8 Superior SUVs That Provide V-6 Energy With out The Added Complexity Of A Hybrid

SUVs have dominated the North American market and presently, the selection is as plentiful as ever. Not all is effectively, nonetheless. Whereas hybrids have change into a way more standard various to EVs of late, not everybody thinks the identical. There are these amongst us preferring the simplicity of the interior combustion engine with none electrical help. On that entrance, the SUV choices that adhere to this requirement are steadily diminishing.

For 2025, fashions just like the Buick Enclave have dropped the V-6 as a powertrain possibility, however there are nonetheless a couple of picks on the market for many who aren’t keen on the downsizing development most carmakers appear to be following. Under, I’ve compiled an inventory of eight confirmed SUV fashions that characteristic potent V-6 engines, confirmed tech, and are nice all-rounders for households searching for a spacious SUV.  

Hyundai Palisade: Beginning MSRP $38,215 

The Korean carmaker has a robust presence throughout a number of segments and the Hyundai Palisade is a stalwart within the SUV section. Its most spectacular trait is the luxurious character with out the luxurious price ticket, tried-and-tested V-6 engine, wealthy normal tools, and the best-in-class experience high quality. The unibody platform favors on-road driving versus the body-on-frame chassis, which has extra benefits off-road and when towing. The 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is responsive and intuitive.  

You additionally get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity (for as much as two gadgets concurrently), as normal, throughout all trims. Relying on whether or not you get the captain’s chairs or a standard seat on the second row, the Palisade can sit as much as seven or eight passengers. The one draw back of the Palisade is the below-average gas financial system.

The all-wheel-drive Palisade will get 21 MPG mixed (EPA) – 19 metropolis, 24 freeway. Entrance-wheel-drive fashions rise up to 26 MPG on the freeway. 

Hyundai Palisade efficiency specs 

• Engine: 3.8-liter, DOHC, normally-aspirated V-6 with Atkinson cycle 
• Energy: 291 horsepower at 6,000 RPM 
• Torque: 262 pound-feet at 5,200 RPM 
• Transmission and drivetrain: 8-speed automated, FWD/ 4WD 
• Curb weight: 4,301-4,506 kilos 
• 0-60 mph: 6.4 seconds 
• Towing capability: 5,000 kilos 
• Floor clearance: 7.9 inches 
• Strategy/ departure/ breakover angle (levels): 18.5/20.3/17.9 

Ford Explorer: Beginning MSRP $41,220 

The sixth-generation Ford Explorer has come a great distance because the 1991 unique. Since 2011, the American SUV is not physique on body, having switched to a unibody platform, higher suited to on-road driving. That mentioned, the Ford Explorer continues to be a succesful all-terrain automobile (inside purpose) that packs a strong V-6, a lot of normal tools, nice dealing with, and good towing capability for a midsize SUV. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are normal, and.  

The Ford Explorer doesn’t characteristic true autonomous driving, however you’ll be able to take your palms off the wheel in case you are on a pre-mapped route. You would possibly need to because the steering feels a bit obscure. As a bonus, you too can faux to be a freeway patrol (it is really unlawful). On the very least, different commuters would possibly suppose you’re one. The Explorer can sit as much as six or seven passengers, relying on what the second-row configuration is. The third-row seats are power-folding (50/50). Take into accout, they’re a bit cramped. 

By way of gas financial system, the three.0-liter Explorer will get 21 MPG mixed (EPA) – 18 MPG metropolis, 25 MGP freeway – which is not removed from what you get from the bottom engine with all-wheel drive. 

Ford Explorer efficiency specs 

• Engine: 3.0-liter, DOHC, twin-turbo V-6 
• Energy: 400 horsepower at 5,500 RPM 
• Torque: 415 pound-feet at 3,500 RPM 
• Transmission and drivetrain: 10-speed automated, RWD/ 4WD 
• Curb weight: 4,700 kilos 
• 0-60 mph: 6.4 seconds 
• Towing capability: 5,000 kilos unbraked (5,600 kilos braked) 
• Floor clearance: 7.8-8.2 inches 
• Strategy/ departure/ breakover angle (levels): 19.7-20.5/20.6-21.1/16.8-17.6 

Nissan Pathfinder: Beginning MSRP $38,460 

Given Nissan’s present scenario, it’s comprehensible why you’ll take into account foregoing the Pathfinder as SUV providing. In actuality, in case you are trying to find a midsize SUV and plan on driving totally on the highway, the Nissan Pathfinder gives higher worth for cash than the Land Cruiser. The Nissan Pathfinder incorporates a unibody platform, making it much less succesful off highway, in comparison with a few of its rivals.  

On the plus aspect, the VQ35 DDTT engine packs stunning quantity of grunt whereas returning 23 MPG mixed (EPA) – 21 metropolis, 27 freeway. The nine-speed automated is a good match for the V-6 and an enormous improve from the earlier mannequin’s dreary CVT. Third-row seating is obtainable, however it’s among the many most cramped within the section. Larger trims may be had with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, that includes the most recent model of NissanConnect in addition to Apple CarPlay and wi-fi Android Auto. 

