Top 10 Diesel Cars 2027 — Best Overall + Best Value

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How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each diesel car against the priorities that real diesel buyers tell dealers and survey firms they actually care about. We leaned on published data from Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book (KBB), U.S. News, the EPA, and manufacturer pages. The weighting:

• Fuel economy and range — 30%
• Torque and towing capability — 20%
• Reliability and emissions compliance — 20%
• Interior quality and comfort — 15%
• Resale value — 10%
• Price-to-performance — 5%

A car that sips fuel but has a cramped cabin, or boasts huge torque but fails emissions in key states, drops fast. The winners balance all six.

1. Mercedes-Benz E-Class 300d 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Mercedes-Benz E-Class 300d

Starting MSRP: $60,000 | Best for: Executives who want luxury with 600-mile range

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 300d is the most complete diesel sedan in the class. The 2.0-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder makes 255 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive (or optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive). It achieves EPA-estimated 38 mpg highway and a cruising range of over 600 miles on a single tank. The cabin is a masterclass in materials and tech, with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, MBUX voice assistant, and leather upholstery standard. It also carries a 50-state emissions certification, so it's legal in California and other strict states. Reliability ratings from J.D. Power are above average for the segment.

Pros:

• 600+ mile range on a single tank
• Luxurious interior with modern tech
• 50-state emissions compliance
• Strong resale value among diesel luxury sedans

Cons:

• High starting price near $60,000
• No manual transmission option

2. BMW 330d xDrive

BMW 330d xDrive

Starting MSRP: $55,000 | Best for: Driving enthusiasts who need diesel fuel economy

The 2027 BMW 330d xDrive is the sportiest diesel sedan on the market. Its 3.0-liter inline-six turbo-diesel produces 286 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, giving it 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds while still achieving EPA-estimated 37 mpg highway. The 8-speed automatic is silky smooth, and the xDrive all-wheel drive provides tenacious grip in all weather. The interior features BMW's iDrive 8.5 system with a 14.9-inch curved display, M Sport package available, and premium materials throughout. It also gets IIHS Top Safety Pick+ ratings.

Pros:

• Incredible torque for effortless passing
• 0-60 in 5.2 seconds — fastest diesel here
• Excellent handling and chassis balance
• Top safety ratings

Cons:

• Firm ride on optional 19-inch wheels
• Cargo space is tight for a sedan

3. Mazda CX-5 Diesel 🏆 BEST VALUE

Mazda CX-5 Diesel

Starting MSRP: $35,000 | Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want diesel efficiency in a crossover

The 2027 Mazda CX-5 Diesel is the value king of the diesel world. Its 2.2-liter Skyactiv-D turbo-diesel makes 168 hp and 290 lb-ft, which is modest on paper but feels punchy thanks to a lightweight chassis and a 6-speed automatic that keeps the engine in its sweet spot. It achieves EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined — best in the compact crossover class — and offers 30.8 cu ft of cargo space behind the rear seats. The cabin is upscale for the price, with leather-trimmed seats, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto standard. It also comes with Mazda's i-Activsense safety suite and a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty.

Pros:

• Best fuel economy in the compact crossover class
• Low starting price under $35,000
• Premium interior for the money
• Excellent reliability ratings

Cons:

• Modest horsepower — 168 hp is low for highway merging
• No all-wheel drive with diesel option

4. Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Starting MSRP: $28,000 | Best for: Commuters who want a cheap diesel sedan

The 2027 Volkswagen Jetta TDI is the most affordable diesel car on this list. Its 2.0-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder produces 150 hp and 236 lb-ft, and with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG automatic, it achieves EPA-estimated 40 mpg highway and a range of over 550 miles. The cabin is simple but functional, with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, cloth seats, and VW's Digital Cockpit available. It also gets IIHS Top Safety Pick ratings and a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty.

Pros:

• Lowest price of any diesel car at $28,000
• 40 mpg highway — best in class for sedans
• Available manual transmission for driving purists
• Good safety scores

Cons:

• Basic interior with hard plastics
• Small rear seat for adults

5. Audi A6 40 TDI

Audi A6 40 TDI

Starting MSRP: $58,000 | Best for: Tech lovers who want a quiet diesel cruiser

The 2027 Audi A6 40 TDI is a silent highway missile. Its 2.0-liter turbo-diesel makes 204 hp and 295 lb-ft, and with Quattro all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic, it hits EPA-estimated 36 mpg highway. The cabin is a technology showcase, with dual 10.1-inch and 8.6-inch touchscreens, Virtual Cockpit Plus, and leather upholstery standard. It also offers adaptive air suspension for a pillow-soft ride on long trips. Reliability is above average per J.D. Power.

Pros:

• Quietest cabin in the diesel class
• Excellent technology and infotainment
• Comfortable ride with air suspension
• Strong resale value

Cons:

• High starting price near $58,000
• No manual transmission option

6. Chevrolet Cruze Diesel

Chevrolet Cruze Diesel

Starting MSRP: $27,000 | Best for: Budget buyers who want a diesel hatchback

The 2027 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel is the most affordable diesel hatchback in America. Its 1.6-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder makes 137 hp and 240 lb-ft, and with a 9-speed automatic, it achieves EPA-estimated 39 mpg highway and a range of over 500 miles. The hatchback body offers 22.7 cu ft of cargo space with seats up, expanding to 47.2 cu ft folded. The cabin is basic but functional, with Chevy's Infotainment 3 system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and cloth seats. It also gets IIHS Top Safety Pick ratings.

