Jeep has always been a brand that has flirted with diesel variants. Two notable attempts stand out: the Grand Cherokee CRD and the Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel. Each brought something unique to the table, but both ultimately bowed out under the weight of regulation, cost, and shifting market tastes.

The story begins in the mid-2000s with the CRD. In the United States, Jeep offered a Mercedes-sourced 3.0-liter V6 CRD in the 2007 and 2008 Grand Cherokee. This engine, derived from Mercedes’ OM642 family, produced about 215 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque, delivering strong low-end pulling power. Owners praised its towing ability and highway efficiency, often comparing it favorably to the Hemi V8. Yet it wasn’t without flaws. Throttle lag was a common complaint, and while it could return decent economy for its day, the complexity of emissions controls and the challenge of keeping up with tightening U.S. diesel standards spelled the end of its run after only two years. Outside the U.S., however, the CRD badge lived on in global Jeep markets.

Fast forward to 2014, and Jeep returned to diesel power with the EcoDiesel, a 3.0-liter V6 built by VM Motori under the Fiat-Chrysler umbrella. This engine was more powerful, rated at roughly 240 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The EcoDiesel’s strength was its balance: strong torque delivery, competitive towing ratings of over 7,000 pounds, and fuel economy that, at least in its early years, eclipsed the gas V6 and even rivaled hybrid SUVs. For diesel fans, it was the perfect marriage of workhorse and efficiency in a midsize SUV package.

Yet the EcoDiesel was introduced in a post-DieselGate climate. Emissions regulations were tighter than ever, and Jeep’s urea-based aftertreatment system added cost, complexity, and reliability concerns. Many owners found themselves facing reduced fuel economy or power after mandated emissions updates. Coupled with supply issues, high-pressure fuel pump recalls, and relatively low sales volume, Jeep quietly phased out the EcoDiesel after the 2019 model year. In an era moving toward electrification, the business case for maintaining a diesel SUV in the U.S. simply evaporated.

Both engines represent interesting chapters in Jeep’s history. The CRD offered a raw, torque-rich driving experience at a time when U.S. buyers weren’t quite ready for diesel SUVs, while the EcoDiesel felt more refined and better integrated, though ultimately burdened by its emissions hardware. For those in the used market today, both can still deliver a rewarding diesel experience, provided you understand the tradeoffs.

Spec Comparison: Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD vs. EcoDiesel