Nissan Pathfinder efficiency specs 

• Engine: 3.5-liter, DOHC, normally-aspirated V-6  
• Energy: 284 horsepower at 6,400 RPM 
• Torque: 259 pound-feet at 4,800 RPM 
• Transmission and drivetrain: 9-speed automated, FWD/ 4WD 
• Curb weight: 4,316-4,470 kilos  
• 0-60 mph: 6.6 seconds 
• Towing capability: 6,000 kilos 
• Floor clearance: 7.1 inches 
• Strategy/ departure/ breakover angle (levels): 16.1/15.6/20.9 

Kia Telluride: Beginning MSRP $36,190 

It is not very stunning that the Kia Telluride is taken into account by respected publications to be the most effective SUVs cash can purchase. It even takes first place in Automobiles.USnews’ SUV rating. With a low beginning worth, beneficiant normal tools, and a sturdy V-6 powertrain shared with the Hyundai Palisade, the Kia Telluride appears to be the final word long-term household companion. The cabin is spacious and upscale whereas the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system is likely one of the finest in its class.  

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are normal, as is Bluetooth connectivity. The unibody platform makes the Telluride higher suited to on-road driving, besides, the dealing with is spectacular for an SUV. Like within the Palisade, the Kia Telluride can accommodate as much as seven or eight passengers, relying on whether or not you’ve a full seat or captain’s chairs on the second row.

Going for the all-wheel-drive variant (which it’s best to) means you’ll have to accept a mixed gas financial system of 20 MPG (EPA) – 18 metropolis, 23 freeway. Entrance-wheel-drive fashions rise up to 26 MPG on the freeway. 

Kia Telluride efficiency specs 

• Engine: 3.8-liter, DOHC, normally-aspirated V-6 with Atkinson cycle 
• Energy: 291 horsepower at 6,000 RPM 
• Torque: 262 pound-feet at 5,200 RPM 
• Transmission and drivetrain: 8-speed automated, FWD/ AWD 
• Curb weight: 4,301-4,524 kilos  
• 0-60 mph: 6.8 seconds 
• Towing capability: 5,000 kilos 
• Floor clearance: 8.4 inches 
• Strategy/ departure/ breakover angle (levels): 17.7/23/N/A 

Jeep Grand Cherokee L: Beginning MSRP $38,290 

The Grand Cherokee is a staple in American SUV choices. At present in its fifth technology, the recognizable Jeep design continues to evolve. Sadly, the V-8 is not accessible, however you’ll be able to nonetheless get the tried and examined Pentastar V-6 now as a gentle hybrid. There’s additionally an inline-four turbo, however I doubt many individuals will go for it. The Grand Cherokee is a real jack of all trades. Regardless of its unibody chassis, it’s simply as succesful off-road as it’s on it.  

The cabin is spacious and gives loads of room for seven folks. The dashboard seems to be premium, however some supplies aren’t fairly as much as premium normal. The infotainment touchscreen is 8.4 or 10.1 inches relying on the trim. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are normal. With 37.72 to 70.81 cubic toes, the Grand Cherokee gives essentially the most cargo house on this record of midsize SUVs.

The mixed gas financial system is not very spectacular at 22 MPG (EPA) for the 4WD mannequin. That is 19 metropolis and 26 freeway. You’ll be able to, after all, go for the Grand Cherokee 4xe, which is much more fuel-efficient, however you must sacrifice the V-6 engine.

Jeep Grand Cherokee L efficiency specs 

• Engine: 3.6-liter, DOHC, normally-aspirated V-6  
• Energy: 293 horsepower at 6,400 RPM 
• Torque: 260 pound-feet at 4,000 RPM 
• Transmission and drivetrain: 8-speed automated, RWD/ 4WD 
• Curb weight: 4,237-4,475 kilos 
• 0-60 mph: 7.4 seconds 
• Towing capability: 6,200 kilos (for the V-6) 
• Floor clearance: 8.39-10.91 inches 
• Strategy/ departure/ breakover angle (levels): 20.5-30.1/26.6/19.1-24 

Honda Passport: Beginning MSRP $42,400 

The Honda Passport makes a robust case for itself within the midsize SUV section. It comes with a confirmed J35Y8 V-6 and four-wheel drive, even in base type. The engine is sturdy and so as to add to its simplicity, it doesn’t characteristic VTEC (solely VTC). In case you are fed up with Toyota discontinuing its normally-aspirated V-6 engine, this SUV is certainly for you. The ten-speed automated is an efficient match, however typically, it hesitates on downshift, struggling to determine what gear is finest for the scenario.

Gasoline financial system is common at finest with 19 MPG within the metropolis and 24 MPG on the freeway.  

