The 5 Best Diesel Vehicles Deliver Potent Efficiency

RAM injects its big rig with high-efficiency, long range comfort and great workman's abilities like big towing and hauling capacities. The interior is as luxurious as you'll find, comparable to upscale sedans in terms of comfort and materials. Storage options are plentiful, too. The 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel is robust with 240 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. It even comes with full-length running boards and a tough tonneau cover that cuts down on fuel-robbing drag.

Jeep offers their flagship vehicle in diesel trim, and that's excellent news since it already does so many things so well. It's roomy, luxurious, handsome and can handle trails like a boss in 4x4 guise. The 240 hp EcoDiesel engine gets 21 city / 30 hwy and also comes with remote start, power lift gate, heated front seats, heated steering wheel and 18-in alloy wheels standard.

One of the few wagons left in the world, this one has just about everything you'd want including luxury, sportiness, efficiency and room, the 328d xDrive Sports Wagon is spectacular and versatile. Powered by a 180-hp 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine, the 328d also has a healthy 280 lb-ft of torque, great for low-end grunt. But it also boasts a crazy 45 mpg highway, coming close to Toyota's Prius, even. Looking at it and sitting in it are sheer pleasures, and the 53 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row folded is pretty impressive.

The Colorado is selling like hotcakes, and for good reason. Not only are midsize trucks hot right now, the Colorado gets rave reviews for its capability, drivability and looks. It's almost a full-sizer thanks to the 7,700 lb tow rating. The interior is well thought-out, the steering and handling are better than you'd expect from a truck, and it's also got the rugged looks without appearing like a war-time relic.

A strong case can be made for the Bimmer sedan in diesel trim since you compromise nothing in the way of steering and handling, get impressive acceleration numbers and nail serious range thanks to 38 mpg highway and a big gas tank. Sit inside, and you're awash in luxury; mash the gas, and the 413 lb-ft of torque pushes hard at low rpms and getting you to 60 mph faster than the gas version. It's also a safe car thanks to the available robust accident avoidance technology.