Here's a good example of when a gas-powered truck is a good compromise:
This is my rig, and what it tows...
I bought the 3/4-ton because I prefer the durability of the solid front axle. It's powered by the 5.7 HEMI. It's rated to tow 10,000+ lbs, but it'd honestly be grunting hard to move that load, especially up hill.
I average 12.5-12.8 mpg over a few thousand miles. This includes city driving, highway, towing the boat, and off-road. The truck is a 2003, and I bought it used, with 10K miles, in 2003. I paid $23,000 for it.
A comparable diesel would've been AT LEAST $10,000 more. Ironically, that's about what my used boat cost.
If I'd have bought a $10K more expensive diesel, it would've taken me about 15 years to break even, only considering fuel savings. How many of us keep a vehicle 15 years?
When you factor in lift pumps, injector pumps, batteries, and oil changes... diesels can get pricey. My family has driven diesels for 23 years... starting out with a 6.2l Chevy Suburban and ending with a 1992 Cummins that they still have. However, they own a horse ranch, so the diesel is a
necessity. For the average soccer mom, a diesel isn't usually a wise decision.