Best Diesel Engines

3.0L NA Diesel I6

300D, E 300D

Legendary. 500k+ miles documented. Tunable to 500hp. One of most reliable engines ever.

1.9L TDI I4

Golf, Ibiza, Felicia, Polo, A4, Octavia, Leon, Toledo, A3, Arosa, Fabia, Cordoba, Alhambra, Passat, Superb, A6, Transporter, Altea, Touran, Roomster

Legendary diesel. 500k+ miles documented. Simple, efficient, nearly unkillable. Belt-driven.

1.9L TDI I4

Golf 1.9 TDI, Polo 1.9 TDI

The legendary ALH. 500k+ miles documented. Simple mechanical injection. Nearly unkillable. Belt-driv...

3.2L CDI Diesel I6

E-Class, C-Class, S-Class, E 320 CDI

Modern OM606 successor. Excellent highway cruiser. Strong torque.

2.0L Diesel I4

B-Class, A-Class, GLA, C-Class, GLC, E-Class, GLE, CLA, S-Class, G-Class, C 220d Wagon, E 220d Wagon, GLC 220d Coupe

Best modern MB diesel. Aluminium block, low friction. Long-distance champion.

2.8L Turbo Diesel I4

Land Cruiser, Hilux, Avensis 2.0 D-4D, HiLux 2.8 D-4D, Land Cruiser 3.0 D-4D

Hilux/Land Cruiser Prado diesel. Replaced 1KD. 25% more torque, 15% less fuel. Workhorse.

3.0L Turbo Diesel I6

5 Series, X5, 3 Series, 7 Series

Legendary diesel six. Powered E46 330d to E90 335d. Smooth, torquey, reliable. Swirl flaps and turbo...

1.5L Diesel I4

Kangoo, Modus, Note, Megane, Scenic, Townstar, Clio, Logan, Duster, Captur, NV200, Logan MCV, Talisman, Dokker, Fluence, Micra, Lodgy, Qashqai, Twingo, Sandero, Kadjar, Latitude, Pulsar, Laguna, Juke, Jimny, Trafic, Espace, Koleos, X-Trail

One of Europes most common diesels. Simple, efficient, proven. Turbo can wear. DPF care needed.

2.4L Turbo Diesel I4

Hilux, HiLux 2.4 D-4D, RAV4 2.0 D-4D

Hilux/Fortuner/Innova diesel. Smaller sibling of 1GD. Excellent reliability in commercial use.

3.0L Diesel I6

E 400d, GLE 350d, S 350d

Flagship modern MB diesel. Inline-6 smoothness returns. MHEV. GLE/GLS/S-Class. Excellent highway. Ea...

3.0L V6 Diesel

E-Class, S-Class, GLE, C-Class, CLK, G-Class, ML 350 CDI

Legendary V6 diesel. 250k+ km. Fix swirl flaps and enjoy.

2.4L Turbo Diesel I5

V70, S60, S80, XC90, V60, XC60, V50, S40

Iconic Volvo 5-cyl diesel. XC60/V70/S80. Strong torque. Injector issues at 150k+. Good with care.

2.0L Turbo Diesel I4

1 Series, X1, 3 Series, 2 Series, X3, X4, 5 Series, 4 Series, 2 Series Active Tourer, X5, X2, X6, 7 Series, X7, 8 Series, 320d, 320d GT, 320d Touring, 420d Gran Coupe

Torque monster, sips fuel. Fixed N47 flaws. Chain front-mounted. Avoid city-only.

3.0L Quad-Turbo Diesel I6

530d, X5 30d

B47 big brother. Inline-6 diesel smoothness. Single to quad-turbo variants. Excellent highway torque...

3.0L V6 Diesel

A4, Touareg, A8, A6, Q7, A5, Q5, A7, Q7 3.0 TDI

Torque monster. Amazing highway economy. BiTDI = 313hp. Avoid city-only.

1.6L Diesel I4

Getz, i20, Rio, Picanto, i30, Ceed, Sportage, Santa Fe, Tucson, Cerato, Venga, Soul, XCeed, Stonic, Kona 1.6 CRDi, Sportage 1.6 CRDi, Tucson 1.6 CRDi

Proven diesel. 300k+ km possible. EGR/DPF need highway use. Good for commuters.

2.4L Turbo Diesel I5

V60 D4

Iconic Volvo five-cylinder diesel. XC60/V70/S80. Strong torque. Injector issues at 150k+. Proven.

