The Best Class A Diesel Pushers of 2024

Class A motorhomes are the epitome of luxury and style, offering upscale amenities, spacious living quarters, and plenty of comfort in a single package. Those qualities, coupled with their ability to travel under their own power, have made these motorcoaches some of the most popular and aspirational RVs on the road. But did you know there is a subclass of these vehicles that ride on diesel-powered engines that further stand out from the pack?

Dubbed “diesel pushers,” these motorhomes tend to cost a little more but offer some noteworthy advantages. For instance, diesel engines provide more power and torque compared to their gas-burning cousins, which often leads to a smoother, more comfortable ride. Diesel motors also have longer lifespans and require less maintenance, too, which is a considerable upside when making such a significant investment in an RV.

Diesel pushers are available from some of the biggest and best brands in the RV space, giving us a number of outstanding options to choose from. If you’re in the market for just such a vehicle, we have some suggestions for the ones you should put on your radar. These are our picks for the best diesel motorhomes currently available.

Photo Credit: Winnebago

What is a Class A Diesel Pusher?

While we’ve already established that diesel pushers use diesel engines, there is another reason they’ve earned that name. Typically, this type of RV has its motor mounted in the rear, pushing it down the road. This changes the coach’s center of gravity to a degree, allowing it to use its extra power and torque to climb hills more efficiently or tow a dinghy vehicle. As noted above, this often leads to a smoother, more comfortable ride, as well.

The downside of a diesel engine is the cost. These motorhomes carry a higher price tag than gas-powered models, and while they require less maintenance, fixing a diesel pusher can be more expensive, too. Thankfully, these motors are known to run efficiently for decades while driving hundreds of thousands of miles, making them a good investment over time.

The Best Class A Diesel Pushers of 2024

If you’re shopping for a Class A diesel pusher at the moment, there are the models to have on your shortlist:

Photo Credit: Newmar

Newmar Dutch Star

Newmar makes some of the most luxurious Class A models the RV industry has to offer, and the Dutch Star is its top-of-the-line diesel model. This coach is built on a Freightliner chassis that includes a 450HP engine across all trim levels. That gives the RV plenty of power to tackle the challenges of the road, giving it excellent towing capacity, a controlled driving experience, and a very comfortable ride.

Photo Credit: Newmar

Inside, the Dutch Star features upscale amenities like maple hardwood cabinets, residential-style appliances, a pull-out pantry, and a luxurious primary bedroom suite. The motorhome comes with ample storage, comfy sofas, multiple 4k smart TVs, tile floors, cathedral ceilings, and Starlink internet. Some floorplans even include a half or full second bathroom, with opulent, pillowtop king-size beds standard across the entire line. MSRP: $593,775

Photo Credit: Tiffin

Tiffin Phaeton

Tiffin’s flagship diesel pusher is the Phaeton, a classy motorhome that oozes style and luxury. This model rides on a Cummins 450HP engine that generates an impressive 1,250 lb-ft. of torque. That same motor gives the RV a 10,000 lb. towing capacity, which makes hauling a dinghy, boat, or cargo trailer a breeze.

Photo Credit: Tiffin

As you would expect from any Tiffin coach, the Phaeton’s interior is bright, airy, and modern. Most models include 1.5 baths with room to sleep two to eight people, depending on the floorplan. We especially love the exterior entertainment center and kitchen, which helps extend the living space outdoors. Other nice touches include a walk-in closet, a smart TV on a televator, a convection microwave, and the option to add a dishwasher or a washer and dryer. MSRP: $531,716

Photo Credit: Fleetwood RV

Fleetwood Palisade

Available in two floorplans, the Fleetwood Palisade is practically a luxury home on wheels. This model features a lovely primary bedroom suite complete with a king-size bed, a spacious shower, a walk-in closet, and double sinks. A half-bath can be found in the mid-section of the vehicle, not far from the kitchen, that includes a free-standing dinette, a convection microwave, a stainless steel fridge, and a dishwasher. Entertainment centers with soundbars and pop-up TVs are found in the main bedroom and the living room, with an additional entertainment system located outside.

