Size/Market Segment: With the advent of clean-diesel technology, diesel-powered vehicles are now available in all 50 states from numerous manufacturers. Diesel passenger cars and SUVs are offered by Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, while diesel pickup trucks are available from Chevrolet/GMC, Ford and Dodge.
Price: Because of the extra technology that goes into making diesels perform well on the road and comply with emissions standards, they are generally more expensive than rival gasoline engines.
Engine/Fuel Economy: In the past, diesel engines were written off as noisy and smelly, but technological advances over the last decade have eliminated these drawbacks (though you still shouldn't expect whisper-quiet operation in a big diesel pickup). Fuel economy is stellar relative to gasoline-powered engines, yielding serious driving range between fill-ups. Grunt is also impressive: always paired with a turbocharger, modern diesels provide unmatched torque at low rpm, which makes them an excellent choice for towing and hauling. The extra torque offsets diesel engines' typically lower horsepower numbers, a consequence of their limited maximum engine speeds due to higher operating temperatures and heavier parts.
Safety: All the safety features available in regular gasoline cars, such as antilock brakes, stability control and side airbags, are likewise available in diesel vehicles.
Luxury Features/Convenience: Today's diesel-powered models can be outfitted every bit as opulently as their gasoline-drinking counterparts. As all 2010 diesel passenger cars and SUVs are of German origin, they tend to have a premium feel inside, with lengthy lists of optional luxuries. The American diesel pickups generally receive the same standard and optional features as gas versions.
Passenger Capacity/Interior Space: Interior space varies depending on the model you select. Among passenger cars and SUVs, rear-seat room is a bit tight in the Audi A3 hatchback, BMW 335d and Volkswagen Jetta, but ample in all other models. Families needing an extra row of seats will find the seven-passenger Mercedes-Benz GL350 SUV sufficiently spacious in all three rows. Heavy-duty pickups can seat anywhere from three to six people, depending on whether you choose a regular-, extended- or crew-cab model.
Luggage Capacity: The 335d has the least trunk capacity at 12 cubic feet, but that should still be enough for the average sedan shopper. The Jetta SportWagen boasts an impressive 66.9 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded. The midsize diesel SUVs offer around 70 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, while the larger GL-Class tops out at 83 cubic feet. Heavy-duty pickup buyers should assess how much cargo space (both open and enclosed) they require when choosing a cab and bed configuration. Those planning to hook up a fifth-wheel trailer will almost certainly need the long-bed option.
Manual vs. Automatic Transmission: Diesel transmission options consist of conventional manuals, conventional automatics and — in the Jetta and A3 — a dual-clutch automated manual that functions like an automatic. The majority of drivers will prefer the ease of an automatic or automated manual, and there are no notable fuel-economy penalties; in fact, some automatics are now more fuel-efficient than manuals. Note, however, that manual-transmission diesel cars are relatively low-stress propositions due to their ample torque at low engine speeds, which can reduce shifting frequency in stop-and-go traffic. Also, it's much cheaper to replace a clutch than an entire automatic transmission.
Operating Costs: The main attraction of diesels, at least in light-duty vehicles, is that they reduce fuel costs through increased efficiency. In the U.S., however, the cost of diesel fuel has fluctuated widely in recent years, exceeding the cost of even premium gasoline at times. For consumers who choose to fill up with biodiesel, fuel costs will be even higher. In the long run, though, most diesel owners will enjoy a savings over comparable gasoline models and even some gas-electric hybrids. Another potential consideration for very high-mileage drivers is that diesel engines historically have a longer service life than gasoline motors due to their simpler design and more robust construction.
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