2.0/2.2L D-4D Diesel I4

Avensis, Corolla/Auris, RAV4, Corolla, Mini, Cooper, Yaris, IS

Avensis/RAV4/Corolla diesel. Reliable with DPF care. Injector issues at very high mileage only.

2.0L Diesel I4

607, 406, 307, 308, Expert, 5008, 407, 3008, 508, RCZ, ProAce, C5 Aircross, C4, DS7, Partner, 206, 306, Boxer, C5 Aircross 2.0 BlueHDi, DS7 Crossback 2.0 BlueHDi

508/3008/5008 workhorse. Strong torque. Reliable highway engine. DPF needs care.

1.5L Diesel I4

Almera, Primera

Same Renault K9K diesel. Qashqai/Juke. Proven but turbo can wear. DPF care.

2.0L CR Diesel I4

Transporter, Exeo, A4, Q5, A5, Tiguan, A3, Golf, Yeti, Passat, Octavia, Superb, Alhambra, Q3, Caddy, Ibiza, A6, Leon, Q7, TT, Ateca, Touran, Karoq, T-Roc, Arteon, Tarraco, Kodiaq, Macan

Common rail successor. Smoother, more refined. Dieselgate affected EA189 but engine is reliable. EA2...

2.2L Turbo Diesel I4

6, 3, CX-7, 626, 5, CX-30, CX-3, CX-5, 2, CX-60 3.3 Skyactiv-D, Mazda3 2.2 Skyactiv-D, Mazda6 2.2 Skyactiv-D, Mazda6 Wagon 2.2 Skyactiv-D

Low compression diesel (14:1). No DPF issues at lower compression. Good highway. Carbon buildup poss...

1.7 SDI (AKU)

Arosa

Arosa/Lupo. Indirect injection diesel — no turbo, no common rail, no DPF. Extremely simple. Unbreaka...

1KD-FTV 3.0 D-4D

Land Cruiser/Hilux. Legendary diesel. Injector failure on early units (2000-2004). Head gasket conce...

3.0L Turbo Diesel I6

6 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, X3, 3 Series, X5, 7 Series

M57 successor. Single to tri-turbo variants. N57S/N57D30T1 = 381hp. Excellent cruiser. Turbo and EGR...

1.5L Diesel I4

Captur 1.5 dCi, Clio 1.5 dCi, Dokker 1.5 dCi, Duster 1.5 dCi, Kadjar 1.5 dCi, Lodgy 1.5 dCi, Logan 1.5 dCi, Megane 1.5 dCi, Sandero 1.5 dCi, Scenic 1.5 dCi, Talisman 1.5 dCi

Revised K9K. Improved turbo and injectors. Still Europes most common small diesel. Proven long-dista...

2.0L Diesel I4

V40 D2, V60 D4

VEA-platform diesel. XC40/XC60/V60. DPF care needed. Smooth highway cruiser. Good economy.

2.0L TDI (clean diesel)

Ibiza, Polo, Fabia, Rapid, Ateca 2.0 TDI, Caddy 2.0 TDI, Golf 2.0 TDI, Karoq 2.0 TDI, Kodiaq 2.0 TDI, Leon 2.0 TDI, Octavia 2.0 TDI, Octavia Combi 2.0 TDI, Passat 2.0 TDI, Passat Variant 2.0 TDI, Sharan 2.0 TDI, Superb 2.0 TDI, T-Roc 2.0 TDI, Tiguan 2.0 TDI, Touareg 3.0 TDI, Touran 2.0 TDI

Post-Dieselgate clean diesel. AdBlue SCR. Reliable if DPF maintained. Strong highway cruiser.

1.6L Diesel I4

Ibiza, Roomster, Fabia, Caddy, Altea, Leon, Superb, Octavia, Passat, Golf, Rapid, Yeti, Toledo, Polo, A3, Scala, Ateca, Arona, Tiguan, Touran, Kodiaq, Karoq, T-Roc

Efficient commuter diesel. DPF-equipped. Good for mixed driving. Avoid short trips only.

2.0L Diesel I4

Zafira Tourer, Astra, Insignia, Grandland, Vectra, Zafira

Insignia/Zafira. Strong torque. Reliable for GM diesel. DMF wear. Good highway.

2.0L Diesel I4

S60, V40, C30, V50, S40, S40/V40, XC40, V60, S80, S90, V90, XC90, XC60, Sorento, V70

Same VEA platform as T5. Good diesel. DPF care needed. Smooth highway cruiser.

