Diesel SUVs are making a comeback after having lurked in the background as niche options for many years. Although it's still largely a Euro-only cast of characters, the number of diverse diesel SUV options has grown to the point where buyers can expect to find a turbodiesel model in almost every segment of the premium market. A few less-pricey diesel machines are now also on offer, rounding out group of vehicles that leverage high torque and respectable fuel consumption as their most appealing qualities.

Let's take a look at nine of the best diesel SUVs currently available in the United States. The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel is a fairly recent addition to the off-road marque's lineup. The turbodiesel version of the Land Rover Range Rover is all new for the 2016 model year.

This large luxury SUV is well known for its off-road capabilities, and the torquey diesel model is a valuable addition to the lineup. The 3.0-liter V-6 produces 254 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, and is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination provides strong performance whether on pavement or on any type of terrain.

The Range Rover also includes full-time four-wheel drive. All new for this year, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE300d brings diesel power to the luxury brand's latest midsize crossover. The Mercedes-Benz GLE300d makes the vehicle's 4MATIC all-wheel drive a standard feature, and a seven-speed automatic transmission is also included free of charge.

The SUV's 2.1-liter, turbodiesel four-cylinder engine provides a respectable 201 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, and fuel economy is estimated at a combined 24 mpg. The engine is boosted by two different turbos, which helps eliminate the turbo lag that could otherwise make this hefty crossover feel a bit sluggish.

The 2016 BMW X5 xDrive35d is a diesel-powered version of the SUV known for its handling prowess, and this characteristic is not sacrificed in the search for more miles per gallon. Trading off-road capability for on-road heroics is a familiar theme for BMW, and it is one that is complemented by the BMW X5 xDrive35d's 255 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque.

These numbers are derived from a twin-turbo 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine that is matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard with the diesel X5, and fuel economy shows as 24 mpg around town and 31 mpg on the highway. The compact GLC-Class is a new addition to the Mercedes-Benz lineup for the 2016 model year, designed to replace the outgoing GLK-Class.

Upon release, the GLC-Class was available with only one gasoline engine, but the turbodiesel GLC250d is expected later this model year. Rumor has it the GLC250d will be equipped with the same engine as the aforementioned GLE300d, a 2.1-liter twin-turbodiesel four-cylinder that makes 201 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The turbodiesel option will make a fine addition to Mercedes’ GLC-Class lineup, elevating the small and stylish SUV with a little bit of extra efficiency. The 2016 BMW X3 is a popular compact luxury SUV that’s found mainstream success thanks to its powerful engine lineup and sporty demeanor.

Buyers of the X3 have the option of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel powertrain, which equips the X3 with 180 horsepower and a beefy 280 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission comes standard, and a sport transmission with paddle shifters is available as an option. The turbodiesel X3 provides an engaging driving experience, enabling the vehicle to cruise easily and comfortably at highway speeds. All-wheel drive is included with the 2016 BMW xDrive28d.

It’s a bit smaller than the full-size Range Rover that we’ve already discussed, but the 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport possesses the same potent V-6 turbodiesel, serving up the same torque-heavy 254 horsepower in a more compact package. While the turbodiesel Range Rover Sport shines on smooth roads, it’s especially happy when venturing to more exciting destinations.