Originally Posted By: Bill in Utah
The problem with any thing diesel is it is going to be so complex that I'd not want it just for that reason. Plus *any* diesel would have to get quite a bit more MPG since diesel fuel is so much more $$ and "issues" during the cold seasons. (close to $1 more per gallon depending on the season)
Back to the Sorento. Nice package, excellent standard equipment for the $ and with the 4 cyl looks very easy to work on. With the model that the OP was asking about the only concern with be with the DI (as I'd personally have with any brand) since the jury is still out on long term effects.
Crossover SUV vs minivans? Really? Two different platforms and different missions.
Bill
I don't find modern diesels to be more complex than a gasoline engine, and I suppose it matters where you are for the price issue. To be honest, ignition by compression rather than spark is simpler to me. Diesel here is on par with premium gas, so about $.30 more than regular for the most part. Even if you break even with fuel costs, it puts out twice the torque and similar horsepower making for a much nicer driving experience.
I've never had trouble starting a modern diesel in subzero temperatures, and I regularly see -20F and usually once during the winter -30F. The neighbor's 2011 Jetta TDI starts every time. Plus, Mazda addressed this issue by engineering specific ceramic glow plugs to maintain cold weather reliability.
Americans just aren't used to diesel passenger cars yet, but I think that'll change now that they're becoming more popular. VW is selling theirs as fast as they can make them. The fears of complexity, not being able to find diesel fuel, and cold start issues are things of the past.