F33A 3.3 V6 Diesel

Land Cruiser

Land Cruiser 300. New V6 diesel replacing legendary 1VD V8. DPF/SCR. Too new for long-term data. Toy...

B37 1.5 Diesel I3

3-cylinder modular diesel. Shared architecture with B47/B57. Quiet for a 3-cyl. Limited production s...

1.3L Diesel I4

Grande Punto / Punto Evo, Musa, 500, Doblo, Ypsilon, 500L, Panda, Astra, Corsa, Panda 1.3 MultiJet

Punto/500/Doblo diesel. Small but torquey. Used across Fiat/Opel/Suzuki. Swirl flap issues.

1.3L Diesel I4

500L, Tipo, 500X, Doblo 1.3 MultiJet, MiTo 1.3 JTDm, Punto 1.3 MultiJet, Ypsilon 1.3 MultiJet

Tiny diesel workhorse. Found in 500, Punto, Doblo, even Suzuki/Opel. Swirl flap issues. Cheap to run...

1.5L Diesel I4

2008 1.6 BlueHDi, 3008 1.5 BlueHDi, 308 1.6 BlueHDi, Berlingo 1.5 BlueHDi, C5 Aircross 1.5 BlueHDi, DS7 Crossback 1.5 BlueHDi, Grandland 1.5 BlueHDi

Replaced 1.6 HDi. 308/3008/C4/Corsa diesel. Camshaft chain improved on later production. Good commut...

2.0L TDI CR

A1 1.6 TDI, A3 1.6 TDI, A3 2.0 TDI, A3 Sedan 2.0 TDI, A4 2.0 TDI, A4 Avant 2.0 TDI, A5 2.0 TDI, A6 2.0 TDI, A6 Avant 2.0 TDI, Q3 2.0 TDI

Post-Dieselgate clean diesel. Common rail, refined, efficient. Strong highway cruiser. DPF care need...

1.6L Diesel I4

Ceed 1.4 T-GDI, Ceed 1.5 T-GDI, ProCeed 1.5 T-GDI, Sportage 1.6 T-GDI, Tucson 1.6 T-GDI, Xceed 1.5 T-GDI, i30 1.4 T-GDI, i30 1.5 T-GDI

Updated CRDi diesel with improved emissions. Tucson/Sportage. Reliable with standard diesel maintena...

2.0L Diesel I4

Focus, Mondeo, Kuga, Ranger, S-Max, Galaxy, Galaxy 2.0 TDCi, Kuga 2.0 TDCi, Mondeo 2.0 TDCi

PSA-sourced diesel. Mondeo/Focus/Kuga. Dual-mass flywheel wear. DPF care. Solid highway engine.

1.6L Diesel I4

Corsa, Astra, Zafira, Mokka, Zafira Tourer, Insignia, Grandland, Grandland X 1.6 CDTi

Astra K/Insignia B. Good diesel. DPF care needed. Fuel pump concerns at high mileage.

1.7 Diesel old (X17DTL/Y17DT)

Astra

Corsa B/C, Combo. Isuzu-derived diesel. Simple, indirect injection (early) or common rail (Y17DT). N...

2.0L Diesel I4

Santa Fe 2.0 CRDi, Sorento 2.0 CRDi

Tucson/Sportage/Santa Fe diesel. Strong torque. DPF and injector care needed. Good highway engine.

2.0L PD Diesel I4

Toledo, Altea, Leon, Touran, Octavia, Golf, A3, Passat, A4, A6, Alhambra

Pump-Düse system. Strong but injector-hungry. DPF issues if city-only. Good highway engine.

OM608 1.5 Diesel

A-Class, B-Class

W177 A-Class, W247 B-Class. Renault K9K sourced and rebadged. Same proven diesel. DPF standard. Timi...

2.2 JTDm (Giulia/Stelvio)

Giulia/Stelvio diesel. All-aluminium. Modern diesel tech. DPF/SCR. Too new for complete long-term da...

YS23 2.3 dCi

Navara

Navara D23. Renault M9T co-developed. Twin-turbo option. Timing chain. Improved over YD25. DPF/SCR s...

1.5 BlueHDi 4-cyl

106

308/3008/C4/Berlingo. Replaced DV6. AdBlue/SCR system. DPF standard. Improved over DV6 but still die...

