Sports Utility Vehicles (or SUVs) have grown in popularity over the years, and today make up a massive proportion of vehicles sold.
The advances in technology have given these sturdy vehicles better and better fuel economy, which has a ton of people shifting towards larger cars.
If you’re looking to take advantage of some fuel savings without sacrificing power, a V6 SUV may be your perfect solution.
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What is a V6 SUV?
Just like the name suggests, a V6 SUV is an SUV with a V6 engine under the hood. This means 6 cylinders arranged in a V shape, which is a common upgrade from 4 cylinder engines due to its compact size.
This upgraded engine can offer a sportier ride, better towing capacity, and faster acceleration and torque too.
It delivers power more smoothly than most 4 cylinders, but technology needs to be in place to prevent vibrations and disruptions that can stem from the 2 lines of odd-numbered cylinders.
Is a V6 and a 6 Cylinder the Same?
A V6 and a regular 6 cylinder engine (inline 6, or I6) are quite different, despite sharing the same number of cylinders. Inline 6 engines are a simpler design that allows cylinders across from one another to fire in tandem.
This means they don’t require complicated balancing techniques like V6’s do, but the simplicity comes at the cost of space taken up.
Because of this bulkiness, there are fewer I6 engines on the road than ever before. The V6 makes more sense from a space perspective since it is barely larger than a common 4 cylinder engine.
With techniques like turbocharging available, these V6 engines have even made their way into supercars! They save weight compared to a V8 or V12 engine and make more power than smaller counterparts.
V6 SUV Models Available in 2022
Curious to check out a V6 SUV, but don’t quite know which ones to check out first? Let’s take a look at a few of the best 2022 SUVs and crossovers with a V6.
- Ford Expedition
- Ford Edge
- Infiniti QX60
- GMC Acadia
- Porsche Macan Turbo
- Kia Telluride
- Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
- Honda Passport
- Honda Pilot
- Hyundai Palisade
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring
- Chevrolet Blazer
What V6 SUV has the Most Horsepower?
Horsepower is something that gets discussed a lot, but just because you have a high number doesn’t mean you’ll be winning every drag race.
With SUVs, horsepower is important not just for acceleration, but for towing capacity, comfort/smoothness of ride, and off-road capabilities as well.
Here are two V6 options with the most horses in 2022:
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
Alfa Romeo’s Stelvio Quadrifoglio is a tour de force of a luxury SUV, boasting impressive power and handling despite its size.
The Stelvio Quadrifoglio’s 0-60 numbers would be impressive even with a smaller vehicle, but to see this in an SUV adds an extra awe factor.
The vehicle’s impressive performance hasn’t been dampened by the addition of new tech and safety features in 2022, so you can feel up-to-date driving it without sacrificing performance.
Being an Alfa Romeo, it is beautifully styled, but the brand’s reputation for questionable reliability is worth keeping in mind. The Stelvio Quadrifoglio begins at $86,575 USD.
Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring
While the aforementioned Alfa Romeo uses its high horsepower numbers for speed and acceleration, the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring (GT) uses them to carry its occupants around in style while being a heavy vehicle.
This is not to say its dual turbocharged V6 is a slouch by any means, but the focus is on the comfort of its passengers.
Comfort and features abound in the Aviator GT, and the 2022 model year has brought even more to the table.
Expect a luxurious ride from this stalwart American brand, and for $52,975USD you get more car for your buck than with European competitors.
Which V6 SUV Has the Highest Towing Capacity?
SUVs with power aren’t always all about carrying around heavy luxury features or feeling nimbler than they otherwise would.
True workhorse SUVs are often given extra horsepower and a larger engine to help them tow.
Here are 2 of the best you can get with a V6:
Ford Expedition
The 2022 Ford Expedition is a true jack of all trades, boasting excellent towing capacity alongside a comfy ride for up to 5 people.
It also has off-road capabilities, and its 0-60 time isn’t too shabby for a vehicle of this size. Options can bring this vehicle’s price point into luxury territory, but the base model starts at $55,000USD.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a brand that’s been around since the early 1970s when it replaced the Jeep Wagoneer.
It’s come a long way since then, but still features the robust qualities we associate with Jeeps and the extra comfort Cherokee owners have come to expect.
The V6 engine in the 2022 models is a classic associated with this brand, but those who want something bigger or more eco-friendly will be happy to hear the Grand Cherokee is also available in a V8 and hybrid configuration.
Prices start at $40,120USD.
What is the Fastest V6 SUV?
Speed never used to be something we associated with sport utility vehicles, but in recent years companies like Bentley, Lamborghini, and Porsche have all jumped on this ever-growing bandwagon.
Modern technologies now have folks experiencing small sportscar performance in far larger vehicles.
Here are a few of the quickest to get you from point A to point B in style!
Porsche Macan Turbo
With German company Porsche moving towards more and more electric vehicles, they are also having some fun with the gas-powered cars they still offer.
The Macan Turbo makes use of a stellar turbocharged V6 engine and is as zippy as several of Porsche’s smaller offerings. This speedy SUV will run you $56,250USD for a base model.
