When one thinks of diesel vehicles, their mind tends to conjure up images of large trucks belching black plumes of soot from their exhausts as they speed down the road. But modern technology now affords us a “clean diesel” fuel that contains very little sulfur and emits very few pollutants.
Here are five of the best clean diesel car and truck models that deliver great mileage and low emissions while still providing lots of power and performance.
What is Clean Diesel?
Clean diesel is a type of diesel fuel that has been highly refined to lower emissions. The refining process removes the sulfur and other contaminants to lower emissions of sulfur dioxide and particulate matter.
Clean diesel engines also use special components like exhaust filters to reduce nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and other pollutants from the diesel exhaust. If low-sulfur fuel is used together with modern emissions controls, diesel vehicles can meet the world’s toughest standards.
While not eliminating all emissions, the diesel technologies have really made the exhaust much cleaner than it used to be. Some studies still find a health impact from the emissions of nitrogen dioxide and tiny particulate matter from diesel.
But clean diesel really does produce many times fewer emissions than the old-style diesel technology.
Top 5 Clean Diesel Vehicles
Here are five of the best cars and trucks that have diesel engines with advanced emissions controls that run on diesel with little sulfur.
#1. BMW 328D Sedan.
This car has the almighty BMW TwinPower Turbo advanced diesel engine that is made of aluminum and is lightweight. You will get much more torque than you may expect from a standard BMW, using much less fuel.
You can get 45 miles per gallon on the highway with this car.
#2. Chevrolet Colorado ZR2.
If you love your off-road trucks that purr like kittens, you will love the 2017 Colorado ZR2. The Duramax 2.8L Turbo-Diesel Engine gives drivers the clean energy efficiency and power they expect from a rough road truck.
You will only get 30 miles per gallon on the highway. I still think you will find it more suitable for dirt roads and country driving anyway.
#3. Ford F-250 Super Duty.
The dependable, clean diesel engine called the 6.7L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel Engine is in this car. Ford built this baby for drivers like you and me who demand power on demand for hauling around our luggage and such. Power seems pretty standard, but the torque is tremendous.
#4. GMC Canyon.
The beast has the cleanest diesel engine GM has ever produced. The basic 2.8L Duramax Diesel will give drivers about 181 horsepower @ 3,400 RPM, and of course, it can haul that trailer attachment like no one’s business within its limits of hauling 7,700 lbs. or so.
#5. Jaguar F-Pace 20D SUV.
The 4-cylinder Ingenium turbocharged engine of the Jaguar F-Pace takes in clean diesel fuel and scoffs at just about any road you drive it on. The exterior of the car has a nice sporty design.
Cars with clean diesel technologies are not terribly expensive yet; they’re a little more than the average economy car, costing more in the ballpark of $40,000 to $50,000 for a vehicle with a clean diesel-compatible engine.
If you care about the environment and promoting green energy, it will be worth it for you.