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Should You Buy a Diesel Vehicle? Pros, Cons and What You Need To Know

November 2, 2020 by Shannon Entin 4 Comments

With the Chevy Equinox diesel's 577-mile range, you won't be stopping so often for gas.

With the Chevy Equinox diesel’s 577-mile range, you won’t be stopping so often for gas… so stock up on that coffee! Photo: Shannon Entin.

If You Think Diesels Are Loud and Smelly, Think Again!

What do you know about diesel engines? You may dismiss them as something used for trucks. But did you know that more than 50 percent of new cars sold in Europe have diesel engines? Do you wonder why?

There are a lot of advantages to owning a car with a diesel engine. Improving technology has virtually eliminated the smoke and noise that some of us may associate with the diesels of the 80s.

And the fuel emissions cheating scandal that Volkswagen and other manufacturers have faced – and admitted to, been fined for and are atoning for – in recent years has left people with a bad taste for the technology.

But there are still real advantages to owning a diesel, including the outstanding fuel economy and a powerful, durable engine.

They Call it the “Whisper Diesel”

Diesels have come a long way since the 80s. To comply with strict emissions standards, diesel engines are now just as clean and environmentally viable as any regular gas-powered engine.

The new 2018 Chevy Equinox utilizes a 1.6L turbodiesel engine that European journalists have nicknamed “flüster diesel,” or whisper diesel, for its muted noise and vibration qualities. This engine is 65% quieter than the Jaguar F-Pace Diesel, according to General Motors’ Assistant Chief Engineer Mike Siegrist.

GM's Assistant Chief Engineer Mike Siegrist explains the tech side of diesel engines

GM’s Assistant Chief Engineer Mike Siegrist explains the tech side of diesel engines. Photo: Shannon Entin.

With a diesel engine, you get more power. That’s why they are often used in heavy-duty trucks that need to tow heavy loads. Tap the accelerator in a diesel car and you get instant, satisfying response.

Diesel engines are more technologically advanced, more durable, and more powerful than ever before.

Don’t make this mistake: Putting regular gas in a diesel will kill the engine. I found out the hard way.

Whoa – How About That Gas Mileage?

Diesels offer 25 to 30 percent better fuel economy than similar gasoline engines. That’s significant.

While diesel fuel prices have recently creeped higher than regular gas, the fuel economy you get more than makes up for it. Dan Nicholson, Vice President of Global Propulsion Systems for General Motors, says the average customer saves an impressive $7,000 per year driving a diesel vs. a similar gas-powered vehicle.

The popular Toyota Rav4 is revamped into a 33 MPG hybrid.

The 2018 Chevy Equinox turbodiesel boasts 39 MPG!

The 2018 Chevy Equinox turbodiesel boasts 39 MPG! Photo: Shannon Entin.

Pros of Diesel Engines

  • Excellent gas mileage.
  • Longer range. Better fuel economy means you don’t have to hit the gas station as often. The new 2018 Chevy Equinox boasts a 577-mile cruising range.
  • Diesels have no spark plugs or distributors, so they never need ignition tune-ups.
  • Better durability. Diesels often last longer than gasoline engines, providing better value and better resale value.
  • More torque. Translation: Better get-up-and-go. With a diesel, you feel that power when you press the accelerator. And a diesel engine will out-tow gas-powered vehicles while still delivering improved fuel economy.

Cons of Diesel Engines

  • Diesel vehicles are more expensive. Some buyers may feel the fuel-efficiency and durability are not worth the extra cost.
  • Engines are more technologically advanced, so service may cost more if you neglect proper maintenance.
  • Diesel fuel is more expensive and can sometimes be harder to find.

Looking for diesel sedan? Here’s our review of the Chevy Cruze Diesel.

What Kind of Driver Might Want a Diesel Engine?

Drivers looking for better fuel-efficiency could turn to an electric or hybrid vehicle. But these cars come at a cost. They are often smaller. Sometimes they need to be plugged in. They may lack power. A diesel car might be for you if you:

  • Want better fuel-efficiency.
  • Drive long distances and don’t want to stop as often for fuel.
  • Want all the power of a regular gasoline engine.
  • Want to save money, but you still want a full-size vehicle.
  • Don’t want to plug in your car to get better fuel economy.
  • Want better resale value for your car.

Thinking about a hybrid? Here’s our review of the 2017 Nissan Rogue.

About the 2018 Chevy Equinox

I had the chance to take the 2018 Chevy Equinox for a quick test drive. This compact SUV features a modern design, increased cargo space, and the latest connectivity. I enjoyed the power and responsiveness of the diesel engine. I’m especially excited about its 39 MPG fuel efficiency!

The Equinox also offers an expanded roster of available safety features, such as Teen Driver technology, Safety Alert Seat, Surround Vision, Forward Collision Alert with Following Distance Indicator and more.

The 2018 Equinox with the turbodiesel engine starts at $31,435 and is on sale now.

Pros and cons of buying a diesel vehicle.

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Shannon Entin

Shannon Entin

Feeling most at home when on the road, Shannon Entin grew up under the impression that the highest form of family fun was driving aimlessly to get anywhere. Today, Shannon takes her own family on extended driving adventures, crisscrossing America — from the Jersey Shore to the San Francisco Bay, Niagara Falls to Gulf Shores, AL, and beyond — always ready to veer off the interstate to investigate a quirky attraction, TV filming location, or local delicacy. Shannon shares her family's travels and adventures at TheTVTraveler.com
Shannon Entin

@shannonentin

Shannon Entin
Shannon Entin

Shannon Entin

Shannon Entin

Latest posts by Shannon Entin (see all)

  • Should You Buy a Diesel Vehicle? Pros, Cons and What You Need To Know - November 2, 2020
  • How to Prepare for Unexpected Car Sickness - April 18, 2020
  • How to KonMari Your Car and Spark Joy - January 14, 2020

Filed Under: Buying a Car, Diesel, SUV Tagged With: Chevy, Diesel, diesel car, Equinox

Shannon Entin

About Shannon Entin

Feeling most at home when on the road, Shannon Entin grew up under the impression that the highest form of family fun was driving aimlessly to get anywhere. Today, Shannon takes her own family on extended driving adventures, crisscrossing America — from the Jersey Shore to the San Francisco Bay, Niagara Falls to Gulf Shores, AL, and beyond — always ready to veer off the interstate to investigate a quirky attraction, TV filming location, or local delicacy. Shannon shares her family's travels and adventures at TheTVTraveler.com

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Comments

  1. AvatarDeb Pearl says

    March 16, 2018 at 9:46 am

    That is really cool that diesels offer 25 to 30 percent better fuel economy than gasoline engines. I have been thinking about getting a diesel engine, but I didn’t know if I should. I’m glad that I could bet better fuel economy if I did switch.

    Reply
  2. Avatareaston memmott says

    August 1, 2018 at 11:15 am

    I thought it was interesting that you mentioned that a driver might want a diesel fuel engine if want better fuel efficiency. I am looking to buy a new car and I want the best fuel efficiency. I will be sure to consider diesel when I make my choice.

    Reply
    • AvatarRichard Sanders says

      October 22, 2019 at 12:36 pm

      Don’t forget diesel fuel cost more.

      Reply
  3. AvatarRosie Beckett says

    March 31, 2020 at 2:08 pm

    I need to get a second car soon for our family because my son will get his driver’s license soon, and I want him to drive himself to school every day. It is good to know that diesel engine vehicles have so many benefits like the fact that you can drive for long distances without having to stop for fuel as often. This would be a huge benefit for my family because we like long road trips!

    Reply

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