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is showing up on our list a second time. This vehicle’s high horsepower number gives it a high top speed, as well as impressive acceleration.
While it may not be as nimble as a sedan or coupe, you wouldn’t know you were in a car this size by its performance alone.
What is the Largest V6 SUV?
We are finally getting into the category that most folks associate SUVs with: large vehicles that can fit your whole family, golf bags, and luggage, while still hopping a curb or steering down that gravel driveway if need be.
Read on to hear about some of the best large V6 SUVs.
Kia Telluride
The humble South Korean company Kia is known for reliable vehicles, even if they are occasionally forgettable compared to more exciting competitors.
The Telluride is an interesting addition to their lineup, as it competes with large SUVs not generally associated with this brand.
A mere 33,090USD will put you behind the wheel of one of these giants, and you can bring up to 7 passengers with you!
Infiniti QX60
Nissan’s Infiniti brand has long been known for luxurious vehicles that won’t break your bank. The QX60 has 3 rows of seats and is an excellent option compared to its European rivals if you want a V6 SUV that can carry a horde of friends and family around town.
At $47,875USD, it is not a low-budget automobile, but you do get a lot of style and space for that price.
What is the Smallest V6 SUV?
While SUVs get a reputation as large and heavy vehicles, there are some great smaller options out there as well.
From residents of urban areas who don’t want to deal with parking a massive vehicle, to those who want a nimble off-roader, let’s check out some of the smaller V6 SUVs.
Honda Passport
A nimble and prudent option for first-time SUV owners, the Honda Passport is an excellent small V6 option. A true SUV, the Passport can carry a handful of passengers and cargo, while also being robustly constructed enough to take you off-road.
A base model will cost you $37,870USD.
Ford Edge
The Ford Edge is a well-built small SUV, coming with Ford’s knack for quality and consistency. That being said, the outdated tech inside no longer holds court with the car’s modern aesthetic, so be forewarned if you’re looking for the latest gizmos and gadgets.
If this is a sacrifice you’re willing to make, you can get a base model Ford Edge for $37,440USD.
Best midsize V6 SUV for 2022?
As a truly practical option between decadent large vehicles and smaller less robust offerings, midsize SUVs are popular for a reason.
These vehicles are attractive to folks who want a large vehicle but don’t need 4 rows of seats and hefty fuel costs, and to those who are just dipping their toes in the SUV market. They truly appeal to the largest demographic of consumers.
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade has been a popular choice since it debuted, and since then it received a cosmetic makeover in 2020, and several new tech and safety features for the 2022 model year.
If it’s fuel savings that have brought you to the midsize segment, this may not be the best choice for you. Unlike Hyundai’s daintier compacts and sedans, the Palisade’s size and cargo capacity come at the cost of consuming more gas.
But starting at $33,150USD with ample seating and storage, this could still be considered an economical choice.
Honda Pilot
Honda has been renowned for their reliability for decades now, and the Pilot continues this legacy. Touted as an alternative to minivans like the Honda Odyssey, the Pilot trades in sliding doors and extra seating for an impressive towing capacity, higher ride height, and off-road capabilities.
If this sounds like the right choice for you, you can head home with a 2022 Pilot for as low as $38,805USD.
Which V6 SUV has the Best Gas Mileage?
Sports Utility Vehicles have come a long way from their infancy as gas-guzzling money pits at the pump. Many SUV options on the market share similar fuel economy with smaller competitors, thanks to technological innovations and aerodynamic designs.
V6 SUVs have taken full advantage of this trend as well, so here are 2 of the best.
Chevrolet Blazer
Touted on Chevrolet’s website as “always camera-ready”, the 2022 Blazer indeed features a striking appearance.
The vehicle manages to look smaller than it actually is, and has some of the aggressive styling we are used to from classics like the Camaro.
Fuel economy was on Chevy’s mind when designing this vehicle, and its V6 engine provides a great balance between power and savings at the pumps.
Options are plentiful if you want them, but a base model Blazer will cost you $33,400.
GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia strikes a great balance between comfortable ride quality, acceleration, and fuel economy.
As with many of the competitors we discussed earlier, the Acadia has introduced new safety and tech features for the 2022 model year.
These features, alongside its sturdy stature, make it a great choice for safety-minded drivers.
While some praise the vehicle for its simple and uncluttered interior, others are quick to note it’s far from exciting inside. Standard Acadia’s start at $34,800.
So Overall, What is the Best SUV with a V6 Engine in 2022?
What makes a car or truck the best for a customer depends on one’s personal preferences and the needs they’re trying to meet with their vehicle, but after reviewing countless V6 SUVs for this article, we have a good overview.
These are versatile machines, so it’s indeed possible to find a “jack of all trades”.
The Kia Telluride earns our vote as the best overall V6 SUV, combining style, performance, and practicality, at a lower price than many of its competitors.
It won’t be beating a Stelvio Quadrifoglio in a drag race, and its styling isn’t quite as hip as that of the Chevy Blazer, but for an overall package, you can’t go wrong.
