Diesel SUVs are a better bet if you're after fuel economy, low speed and high torque (such as off-road and towing needs) and don't mind slightly higher maintenance costs and noise. Petrol SUVs are better if you prefer a quieter driving environment, mainly for city commutes, or focus on high-speed power response. Here's a comparison from the core dimensions:
Fuel economy: Diesel SUVs are more fuel-efficient and cheaper to use in the long run.
Diesel cars: diesel engines are about 15% more heat efficient than gasoline and use 20% -30% percent less fuel at the same volume. the Haval H9 diesel version, for example, has a combined fuel consumption of about about 8L/100km, while the gasoline version has a combined fuel consumption of about 10L/100km. Diesel versions can save about 3,000 yuan a year in fuel costs if they travel 20,000 kilometers a year.
Gasoline SUVs: Fuel consumption is relatively high, but technological advances such as turbocharging and hybrids have significantly narrowed the gap. Rongfang hybrid version, for example, has a combined fuel consumption of only 5.1L/100km, close to diesel vehicles levels.
Power performance: diesel fuel torque is small, gasoline high-speed stability;
Diesel SUV: Maximum torque output at low speeds (1500-2,500 rpm) for off-road, climbing and towing scenarios. For example, SAIC Maxus Territory diesel version has 500Nm of torque and more towing capacity.
Gasoline SUV: Speedway power output is more linear, acceleration response and ideal for city overtaking or high-speed cruising. The Honda CR-V gasoline version, for example, is more relaxed when accelerating at 80-120km/h.
Noise and comfort: petrol SUVs are quieter
Diesel cars: Engine noise and vibration are high, especially when starting cold or speeding up. However, modern technologies (such as sound insulation and dual-mass flywheels) have been significantly improved, such as the Nissan Terra, which has an in-car noise limit of 65 decibels.
Gasoline SUV: Smoother engine, lower noise, ideal for family trips or long drives. Toyota gasoline version of the hananda, for example, has only about 60 decibels of noise.
Price and maintenance costs: Diesel starts low but costs slightly more for long-term maintenance
Diesel cars: Diesel cars are typically 5%-10% cheaper to buy than gasoline version, but diesel engine have higher oil and gas requirements and can increase maintenance costs by 10%-20%. The diesel version, for example, requires low-ash oil, which costs about $800 to repair per unit, and gasoline version, which costs about $600.
Petrol cars: Petrol cars are slightly more expensive to buy but have lower maintenance costs and more repair outlets. the Toyota RAV4 gasoline version, for example, costs about $500 for a small upkeep, while the diesel version costs about $700.
Environmental performance: Cleaner diesel emissions (with modern technology)
Diesel SUVs: nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions are close to gasoline vehicles levels using particulate filter and selective catalytic reduction. For example, Euro VI standard diesel vehicles have 90% lower particulate matter emissions than gasoline vehicles.
Gasoline SUVs: Carbon emissions slightly lower, but nitrogen oxide emissions are higher. Hybrid gasoline vehicles can further reduce emissions, such as the Toyota RAV4 hybrid version, which has combined emissions 15% lower than diesel version.
Applicable scenarios: Select as needed.
Diesel cars: Suitable for long-distance driving, off-road, towing heavy objects or frequent on-off stops (such as urban congestion). The diesel version of the Ford Ford, for example, is more stable in extreme road conditions such as deserts and muddy roads.
Petrol SUV: Suitable for city commuting, high-speed cruising or noise-sensitive users. the Honda UR-V gasoline version, for example, has faster power response at high speeds and quieter interiors.