1.7L Diesel I4

Sportage, i40, Tucson, Carens, Optima, Optima/K5, Pro Ceed, Rio, Ceed, XCeed, i20, Stonic, Seltos, Kona, Santa Fe, Sorento, Carnival, Stinger

Tucson/Sportage diesel. Adequate performance. Dual-mass flywheel can wear. DPF city issues.

1.6L Diesel I4

Liana, C3, 208, 2008, 107, C1, Bipper, 206, 307, 207, 308, C4 Cactus, 3008, 5008, DS3, C4, Partner, 508, Expert, 407

Millions sold. Reliable if serviced. DPF/EGR issues on city-only use. Ford partnership engine.

1.6L Diesel I4

Musa, Grande Punto / Punto Evo, Delta, Bravo, 500L, Doblo, Tipo, Wrangler, Focus, Giulia 2.2 JTDm, Stelvio 2.2 JTDm

Tipo/500X diesel. Decent performance. DMF can wear. DPF city issues. Good highway.

DW8 1.9D (WJZ)

306, 206, Partner

206/Partner/Berlingo/Xsara. Pre-common-rail indirect injection diesel. Simple, slow, economical. No ...

OM611 2.2 CDI I4

W203/W210 C/E 200/220 CDI. Common rail diesel. Injector seal leak ('black death') if neglected. Turb...

M41D17 1.7 Diesel

3 Series

E36 318tds. Pre-common-rail indirect injection. Simple, economical. No swirl flaps, no DPF. Timing b...

N22A 2.2 i-CTDi/i-DTEC

Accord/CR-V/Civic diesel. Honda's only European diesel. Injector issues. DPF concerns in city use. D...

2.1L Diesel I4

A 180d, B 180d, C 200d, C 220d, C 220d Wagon, E 200d, E 220d, GLA 200d, GLC 220d, GLC 250d Coupe

Post-2014: updated injectors + pump. Much improved. Highway excellent.

Z13DT 1.3 DDiS (Fiat MJT)

Swift, Ignis

Swift/Splash/Ignis. Same Fiat 1.3 MultiJet. Timing chain. Swirl flap at high km. Economical small di...

M9T 2.3 dCi

Master

Master, Trafic III. Commercial vehicle workhorse. Common rail. DPF/SCR on newer versions. Timing cha...

1.3 CDTi (B13DTC/B13DTR)

Corsa

Corsa D, Adam. Fiat 1.3 MultiJet sourced (same as fiat_13mjt/psa_13_jtd). Timing chain. Swirl flap a...

1.3 JTD/HDi (F13DTE5)

Bipper

Nemo/Bipper. Fiat 1.3 MultiJet sourced. Same engine as fiat_13mjt. Timing chain. Swirl flap concerns...

1.3 JTDm (Fiat 1.3 MJT)

MiTo

MiTo. Same Fiat 1.3 MultiJet. Timing chain. Swirl flap at high mileage. Economical. Alfa badge adds ...

3.0L Mild-Hybrid Diesel I6

Range Rover Sport 3.0 D300

New inline-6 diesel. MHEV 48V. Defender/Range Rover. Smooth, torquey. Early data cautiously positive...

2.0 EcoBlue 210hp (T8CJ)

Ranger, Mondeo

Mondeo/S-MAX top diesel. PSA DW10 latest evolution. Twin-turbo. DPF/SCR. Most powerful 2.0 diesel va...

1.5 Diesel (F15DT/D15DT)

Astra, Crossland, Corsa, Mokka

Astra L, Mokka B. New-generation PSA-sourced diesel (same family as psa_dv5). DPF/SCR standard. Too ...

1.6L Diesel I4

Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Compass 1.6 MultiJet, Renegade 1.6 MultiJet

Renegade/Compass diesel. Fiat-sourced. Decent. DPF/DMF concerns.

2.0L Diesel I4

159, Brera/Spider, Delta, Giulietta

Giulietta/Giulia/Stelvio diesel. Based on Fiat MultiJet. DMF wear. DPF. Decent highway.

2.0L Diesel I4

Laguna, Espace, Megane, Grand Vitara, Scenic, Trafic, Primera, Clio, Carisma, X-Trail, Koleos, Talisman, Latitude, Qashqai

Laguna/Koleos diesel. Adequate performance. Injector issues at high mileage. DPF.

1.6L Diesel I4

Focus, Fiesta, Mondeo, Focus 1.6 TDCi

PSA-sourced diesel. Fiesta/Focus. Same as Peugeot 1.6 HDi. Turbo/injector issues if neglected.

