Diesel is Making a Comeback in the U.S.

When Dieselgate was in full swing, many of us, me included, thought that was the beginning of the end for diesel in the United States, and maybe elsewhere. Being a grown-up means admitting when you’re wrong, and this was a rare occasion when I have been (that’s a joke, before the hate mail starts pouring in). A new report from The Drive highlights several new diesel vehicles coming to America, joining a fair amount that are on sale now.

First, GM is selling the diesel-powered versions of the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox, which boast 32 mpg on the highway. That’s impressive, and apparently is completely within air pollution limits.

Jaguar Land Rover has a whole line of diesel models, including for the F-Pace, Range Rover Velar, Range Rover Sport, Discovery, and Range Rover. Some use a 2.0-liter engine that makes 318 lb.-ft. of torque, while others have a 3.0-liter engine that boasts 443 lb.-ft. of torque, which is pretty damn impressive.

Kia looks to drop a diesel in the Sorento crossover. Jeep will offer the EcoDiesel on the 2019 Wrangler. An oil-burner Ford F-150 is coming. Mazda’s joining the trend with a diesel option for the CX-5, although it won’t say when that will happen. Apparently, BMW plans to make a diesel variant of the X3, which could use the 3.0-liter engine that twists out 457 lb.-ft. of torque for lots of off-the-line fun.

Basically, don’t count diesel out, at least yet. Had Clinton won the White House, I wonder if this trend would be going on today?