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 nicely, nonetheless. Whereas hybrids have grow to be a way more widespread various to EVs of late, not everybody thinks the identical. There are these amongst us preferring the simplicity of the inner 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 just a few picks on the market for individuals who aren’t keen on the downsizing development most carmakers appear to be following. Beneath, 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 powerful presence throughout a number of segments and the Hyundai Palisade is a stalwart within the SUV section. Its most spectacular trait is the posh character with out the posh price ticket, tried-and-tested V-6 engine, wealthy customary tools, and the best-in-class journey 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 units concurrently), as customary, throughout all trims. Relying on whether or not you get the captain’s chairs or a conventional 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 gasoline 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 computerized, 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 good distance because the 1991 authentic. Since 2011, the American SUV is not physique on body, having switched to a unibody platform, higher suited to on-road driving. That stated, the Ford Explorer remains to be a succesful all-terrain car (inside motive) that packs a strong V-6, plenty of customary tools, nice dealing with, and good towing capability for a midsize SUV. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are customary, and.  

The Ford Explorer doesn’t characteristic true autonomous driving, however you possibly can take your palms off the wheel in case you are on a pre-mapped route. You would possibly wish to because the steering feels a bit imprecise. As a bonus, you may as well 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). Bear in mind, they’re a bit cramped. 

By way of gasoline 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 computerized, 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 a very good 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 provides 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 computerized is a superb match for the V-6 and an enormous improve from the earlier mannequin’s dreary CVT. Third-row seating is on the market, however it’s among the many most cramped within the section. Greater trims will be had with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, that includes the newest 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 computerized, 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 top-of-the-line SUVs cash should purchase. It even takes first place in Automobiles.USnews’ SUV rating. With a low beginning value, beneficiant customary tools, and a strong V-6 powertrain shared with the Hyundai Palisade, the Kia Telluride appears to be the last word long-term household companion. The cabin is spacious and upscale whereas the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system is without doubt one of the finest in its class.  

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are customary, 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 you must) means you’ll have to accept a mixed gasoline 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 computerized, 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 the moment in its fifth technology, the recognizable Jeep design continues to evolve. Sadly, the V-8 is not obtainable, however you possibly can nonetheless get the tried and examined Pentastar V-6 now as a light hybrid. There may be 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 individuals. The dashboard seems premium, however some supplies aren’t fairly as much as premium customary. The infotainment touchscreen is 8.4 or 10.1 inches relying on the trim. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are customary. With 37.72 to 70.81 cubic ft, the Grand Cherokee provides essentially the most cargo area on this listing of midsize SUVs.

The mixed gasoline financial system is not very spectacular at 22 MPG (EPA) for the 4WD mannequin. That is 19 metropolis and 26 freeway. You possibly can, in fact, go for the Grand Cherokee 4xe, which is much more fuel-efficient, however it’s important to 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 computerized, 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 powerful 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 unquestionably for you. The ten-speed computerized is an efficient match, however typically, it hesitates on downshift, struggling to resolve what gear is finest for the scenario.

Gas 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 one of the best in 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 ft. Regardless of just a few shortcomings and the steep value in comparison with a few of its rivals, I might 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 computerized, 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 trying 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 may be the problem 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 lets you 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 kind of a distinct animal.

The downsides are that it is not as nimble as another rivals and gasoline financial system just isn’t the best – 15 MPG metropolis, 21 MPG freeway. The utmost cargo area is 76 cubic ft, which is alright, however not one of the 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 computerized, 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 remains to be round, and fairly the discount. The third technology has been round since 2011 with very minor modifications through the years, that means you’re getting confirmed tech. There’s a good motive why Dodge nonetheless retains the Pentastar V-6 round. It’s mass-produced, low-cost to take care of, and customarily dependable.  

Dodge Durango has at all times been a body-on-frame SUV. Even the bottom engine provides first rate pick-up, with gasoline 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 anticipate from a modern-day torque-converter computerized.

Customary security options are a bit scarce in comparison with the competitors, and regardless of a ten.1-inch infotainment touchscreen now being customary, a number of the tech is displaying its age. Do I care? No! The very best half? In 2025, you possibly can 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 computerized, 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 should you personal certainly one of these SUV fashions within the remark part under.

Dimitar Angelov‘s automotive pursuits made him an professional in all kinds of automobiles. Japanese manufacturers like Toyota are closest to his coronary heart, though efficiency automobiles usually are his favourite section, which is why he’s consistently looking out for one of the 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 traditional automotive restoration. Dim is glad to get behind the wheel of any automotive and share his impressions. You possibly can comply with Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Fb.

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