2009 Diesel Buying Guide

Historically, diesel engines have been a technology largely reserved for full-size pickup trucks. This is because the diesel engine is much more adept at delivering low-end torque – a trait that makes it great for towing and hauling. However, the rising consumer interest in fuel-efficient vehicles has helped create demand for diesel engines in smaller vehicles. Technological advancements in diesel engines have also helped them garner some additional support – these aren't the loud, smog-spewing diesels of yesteryear.

Other advantages of a diesel vehicle include higher resale values (on average) and an increased mileage range per tank of gas. If all this sounds good to you, then a smaller diesel vehicle may be a great alternative to a hybrid or subcompact. Whether you're interested in a traditional diesel truck or a light-duty diesel sedan or SUV, continue reading our 2009 Diesel Buying Guide to find out which diesel vehicle best suits your particular needs.

Narrowing Your Options

The number of diesel vehicles available on dealer lots varies depending on the state in which you live. Despite the recent technology advancements in diesel engines, most still lag behind gasoline engines in terms of emissions. As each state has the ability to set its own emissions standards (above the federal regulations), those with more stringent regulations prohibit the sale of some less efficient 2009 light-duty diesel engines. There are 8 states that do so, and they are California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont.

So, if you reside in one of these emission-conscious states, then a few light-duty diesel engines may be unavailable to you. However, all full-size diesel trucks should still be fair game. These larger vehicles aren't held to such strict emissions standards, and thus are universally available for sale in all 50 states. The truck market is a competitive one, meaning that diesel options are fairly similar. Items that may help you decide on one over another include towing capacity, handling, interior comfort, styling and specific convenience features.

Also, it is important to keep in mind that both diesel trucks and smaller diesel vehicles tend to be more expensive than comparative gas-powered alternatives (about $7,000 on average). However, diesel fuel savings can be substantial (up to 35 percent), meaning that the higher upfront cost is often overcome at the pump over the life of the vehicle.

If you are interested in buying a light-duty diesel vehicle (and live in a state that allows you to do so), then your decision is largely based on which vehicle class you are interested in driving. Virtually all vehicle segments now feature at least one diesel option. However, it is important to note that almost all of these vehicles come from luxury automakers. So, unless you're interested in a Volkswagen Jetta TDI, be prepared to drop around $50,000 to step into a 2009 diesel.

2009 Light-Duty Diesel Vehicle Lineup

If you like Mercedes-Benz, you're in luck. The German luxury automaker offers four different vehicles with the option of a diesel engine, making it the go-to manufacturer for light-duty diesel vehicles. Three of these options fit into the SUV category, while one is a standard sedan.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320 BlueTEC boasts a V6 diesel engine that delivers 210-horsepower. Like all 2009 diesel engines, the E320 features turbocharger technology. Like all E-Class models, the diesel E320 delivers premium luxury, sporty handling and a full-size sedan interior. Unlike gasoline models, the diesel E320 is available with rear-wheel drive only. Modified emissions make the diesel sedan available in California (for lease only), but not in any of the other emission-conscious states.

Next in the Mercedes-Benz diesel lineup are two mid-size SUVs. The M-Class ML320 BlueTEC seats up to five passengers, while the larger R-Class R320 BlueTEC accommodates as many as seven passengers. Both models deliver a host of high-tech modern conveniences and decent off-road capabilities. As with all 2009 Mercedes diesel vehicles, both also feature a 210-horsepower V6 engine. Safety features abound as well, including traction control, an antiskid system, 6 airbags and PRE-SAFE technology that tightens seatbelts and adjusts seating to a safer position when an impending collision is sensed. A specialized exhaust treatment system helps make both models available for sale in all 50 states (though periodic dealer maintenance is required).

The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 BlueTEC is a large luxury SUV. Despite the identical V6 diesel engine, the roomier 7-seater offers a higher towing capacity than both mid-size Mercedes diesel SUVs. All-wheel drive, heated front seats and a versatile power-folding 3rd-row seat all come standard. All Mercedes safety features found on the smaller autos remain for the GL320. The specialized exhaust carries over as well, meaning the luxury SUV can be found on dealer lots in all 50 states.

