Eight diesel SUVs with an ECO and ZERO label that we recommend avoiding new LEZs

The  diesel engine  is not dead. Not yet, at least. In Europe, diesel still accounted for 16.3% of sales in the third quarter of 2022.  And that's not counting  micro- hybrid diesels (MHEV)  which, like micro-hybrid petrol, count as hybrids.

Thus, diesel engines, emitting less CO2 than gasoline, are still relevant, despite the scandal of the Volkswagen group and its demonization.

It remains ideal for those who travel more than 15,000 km per year, especially on long journeys and who do not want or can often stop from time to time to recharge the battery of an electric car.

In the SUV segment, diesel is even more present than ever. The combination of low consumption and high torque, compared to a gasoline equivalent, makes them ideal for moving the largest SUVs on the market.

There are many brands that offer a diesel SUV with an ECO label in their catalog. Here are our recommendations for the best diesel models with the ECO and ZERO label.

eco-label

Audi Q5 TDI, from 54,260 euros

If  Audi  continues to offer diesel engines in almost all of its thermal model range, it is undoubtedly in the SUV segment where diesel is even more present and more relevant for those who travel more than 15,000 km. per year. Thus, the  Audi Q5  is available in three diesel variants, all with automatic transmission: 35 TDI (163 CV), 40 TDI quattro-ultra (204 CV) and  SQ5 TDI Quattro  (340 CV).

The Audi Q5 has its quality finishes, its roominess, its driving comfort and its  very low consumption  (7 l/100 km on the highway in the 40 TDI) to convince. On the other hand, it is far from being a dynamic model, which its high weight does not help (nearly 1,900 kg in the 40 TDI version), and it has old-generation driving aids, below electric models of the group. And all this with a very Audi price, of course, since it starts at 54,260 euros and ends at 82,410 euros for the SQ5 TDI.

For the price, low consumption (less than 6 l/100 km) and even autonomy (it has a 70-litre tank), the 35 TDI version is the most recommended. The 40 TDI version, more powerful and with all-wheel drive, represents an increase of 4,000 euros.

Alternative:  The  Land Rover Discovery Sport  D165 SE is a possible alternative to the Audi Q5. It is a little smaller (4.60 m), has a 163 HP micro-hybrid engine and has all-wheel drive from the first trim level. 

Part at 55,700 euros, but its finishes are of lower quality than Audi, but it is really spacious (seven seats optional), comfortable, pleasant for long journeys and relatively fuel efficient. It also has an off-road image going for it, justified by its efficient off-road performance. There is also a more powerful version, 200 hp, the D200 from 60,400 euros.

BMW X1 xDrive20d, from 44,900 euros

The  new BMW X1  , in addition to petrol and electric versions, is available as a micro-hybrid diesel. The  BMW X1 xDrive20d  has a 2.0-liter turbo which, in combination with the electric motor, delivers 163 hp. It is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

The third generation of the BMW X1 inherits the same platform, the same engine and the same gearbox as the previous generation, so we could fear that we are facing a simple aesthetic evolution. However, the new BMW X1 appears transformed and progresses in all areas.

Its interior, very modern with a huge  touch pad  , is more refined, more welcoming and more spacious than in the previous generation. At the wheel, it benefits from a more dynamic chassis, very good performance and lower consumption, with an average consumption on the motorway of less than 6 l/100 km.

We can criticize the X1 for not being very communicative for those who like to drive, but its main argument against it is BMW's usual policy of offering minimum standard equipment which requires the use of the various optional packs, which can also drive up the price. easily.

Alternative. The  163 HP Range Rover Evoque  D165 AWD, starting at 51,000 euros, could be one of the alternatives to the BMW X1. However, it is a little smaller (4.37 m), offers much less roominess than the BMW and is also significantly more expensive. He has for him, however, the presence of all-wheel drive. It is a model that puts everything on its design to impose itself.

Hyundai Tucson CRDi MHEV, from 36,725 euros

With a revolutionary design, worthy of a concept car with license plates, the Tucson has a wide range of engines that includes gasoline and diesel engines, with and without MHEV microinhibition, HEV gasoline hybrid and plug-in hybrid PHEV essence. Come on, there is something for all tastes and all budgets.

The ECO-labelled micro-hybrid diesel offer is limited to the  1.6 CRDi with 136 hp  , front-wheel drive and automatic transmission. That may not seem like much power for a car weighing almost 1,800 kg, but thanks to micro-hybridization it moves easily around town and the power is sufficient on the highway.

The Tucson 1.6 CRDI MHEV also has its neat and original design, with a large interior space, complete technology in terms of driving aids and a  fairly contained average consumption  which does not exceed 6.5 l/100 km. And all this wrapped in the  usual good price-equipment ratio  of Hyundai.

Alternative. The  Kia Sportage , first cousin of the Hyundai Tucson, is part of the 33,008 euros. Equipped with the same 136 hp engine, it is an excellent alternative to the Hyundai Tucson. Both models are recommended thanks to their excellent price/equipment ratio, their powerful engines and their practical qualities. The Tucson stands out with its slightly simpler ergonomics than the Kia and with its slightly larger trunk. But in this case, it's really a matter of taste.

Kia XCeed diesel MHEV, from 24,862 euros

The  Kia XCeed  is a compact crossover that is all about design. It's not the model with the most interior space, especially in the rear seats. However, for those who are not looking for space or who have a tighter budget, the XCeed does not have to be ashamed if we compare it, if not for a few details of interior presentation.