The Honda Passport additionally comes with fewer security options in comparison with the competitors and the infotainment is not the very best at school. You do get seating for as much as eight passengers in three-row configuration. With the second and third-row seats down, you’re getting a complete cargo quantity of 111.8 cubic toes. Regardless of a couple of shortcomings and the steep worth in comparison with a few of its rivals, I’d nonetheless advocate the Honda Pilot for these searching for a easy and reliable SUV, with out the burden of an excessive amount of tech.  

Honda Passport efficiency specs 

• Engine: 3.5-liter, DOHC, normally-aspirated V-6  
• Energy: 285 horsepower at 6,100 RPM 
• Torque: 262 pound-feet at 5,000 RPM 
• Transmission and drivetrain: 10-speed automated, 4WD 
• Curb weight: 4,229 to 4,262 kilos 
• 0-60 mph: 6.4 seconds 
• Towing capability: 5,000 kilos 
• Floor clearance: 8.1-8.31 inches 
• Strategy/ departure/ breakover angle (levels): 23/24.3/N/A 

Lexus GX550: Beginning MSRP $65,285 

In case you are seeking to spend a bit extra and desire a bit extra luxurious, coupled with dependability, the Lexus GX550 is what you need. Sure, the V35A engine does have some points, however Toyota is already changing problematic engines, freed from cost. Then, there’s the difficulty with melting side-mirrors and exterior trim, which can also be annoying, however as soon as all that’s taken care of, the GX550 is, really, a flexible SUV that cocoons you in luxurious.  

Sure, $65,000 is lots for a midsize SUV, however you do get best-in-class towing functionality, and the body-on-frame construction permits you to go in locations the place most SUVs would not dare, particularly in Overtrail guise. Regardless of sharing the J250 Land Cruiser platform, the Lexus GX550 is sort of a unique animal.

The downsides are that it is not as nimble as another rivals and gas financial system will not be the best – 15 MPG metropolis, 21 MPG freeway. The utmost cargo house is 76 cubic toes, which is alright, however not the very best for a midsize SUV. 

Lexus GX550 efficiency specs 

• Engine: 3.4-liter, DOHC, twin-turbo V-6  
• Energy: 349 horsepower at 4,800-5,200 RPM 
• Torque: 478 pound-feet at 2,000-3,600 RPM 
• Transmission and drivetrain: 10-speed automated, 4WD 
• Curb weight: 5,564 to five,709 kilos 
• 0-60 mph: 6.5 seconds 
• Towing capability: 9.096 kilos (Overtrail) 
• Floor clearance: 8.7 inches 
• Strategy/ departure/ breakover angle (levels): 26/21.3/23 

Dodge Durango: Beginning MSRP $41,995 

If an old-school, full-size SUV is what you after, the Dodge Durango continues to be round, and fairly the discount. The third technology has been round since 2011 with very minor modifications over time, that means you’re getting confirmed tech. There’s a good purpose why Dodge nonetheless retains the Pentastar V-6 round. It’s mass-produced, low-cost to take care of, and usually dependable.  

Dodge Durango has at all times been a body-on-frame SUV. Even the bottom engine gives respectable pick-up, with gas financial system being 18 MPG within the metropolis, 27 MPG on the freeway – across the similar as similarly-powered midsize SUVs. The eight-speed Torqueflite (ZF) shifts easily and works as pleasantly as you’ll count on from a modern-day torque-converter automated.

Customary security options are a bit scarce in comparison with the competitors, and regardless of a ten.1-inch infotainment touchscreen now being normal, a number of the tech is displaying its age. Do I care? No! One of the best half? In 2025, you’ll be able to nonetheless get the Dodge Durango with a Hemi V-8.

Dodge Durango efficiency specs 

• Engine: 3.6-liter, DOHC, normally-aspirated V-6  
• Energy: 293 horsepower at 6,400 RPM 
• Torque: 260 pound-feet at 4,000 RPM 
• Transmission and drivetrain: 8-speed automated, RWD/ 4WD 
• Curb weight: 4,826 kilos 
• 0-60 mph: 7.4 seconds 
• Towing capability: 6,200 kilos (for the V-6) 
• Floor clearance: 8.1 inches 
• Strategy/ departure/ breakover angle (levels): 20/21.5/18.1 

In case you are not a fan of downsizing and like the V-6 to a hybrid four-cylinder, these SUVs characteristic potent engines with out the complexity that comes with electrification. Be at liberty to share your perception when you personal certainly one of these SUV fashions within the remark part beneath.

Dimitar Angelov‘s automotive pursuits made him an professional in all kinds of autos. Japanese manufacturers like Toyota are closest to his coronary heart, though efficiency automobiles normally are his favourite section, which is why he’s always looking out for the very best offers available on the market. Dimitar Angelov’s automotive ardour and knack for the written phrase led him to finish a Grasp of Arts in Media and Communications, and basic automotive restoration. Dim is glad to get behind the wheel of any automotive and share his impressions. You’ll be able to observe Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Fb.

All photographs are sourced from the official producer web sites and press releases.