Volkswagen is second in line in terms of diesel notoriety. Their 2009 diesel lineup consists of two vehicles – the Jetta TDI and Touareg 2 TDI. With a base price of $21,990, the VW Jetta diesel is the bargain option in the 2009 diesel lineup. The 140-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine musters an economical 29 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway, making it the most efficient 2009 diesel as well.

Customization options include a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. For additional interior cabin space, a wagon model (dubbed SportWagen) is also available. The Jetta TDI matches the majority of the safety features found on the more expensive Mercedes-Benz E320, but luxury features are understandably less extensive. The diesel Jetta is available for sale in all 50 states.

With a base price of $42,800, the VW Touareg 2 TDI is the least expensive diesel SUV for the year. The 3.0-liter V6 engine belts out 221 horsepower. Off-road capabilities include standard all-wheel drive, low-range gearing and an optional locking rear differential. The Touareg diesel is available in all 50 states.

If you like the performance of the Touareg, but lust for the amenities of a luxury vehicle, take a look at the new Audi Q7 3.0 TDI. This full-size SUV features the same engine as the less-expensive Touareg, but ups the ante with classic Audi styling and high-tech features such as GPS, dashboard navigation screen, keyless ignition and adaptive cruise control. Like the Touareg, the Q7 diesel is available in all 50 states.

Rounding out the diesel SUV lineup for 2009 is the BMW X5 xDrive35d. Like traditional BMW vehicles, this mid-size SUV offers a more performance-oriented design than other luxury alternatives. The 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine offers up 350 horsepower and 425 lb-ft. of torque. An optional 3rd-row of seating allows seating for up to seven. The X5 matches most of the safety features found on the Audi and Mercedes diesel SUVs, and adds hill descent control as a standard feature. A special exhaust-treatment system makes the X5 diesel a 50-state vehicle.

Rounding out the 2009 light-duty diesel lineup is the BMW 3-Series 335d. A direct competitor to the Mercedes-Benz E320 BlueTEC, the 3-Series 335d is a good option for those seeking a little extra power under the hood. The 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine delivers 265 horsepower and comes mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Look for the 3-Series 335d in dealerships throughout the U.S.

2009 Diesel Trucks

Diesel trucks have been the most popular and best-selling diesel vehicles for decades and, despite a renewed interest in smaller diesel options, this isn't expected to change any time soon. Diesel engines are largely available at the ¾-ton, 1-ton truck and 1 ½-ton levels. In general, diesel trucks offer higher low-end torque and towing capacities than gasoline alternatives. Diesel trucks for the 2009 year include upper-tier models of the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra HD, Dodge Ram and Ford Super Duty (F-Series).

The Chevy Silverado diesel and GMC Sierra HD diesel are sister vehicles. Nearly identical, both house a monstrous 6.6-liter turbodiesel Duramax V8 engine that churns at 365-horsepower and 660 lb-ft. of torque. Max hauling for the burly 3500 models is 5,300 lbs. and towing capacity tops out at 16,500 lbs. Interior comfort and a wide variety of available features add to the appeal of these hardy diesel vehicles.

The Ford Super Duty Series consists of the F-250, F350 and F-450. All three models can be equipped with a 6.8-liter turbo diesel engine that outputs 350 horsepower and 650 lb-ft. of torque. Max hauling for the F-450 is 6,000 lbs. and towing capacity is 24,500 lbs. Though perhaps less comfortable than the GM alternatives, the added muscle under the hood continues to win over a good number of heavy-duty truck drivers.

The Dodge Ram Heavy Duty has diesel options at the 2500 and 3500 levels. Both come with a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel inline-6 engine that musters 350 horsepower and 650 lb-ft. of torque. A 6-speed manual or automatic transmission can be matched to this power plant, and max towing for the line is 16,360 lbs. Maximum hauling weight is 3,000 lbs. Overall, the Ram HD delivers similar features and interior comfort as the GM models. So, if you prefer the design of the Dodge (and don't require the added power found in a Ford Super Duty), then the Ram diesel may be the best option for you.