This version, equipped with the 1.6 diesel of 136 hp and the 48V micro-hybridization, knows how to be soft, discreet and sufficiently powerful. As standard, it is equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox and can be fitted with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox from the top TECH finish, from 29,662 euros.

Land Rover Defender 110 D250, from 87,250 euros

The new  Land Rover Defender  has become a new icon of premium models. Available in a P400e plug-in hybrid version and even with a petrol V8, the  Defender does not forget its off-road roots  and also offers a diesel version using micro-hybridization which allows it to display the ECO label in Spain.

It has a  3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine  that develops 250 hp and delivers 570 Nm from just 1,250 rpm to 2,250 rpm, in an engine that does not exceed 4,000 rpm. It is mated to an automatic gearbox and  Land Rover's sophisticated four- wheel drive  with reduction gear and central differential lock as standard, with an active locking rear differential as an option.

The Defender offers true off-road capabilities, but also high driving comfort on the road. The diesel is quiet and at the same time shows enough verve (0-100 km/h in 8.3 s) to move a 2.4 ton car.

The interior space is huge, but it's also a 4.76m long car. As for the average consumption, it is a little high, with an average that often revolves around 10 l/100 km. There is also a short version of the three-door Defender 90 D250, from 85,500 euros.

Mercedes GLC 220d, from 60,925 euros

This  new generation  of the  Mercedes GLC  has everything to establish its supremacy in the premium segment. The GLC 220d diesel micro-hybrid is the best ally for those who cover many kilometers a year.

The 197 hp engine provides decent performance and fairly contained fuel consumption of 6 l/100 km. More dynamic than the previous generation, it can be optionally fitted with a directional rear axle and Airmatic air suspension.

The cabin, very spacious (and equipped with a 600-litre trunk), is practically the same as that  of the new C-Class , so the SUV has further digitized its cabin with a huge touch screen in the center of the dashboard. to control everything.

There is also a more powerful 269 CV version, the GLC 300d, which also sports the ECO label, from 68,525 euros.

Alternative  :  Although  Volvo  communicates a lot about its electric models, its range still includes diesel versions, as in the case of the  Volvo XC60  and which represents its best sellers. The  Volvo XC60 B4 Diesel  is a 4.70 m SUV with a 197 hp diesel engine and ECO label from  56,249 euros  .

It has an automatic transmission and is standard front-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive version, Volvo XC60 B4 Diesel AWD, starts at 60,298 euros. The Volvo XC60 has a spacious and welcoming interior, quality finishes, good driving comfort and  low fuel consumption  of around 7 l/100 km.

Mercedes GLE 300d, from 78,533 euros

The  Mercedes GLE 300 d  is the Mercedes SUV par excellence, heir to the historic Mercedesl ML. This rival of the Porsche Cayenne offers a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel  micro-hybrid engine developing 272 hp  which is associated with a 9-speed automatic transmission and the in-house 4Matic all-wheel drive.

It is an imposing 4.93 m long SUV that offers everything expected of a top-of-the-range model from Mercedes: perceived quality, driving comfort, presence, performance (0-100 km/h in 6.8 s), space on board worthy of a limousine and top-notch technological content with some of the best driver assistance systems and the efficient  MBUX voice control system . Of course, between performance and weight, it has an  average consumption of 8 l/100 km  . It also exists in a seven-seater version, from 81,671 euros

Alternative  :  The current generation of the  Audi Q7  (4.92 m long) is no longer popular with the public. Its excessively conservative, not to say bland, design compared to the Mercedes GLE and BMW X5 partly explains why it has fallen into the background. 

However, it is an excellent machine for traveling. Audi offers two  diesel engines with the ECO label , the 230 hp Q7 45 TDI quattro and the 286 hp Q7 50 TDI quattro. They start at 73,200 euros and 80,370 euros respectively. It is a cheaper model than the Mercedes GLE, comfortable, refined and fun to drive.

ZERO label

Mercedes GLC 350 from 4Matic, 77,725 euros

The  4Matic Mercedes GLC 350  is one of the most original models on the market. Along with the well-known qualities of the GLC, such as driving comfort or spaciousness, in this diesel version the  2.0-litre turbodiesel  with 197 HP is combined with a 136 HP electric motor, for a total power of  333 HP , and a  31 - liter battery. .2 kWh .

A priori, a diesel PHEV seems like a funny idea. On paper, this model combines the best of the gasoline and electric car worlds, without the drawbacks of both worlds.

With a  range in 100% electric mode of 128 km  in the WLTP cycle (i.e. around 100 km in real use) it is far superior to that of its rivals, such as the BMW X3 xDrive30e (46 km, in the WLTP cycle) or the Audi Q5 .45 TFSie  (62 km, in WLTP cycle). In addition, as an option, you can equip yourself with a 60 kW charger which allows the use of fast charging stations, such as those of the Ionity network.

To limit fuel consumption on the highway, where PHEVs consume too much, and increase autonomy compared to its rivals, Mercedes has opted for a diesel engine, also associated with a 62-litre tank.

Thus, although consumption is higher than that of a GLC 300 d, since it reaches 8.5 l/100 km due to the overweight of the car (2,415 kg) due to the hybrid system, autonomy in mode thermal is not reduced. What is reduced is the capacity of the boot, which goes from 600 liters to 470 litres.

The star brand also offers this engine in the  4Matic Mercedes GLE 350,  from 89,228 euros.