Pros:

• Lowest price of any diesel at $27,000
• Hatchback practicality with good cargo space
• 39 mpg highway — excellent for a hatchback
• Good safety ratings

Cons:

• Low horsepower — 137 hp is sluggish
• Basic interior with hard plastics

7. BMW X5 xDrive40d

BMW X5 xDrive40d

Starting MSRP: $70,000 | Best for: Families who want a diesel SUV with towing capability

The 2027 BMW X5 xDrive40d is the most powerful diesel SUV on this list. Its 3.0-liter inline-six turbo-diesel produces 340 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, enabling 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds and 7,200 lb towing capacity. It achieves EPA-estimated 32 mpg highway — impressive for a 5,000-lb SUV. The cabin is luxurious, with Merino leather, panoramic glass roof, and BMW's Live Cockpit Professional with a 12.3-inch display. It also gets IIHS Top Safety Pick+ ratings.

Pros:

• 516 lb-ft torque — best for towing
• 7,200 lb towing capacity
• Luxurious interior with premium materials
• Excellent safety scores

Cons:

• Very high price at $70,000
• Fuel economy is lower than smaller diesels

8. Mercedes-Benz GLE 350d

Mercedes-Benz GLE 350d

Starting MSRP: $65,000 | Best for: Luxury SUV buyers who want a quiet diesel

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350d is the quietest diesel SUV on the market. Its 3.0-liter inline-six turbo-diesel makes 286 hp and 479 lb-ft, and with the 9-speed automatic and 4MATIC all-wheel drive, it achieves EPA-estimated 33 mpg highway. The cabin is a sanctuary of silence, with acoustic glass, leather upholstery, and MBUX infotainment with a 12.3-inch screen. It also offers E-Active Body Control suspension for a magic-carpet ride.

Pros:

• Quietest diesel SUV cabin
• Excellent ride comfort with air suspension
• Strong torque for confident passing
• Premium interior with high-quality materials

Cons:

• High price at $65,000
• Complex electronics can be finicky

9. Ford F-150 Power Stroke

Ford F-150 Power Stroke

Starting MSRP: $55,000 | Best for: Truck buyers who want diesel fuel economy with towing

The 2027 Ford F-150 Power Stroke is the best diesel pickup for daily driving. Its 3.0-liter V6 turbo-diesel produces 250 hp and 440 lb-ft, and with a 10-speed automatic, it achieves EPA-estimated 30 mpg highway — remarkable for a full-size truck. It can tow up to 11,700 lb and carry 2,200 lb in the bed. The cabin is spacious, with Ford's SYNC 4 system, leather seats, and Pro Power Onboard generator. It also gets IIHS Top Safety Pick ratings.

Pros:

• 30 mpg highway — best in class for full-size trucks
• 11,700 lb towing capacity
• Spacious cabin with excellent tech
• Pro Power Onboard generator for worksites

Cons:

• High price for a diesel option
• Fuel economy drops significantly when towing

10. Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

Starting MSRP: $52,000 | Best for: Truck buyers who want the smoothest diesel ride

The 2027 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is the most comfortable diesel truck on the market. Its 3.0-liter V6 turbo-diesel makes 260 hp and 480 lb-ft, and with an 8-speed automatic, it achieves EPA-estimated 29 mpg highway. It can tow up to 12,560 lb and offers the class-exclusive RamBox cargo management system. The cabin is luxurious, with leather seats, 12-inch vertical touchscreen, and air suspension that delivers a car-like ride. It also gets IIHS Top Safety Pick ratings.

Pros:

• 480 lb-ft torque — best in class for half-ton trucks
• 12,560 lb towing capacity
• Most comfortable ride with air suspension
• Luxurious interior with 12-inch screen

Cons:

• High price for a diesel option
• Fuel economy is slightly lower than Ford's diesel

FAQ

What is the best diesel car for fuel economy in 2027? The Volkswagen Jetta TDI leads with 40 mpg highway, followed closely by the Chevrolet Cruze Diesel at 39 mpg highway.

Are diesel cars still available in the US in 2027? Yes, but the market has shrunk significantly. Most diesel cars are now luxury sedans, SUVs, or trucks from German and American manufacturers, with 50-state emissions compliance becoming standard.

What is the best value diesel car in 2027? The Mazda CX-5 Diesel at $35,000 offers the best blend of fuel economy, practicality, and premium features for the price.

How long do diesel engines last compared to gasoline? Diesel engines typically last 200,000 to 300,000 miles or more with proper maintenance, compared to 150,000 to 200,000 miles for gas engines, due to their stronger construction and lower RPM operation.

Do diesel cars require special maintenance? Yes, diesel cars need fuel filter changes every 20,000-30,000 miles, DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) top-offs every 5,000-10,000 miles, and oil changes with diesel-specific oil every 5,000-10,000 miles.

Are diesel cars better for the environment than gasoline? Diesel cars emit less CO2 per mile (about 15-20% less) but produce more NOx and particulate matter. Modern SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) systems and DPF (Diesel Particulate Filters) have significantly reduced emissions, making them cleaner than ever.

Sources

• Car and Driver — Diesel car reviews and fuel economy tests
• MotorTrend — Diesel vehicle comparisons and towing tests
• Edmunds — Pricing and ownership cost data
• Kelley Blue Book (KBB) — Resale value and reliability ratings
• U.S. News & World Report — Vehicle rankings and safety scores
• EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) — Official fuel economy ratings
• IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) — Crash test ratings
• J.D. Power — Vehicle dependability and quality studies

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