7 seats, AWD, 50 MPG

[ColonelPanic]

Well, I suppose I can't knock this SUV for its crappy fuel economy. 50 MPG and 1,000 miles on a tank of diesel in this Santa Fe. It's a four banger but after doing the conversions, it appears to have almost 148 HP and 247 pounds of torque which comes into play between 1800-2500 RPM from what I've read. Although it doesn't have many ponies for its size, that crapload of torque should move it well.Anyway, this is a good example of how driving style can affect your mileage. http://www.autoblog.com/2006/1...iesel/ ... 439.htmToo bad Americans are so dead set against diesel. We'll never get to see something like this over here, nope... Everybody says screw fuel economy, let's all go buy gas powered ones that get a fraction of the mileage!

[ragingfish]

Americans aren't really "against" diesel.It's hard to be against something you really can't get your hands on.The biggest obstacle to diesels stateside are the manufacturer's abilities to build affordable diesels that meet the federal standards for emissions. Mercedes' Blutec, among others, are a true "revolution?" in diesel technology, and I think it's a sign that we can expect to see more soon...

[ColonelPanic]

Yeah, I didn't think about the emissions... I was thinking about the people who will never want a diesel thanks to the pieces of crap GM put out there a couple decades ago and ruined it for everybody.

[GMJAP]

Yeah, emissions with diesels is a problem right now, though many companies are putting a lot of effort into overcoming that. Current diesels get better mileage, but that's mostly a financial consideration as they still are less environmentally friendly.

[Emerica13]

While emissions are part of the problem, many American are in the mindset that diesel engines are loud, grumbling engines that puff out huge cloud of black smoke (i.e. semi trucks) and no one WANTS to drive something like that every day. BMW and Volkswagen, among others already have diesel engines that meet the extremely stringent U.S. emissions standards but the popularity of them is so low right now they might as well be non-existent. Anyone read Car and Driver? I think it was them who did an article comparing a BMW 325i to a GDM 325d and if I'm not mistaken the diesel came out on top. The tested car also happens to be in the possession of my friend's dad who works for honeywell and before I get TOO far off topic I'll just say that a fair few companies have developed emissions-compliant diesel engines at very affordable pricing that get incredible mileage, it's just that the majority of Americans are uneducated about the benefits of diesel engines and they think that if they buy a diesel they're going to sound like a semi.

[CAN-AWD-VIBE]

i think the diesel lineups at my work (dodge/jeep dealer) are pretty good. The engines are quiet as long as you dont put exhaust on them, louder then gas but still not like the mid 80's benz's that were quiet then but very loud in comparison. They have done great thing with the engine and its design to make huge torque and unbelievably still pass emissions testing in most places. Thats a huge leap forward.In making these advances leads me to this.There is only one major reason I will never buy a diesel in North America. Our diesel fuel is crap. I live in Alberta... we make this stuff. It sucks here and can't be much better anywhere else. The injector problems in Ford and GM in large part due to poor fuel. The lift pump problems in Dodges as well as a lot of the running issues with the Sprinters is because of crap diesel. You basically have to buy fuel conditioner ever tank or two, and get a diesel injection service every 15- 20k kms to keep them happy now.I like the theory of the super high mileage with the awsome power of diesel... I just can't make my own and cant afford the maintenance associated with taking care of them.So less mileage but less money when you see me

[AKLGT]

diesel vehicles are big up here. but not sure on what the hybrid highlander spits out for fuel economy, it's not 50 mpg, but like 30 mpg with 268 hp/tq. NOT BAD but the price is or i'd have been tempted to get one.

[ColonelPanic]

Hmm, interesting... http://www.spyfhotos.autoblog....-here/Maybe we'll see a diesel after all... Something like this would kick the crap out of a hybrid SUV - a hell of a lot cheaper price of admission, less complexity and much cheaper maintenance costs, and probably still would have better fuel economy with the diesel. I say bring 'em on over, Hyundai.

[WaveAction]

the new VW jetta tdi's are very nice and get over 1000 km's per tank..we're lucky every gas station here has diesel