Didn't Chevy put the 6.2 diesel in just about everything even half tons in the 80s and 90s why would they not put a better diesel in now? Wasn't it when the 6.5turbo come out it was used mostly in 2500-3500 trucks tell the 6.6 duramax come along? Just asking.
I'm pretty sure it comes down to emissions. The 6.2L had EGR (on some models), and no other emissions. The 6.5L added a DOC (cat), but that was it. This was good enough for even California back then, in trucks and SUVs.
When the Duramax came out, EGR and DOC were required for CA in a truck, but the emissions had tightened up for SUVs, and I don't believe it would have been compliant.
Like dman777 says, the cost of emissions equipment is atrocious in the US. GM sells TONS of diesels worldwide, but most of them don't meet US emissions (which now appear to be the strictest on the planet). So really, I blame the EPA.
And like Ben has been saying, with the cost of diesel fuel being higher than premium in many areas, buying a diesel doesn't make sense,
especially when you are not towing constantly (such as with a car or small SUV).
My brother is looking to buy a Cruze, and the payoff on the diesel vs the gas is over 200,000 miles. That ignores the higher maintenance costs, too. In reality, the diesel Cruze may never pay for itself. Might as well save the ~$4k up front and put a built trans in his Duramax!
As much as we all love diesels (we wouldn't be here otherwise), we have to be realistic. There are many situations where a gas motor is just a better choice.