Photo Credit: Fleetwood RV

The Palisade’s plush ride comes courtesy of a custom-built Freightliner chassis equipped with a 240A alternator and air brakes. Like the Phaeton above, the coach’s diesel engine offers 450HP and 1,250 lb-ft. of torque and a six-speed Allison transmission. An automatic hydraulic leveling system, 100W of solar, and three roof-mounted 15,000 BTU air conditioners come standard. The RV comes with a 100-gallon freshwater tank, a 75-gallon gray water tank, and a 50-gallon black reservoir. MSRP: $673,188

Photo Credit: Entegra Coach

Entegra Coach Anthem

When building the Class A Anthem, Entegra Coach chose the Freightliner Spartan K2 chassis, giving the RV the smoothest, best-handling ride on the road. Like others on this list, the coach comes with a 450HP diesel engine that produces 1,250 lb-ft. of torque. It also has automatic traction control, a hydraulic leveling system, a built-in braking system for a dinghy vehicle, and a 1,000W engine block heater. A 15″ digital dashboard and a 15″ touchscreen infotainment system provide access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 360º camera system and GPS navigation.

Photo Credit: Entegra Coach

Standard interior features include an electric fireplace, premium leather furniture, porcelain tiling, and LED mood lighting throughout. Some models include a wet bar, but all offer 4k smart TVs, high-quality wireless audio systems, accent lighting in the ceiling, and an array of residential appliances. Entegra’s integrated Firefly multiplex command system is also great, putting full control of lights, climate, slides, power, and other features right at your fingertips. But perhaps most impressive of all is Entegra’s commitment to quality, with outstanding craftmanship on display inside and out. MSRP: $738,899

Photo Credit: Thor

Thor Aria

Thor’s top entry into the diesel-pusher space is the excellent Aria. This RV offers room for four to eight people, depending on the model, and includes standout amenities like a spacious dinette booth, an electric fireplace, a central vacuum system, and power reclining heated theater seating with built-in USB charging ports and a massage function. A king-size tilting bed is standard on every floorplan, as is a drop-down hideaway bunk. We especially appreciate the Winegard ConnectT wireless internet antenna, which brings reliable and fast 5G and Wi-Fi connections to the campground.

Photo Credit: Thor

Under the Aria’s hood, you’ll find a Cummins 6.7L diesel engine that makes 360HP and 800 lb-ft. of torque. Towing is easy thanks to a 10,000 lb. trailer hitch, while an Air-Ride suspension keeps the interior safe, quiet, and comfortable on long hauls. The driver has access to a 10.1″ touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with safety features like blindspot detection, a backup monitor, and side view cameras, all standard. MSRP: $419,850

Photo Credit: Winnebago

Winnebago Journey

Winnebago says the Journey may be its finest motorhome ever, which is impressive considering the brand’s history and heritage. This luxury diesel pusher utilizes a Cummins 8.9L engine with 380HP and 1,150 lb-ft. of torque. It also has air brakes, an engine exhaust brake, and a 10,000-lb. hitch. The coach ships from the factory with a NeWay air suspension system and even has built-in automatic hydraulic leveling jacks with controls found in three convenient locations.

Photo Credit: Winnebago

The Journey’s open, modern cabin is designed to feel more like a home than an RV. It includes dozens of nice touches, like premium flooring, LED ceiling and accent lighting, and a 50″ smart TV with a high-quality sound bar. We love the aptly named “Big Shower”—one of the largest in the industry—and the versatile Glide & Dine table is perfect for meals, playing games, or working from the road. Other amenities of note include solid surface countertops, a king-size bed with a power incline headrest, washer/dryer prep, and a ceiling fan. MSRP: $480,270

Photo Credit: Coachmen

Coachmen Sportscoach RD

When Coachmen set out to make an affordable diesel pusher, the goal was to compete as closely with gas-powered models as possible. The result is the Sportscoach RD, a well-equipped motorhome that delivers a lot of bang for your buck. This vehicle runs on the Cummins 360HP engine with 800 lb-ft. of torque. This allows the company to keep pricing down while still offering plenty of power and handling. That doesn’t mean it skimped on performance, however, as the Sportscoach RD still comes with nice features like an air suspension, air brakes, a 10,000 lb. hitch, and auto leveling jacks.

Photo Credit: Coachmen

This Class A model is available in two floorplans, both of which include a king-size bed, two bathrooms, and a modern kitchen complete with a stainless steel farm sink, residential refrigerator, and a large microwave. We especially like the 402TS layout, as it comes with a versatile space that accommodates bunks and converts to an office space. Then again, the 411TS has a spacious pantry and additional seating. MSRP: $

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