It's not just SUV and pickup truck drivers that are affected. In less than a year and half, gas prices have almost doubled. Virtually everything you buy is delivered by truck, which are directly affected by rising gas prices. Therefore everything will cost more. Food, goods, everything.
If you were paying $200 / month on fuel, it's $400 / month now. If you were paying $1,000, it's $2,000 now. Higher fuel prices reduce economic growth and increase manufacturing costs. Coupled with higher interest rates can lead to a recession.
Diesel is highly carcinogenic, it is now being taxed at cigarettes rate. VW tried to foister the "clean diesel" to consumers - they got slammed hard when it was unearthed to being a Tommy Chong smoke ring.
As for recession, we've been in one for over a year, hasn't anyone noticed?