2.0L Turbo Diesel I4

Freelander 2, Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Discovery, Discovery Sport, XE, F-Pace, Range Rover Velar, XF, E-Pace, Defender, Freelander

Same platform as petrol. Diesel version slightly more reliable. DPF/EGR standard issues.

1.5L Diesel I4

Logan 1.5 dCi

Early K9K. Turbo actuator and injector wear more common. Still decent with care. DPF on later exampl...

F9Q 1.9 dCi/dTi

SX4, Kangoo, Clio

Megane/Scenic/Laguna diesel. Timing belt (interference). Pre-common-rail versions very simple. Commo...

OM612 2.7 CDI I5

E-Class

W210/W211 E270 CDI. 5-cylinder diesel. Smooth, torquey. Injector seal 'black death' concern. Turbo r...

4D68T 2.0 Diesel

Galant

Space Star/Carisma. Old indirect injection diesel. Timing belt. Simple. No common rail complexity. E...

2.0 HDi/BlueHDi

Grand Vitara

406/407/508/3008/C5. Workhorse diesel. Dual-mass flywheel. Injectors on high-mileage units. DPF on p...

1.9 CDTi (Z19DTH)

Stilo, Bravo, Grande Punto / Punto Evo, Vectra, Astra, Zafira

Astra H/Zafira B. Fiat 1.9 JTD-based engine. Dual-mass flywheel. Swirl flap concerns. EGR valve. DPF...

2.3 MultiJet (F1AE/F1AGL)

Ducato

Ducato/Doblo workhorse. Europe's most common large van diesel. Timing chain (good). Injector issues ...

3.2 TDCi I5 (SAFA)

Ranger

Transit/Ranger. Ford I5 diesel. Robust commercial engine. Timing gear driven. Injector issues at hig...

R9N 1.7 Blue dCi

Scenic, Talisman, Megane, Kadjar, Espace, Koleos, X-Trail

Kadjar/Koleos/Scenic. Replaced R9M. Improved DPF regeneration strategy. Twin-dosing SCR. Still diese...

2.3L Diesel I4

L200, Outlander, ASX, Lancer, L200 2.2 Di-D, L200 2.4 Di-D, Outlander 2.2 Di-D

Outlander diesel. DPF + EGR issues. SCR system complexity. Mixed reliability reports.

1.5L Diesel I4

Expert, Partner, Rifter, ProAce City, ProAce, 208, 2008, DS3, 508, C4 Cactus, 308, DS3 Crossback, C5 X, DS4, Berlingo, 5008, C3, C3 Aircross, 3008, DS7, C4, C5 Aircross

Replaced 1.6 HDi. Camshaft chain issues reported on early models. Later production better.

M51 2.5 Diesel I6

3 Series, 5 Series

Pre-common-rail indirect injection diesel. Cast iron tractor engine. Injection pump main failure at ...

G8T 2.2 dT

Laguna

Laguna, Espace. Old indirect injection diesel. Timing belt. Injection pump. Simple and economical. N...

OM613 3.2 CDI I6

W210/W211 E320 CDI. Inline-6 diesel. Same 'black death' injector seal concern as OM611/612. Expensiv...

2.2 TDCi (QJBA/KNBA)

Ranger, Mondeo

Mondeo/Transit/Ranger. Ford-Peugeot DW12-based. Timing chain. Injector issues. DMF. DPF on later mod...

1.6L Diesel I4

Juke 1.5 dCi, Navara 2.3 dCi, Qashqai 1.5 dCi, Qashqai 1.6 dCi, X-Trail 1.6 dCi

Qashqai/Kadjar diesel. Renault R9M. Adequate torque. DPF regeneration issues if city-only. Twin-turb...

1.5L Diesel I4

Fiesta, EcoSport, Galaxy, Mondeo, S-Max, Puma, Focus, Focus 1.5 TDCi

Focus/Fiesta diesel. Replaced 1.6 TDCi. Ford/PSA development. Decent economy. EGR/DPF standard diese...

SkyActiv-D 1.5 (S5-DPTS)

2, 3, CX-3

Mazda 2/3/CX-3 diesel. Mazda's own small diesel — not sourced. High compression ratio (14.8:1). DPF ...

N16A/N16A2 1.6 i-DTEC

Civic, HR-V, CR-V

Civic IX/X, HR-V, CR-V. Honda's Euro diesel. DPF. DMF. EGR. Injector issues on high mileage. Biturbo...