benefits that stand out for diesel-powered models. These vehicles have a lot to offer and could be the right choice when you need them to perform specific functions regularly. Here are some of the benefits of diesel SUVs that you’ll find in 2026:

Diesel power turns into towing capacity

Diesel engines are known for their exceptional low-end torque. Some diesel engines are listed with horsepower that is almost laughable compared to gas engines, but the towing power comes from the torque, and that number is usually stellar for diesel engines. This is why diesel trucks are used for the largest towing jobs, and the same goes for diesel SUVs.

Diesel SUVs have better fuel efficiency numbers

The Duramax diesel engine in the Chevrolet Tahoe can return 22 city/26 hwy mpg, which is a combined 24 mpg. The gas-powered models don’t touch this, coming in at 15 city/20 hwy mpg and a combined figure of only 17 mpg. This is a significant difference in the mileage rating, making it easy to see why some drivers prefer a diesel SUV in 2026.

Diesel engines are known for their durability

Why would automakers put diesel engines in the largest and toughest trucks if they didn’t expect those trucks to withstand the rigors of the heavy-duty work? The same goes for SUVs with these engines. Some diesel engines have been known to last more than 500,000 miles, which means you could have several years of great driving ahead of you with a diesel SUV.

Diesel translates into resale value

The durability, impressive towing figures, and excellent fuel efficiency of a diesel engine translate into much better resale value than gas-powered vehicles. A shopper looking for a diesel-powered large SUV or truck can feel confident that an engine with 250,000 miles on it still has plenty of life left to give them the value desired. That isn’t the case with gas-powered vehicles, which often only last up to 250,000 miles when properly cared for.

Modern diesel engines are much better

The rough and clunky operation of older diesel engines is gone, and modern diesel engines come with advanced technology and features meant to improve the driving experience. Some of these include turbocharging, direct injection, and advanced engine management, which are all meant to help improve the overall operation of the engine.

Impressive off-road capability

The diesel SUVs offered in 2026 can be amazing vehicles to drive on the trails. That low-end torque, which is ideal for top-level towing and hauling, is also great for off-road driving on the dirt, through the sand, and in the mud. This means you can venture out onto the trails for a lot of fun in the wilderness and experience the power and capability supplied by a diesel engine.

If you’re looking for a large SUV to give you good power and hauling capabilities, one of the diesel SUVs offered in 2026 could be exactly what you want to drive. You’ll need to look at the Chevrolet and GMC models for a new vehicle, but if you’re looking for a pre-owned model, other brands are also available to you. Which diesel SUV will you drive next year?