Top 5 diesel SUVs in Australia for long-distance driving

For Australian buyers, long-distance driving places unique demands on a vehicle. Vast highways, remote touring routes, and heavy towing needs mean range, durability, and comfort matter just as much as outright performance. Diesel fuel SUVs continue to hold strong appeal here, thanks to their torque-rich engines, better fuel efficiency under load, and extended range between refuels.

From ladder-frame off-roaders like the Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X to more road-focused options such as the Kia Sorento and Mazda CX-70 D50e, the segment offers a wide spread of capabilities. The GWM Tank 300 adds a more rugged, value-oriented alternative into the mix.

If you’re comparing options for highway touring, towing, or cross-country driving, these 5 diesel fuel SUVs stand out in 2026.

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Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento is the most road-focused SUV in this list, and that plays directly into its strengths for long-distance driving. Compared to ladder-frame rivals like the Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X, it offers a noticeably more refined ride and better cabin insulation, making it less fatiguing over extended highway journeys.

Its 2.2L turbo-diesel fuel engine isn’t as torque-heavy as the Everest, but it’s smoother and more efficient in everyday driving. Against the Mazda CX-70 D50e, the Sorento feels slightly less premium inside, but remains highly competitive on practicality and value.

Where it concedes ground to the GWM Tank 300 and MU-X is off-road durability and towing muscle, but for buyers prioritising comfort, fuel efficiency, and family usability on sealed roads, the Sorento stands out as the easiest SUV here to live with daily.

Isuzu MU-X

The Isuzu MU-X leans heavily into durability and touring range, making it a natural fit for long-distance Australian conditions. Compared to the Kia Sorento, it sacrifices some on-road refinement, but counters with a more robust ladder-frame chassis and proven reliability.

Its 3.0L diesel fuel engine delivers strong low-end torque, which feels more effortless under load than the Sorento or even the Mazda CX-70 D50e. While it doesn’t match the Ford Everest for outright power or interior tech, it often appeals to buyers who prioritise simplicity and long-term dependability.

Against the GWM Tank 300, the MU-X feels more mature and better suited to extended highway touring, particularly in terms of ride comfort and fuel range. It’s not the most luxurious option here, but for buyers planning serious road trips or towing, it remains one of the most dependable choices.

Ford Everest

The Ford Everest sits near the top of this segment as the most well-rounded ladder-frame SUV. Compared to the Isuzu MU-X, it offers more power, better interior technology, and a more composed ride on highways, making it a stronger all-rounder for long-distance travel.

Its V6 turbo-diesel fuel option delivers significantly more torque than the Kia Sorento or Mazda CX-70 D50e, which becomes particularly valuable when towing or overtaking on open roads. While the GWM Tank 300 matches it for off-road intent, the Everest feels more polished and spacious, especially for families.

The trade-off comes in price and complexity, as it sits at the more premium end of this list. However, for buyers who want a blend of comfort, capability, and performance without compromise, the Everest is arguably the benchmark diesel fuel SUV for Australian touring.

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GWM Tank 300

The GWM Tank 300 brings a different flavour to this list, focusing more on rugged off-road capability and value. Compared to the Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X, it feels smaller and less suited to carrying large families over long distances, but it holds its own in terms of off-road hardware.

Its diesel fuel powertrain doesn’t quite match the torque output of the Everest, and on-road refinement trails behind the Kia Sorento. However, it offers a more affordable entry point into serious off-road capability, which may appeal to buyers who split their time between highways and rough terrain.

Against the Mazda CX-70 D50e, it’s far more utilitarian, but that’s also its appeal. For buyers prioritising adventure and occasional long-distance touring over outright comfort, the Tank 300 represents a strong value-driven alternative.

Mazda CX-70 D50e

The Mazda CX-70 D50e represents the most premium, road-oriented option in this group. Compared to the Kia Sorento, it offers a more upmarket cabin and rear-biased driving dynamics, making it feel closer to a luxury SUV on long journeys.

Its diesel fuel engine focuses more on smooth power delivery than outright torque, so it doesn’t match the Ford Everest or Isuzu MU-X for towing strength. However, it compensates with superior ride quality and a quieter cabin, which can make a noticeable difference on extended highway drives.

Against the GWM Tank 300, it’s clearly less off-road focused, but far more refined for daily use. For buyers who spend most of their time on sealed roads and prioritise comfort, design, and a premium feel over rugged capability, the CX-70 D50e offers a compelling alternative.

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Final thoughts on diesel SUVs for long-distance driving 

Choosing the right diesel fuel SUV ultimately comes down to how you plan to use it. The Kia Sorento and Mazda CX-70 prioritise comfort and efficiency for highway driving, while the Isuzu MU-X and Ford Everest lean towards durability, towing, and off-road touring. The GWM Tank 300 sits somewhere in between, offering strong capability at a lower price point.

For long-distance Australian driving, there’s no single “best” option, only what best fits your needs. If comfort and refinement matter most, the Sorento and CX-70 stand out. For heavy-duty touring and towing, the Everest and MU-X lead the way. And if value and off-road capability are priorities, the Tank 300 makes a strong case.