India, March 3 -- Long highway stretches, broken state roads, mountain climbs and coastal runs. If you are someone who is frequently road tripping across India, a diesel SUV still makes a lot of sense. Strong mid-range torque, better range per tank and relaxed cruising manners make these machines ideal companions for cross-country drives.

Here are five diesel SUVs I would shortlist for serious road miles.

The Compass remains one of the most well-rounded monocoque SUVs in its segment. The 2.0-litre diesel engine is strong and torquey, making highway overtakes effortless. What stands out on long journeys is its planted high speed stability and reassuring steering feel. The 9-speed gearbox means that you would be able to extract decent fue...