Diesel&EcoCar magazine has unveiled its prestigious Diesel Top 40 for 2026, published exclusively in the October issue, on sale now. Following the release of our acclaimed Electrified Top 50 earlier this year, the spotlight now turns to diesel, celebrating the 40 finest diesel-powered vehicles currently available in the UK. Every model has been rigorously tested, evaluated and benchmarked by our expert road test team over the past 12 months, making the Diesel Top 40 the definitive guide to the UK’s best diesel cars.

Claiming the coveted title of Diesel Car of the Year 2026 for the second consecutive year is the outstanding Mazda CX-80. Impressing judges with its remarkably refined 3.3-litre six-cylinder mild-hybrid diesel engine, exceptional long-distance mile munching ability, comfort and spacious, premium cabin, the CX-80 once again proves itself to be the benchmark for diesel motoring. It also secures the title of Best Diesel Seven-Seat SUV 2026.

Commenting on this year’s results, Ian Robertson, Editor of Diesel&EcoCar magazine, said:

“It has been a fascinating but tough year for the automotive industry, and our editorial team has comprehensively assessed every diesel model still on sale in the UK. The Diesel Top 40 represents the very best of today’s diesel market, an authoritative ranking based entirely on independent testing and real-world assessment. There are no gimmicks, no favouritism and no compromises, just honest expertise and informed judgement.”

Making their debut this year are the Editor’s Choice Awards, highlighting the vehicles Ian Robertson personally believes represent the very best the diesel market has to offer. The Peugeot 308 and 308 SW receive the title of Editor’s Choice – Best Diesel 2026, while the Škoda Karoq is named Editor’s Choice – Best Diesel SUV. Completing the inaugural winners is the KGM Musso Rhino, awarded Editor’s Choice – Best Diesel Double Cab Pick-up 2026.

Finishing as runner-up in the overall rankings is the impressive Škoda Superb, which also claims the honours of Best Diesel Large Car and Best Diesel Large Estate Car, thanks to its exceptional practicality, comfort and outstanding value. Third place goes to the accomplished Škoda Octavia, retaining both the Best Diesel Medium Car and Best Diesel Medium Estate Car titles. In fourth place, the Range Rover Sport secures a double success as Best Diesel Luxury SUV and Best British-Built Diesel, while the Volkswagen Tiguan completes the top five and is named Best Diesel Medium SUV.

Mazda’s success continues with the CX-60, which finishes sixth overall in the rankings, while taking the award for Best Diesel Large SUV. At the pinnacle of the luxury SUV segment, the Range Rover is crowned Best Diesel Super Luxury SUV 2026, while the dependable Isuzu D-Max once again earns the title of Best Diesel Double Cab Pick-up 2026. Elsewhere, the Mercedes-Benz CLE is recognised as Best Diesel Coupé, the Audi A6 secures both Best Diesel Luxury Car and Best Diesel Luxury Estate Car, and the rugged Land Rover Defender 110 is named Best Diesel Seven-Seat Luxury SUV.

Additional honours recognise excellence across the diesel market. The Toyota Land Cruiser receives the Best Aftercare Package award, acknowledging its outstanding ownership experience, warranty and renowned reliability. The Citroën Berlingo is named Most Affordable Diesel 2026, while the Citroën SpaceTourer claims the title of Best Diesel MPV with More Than Five Seats. In the pick-up sector, the GWM Poer300 is recognised as the Most Affordable Diesel Double Cab Pick-up 2026.

The complete Diesel Top 40 for 2026, including the full rankings and category winners, is available exclusively in the October 2026 issue of Diesel&EcoCar magazine, on sale now in print and digital editions.

The full list of winners for the 2026 Diesel Top 40 are listed here: