The automotive world is one that is ever-changing and evolving, with breakthroughs in technology and engineering constantly pushing standards forward. Among the many powertrain configurations out there right now, V-6 engines stand out as being a great blend between power and affordability, with efficiency being at the forefront.

V-shaped engines seem to be slowly but surely going on their way out, at least in mainstream cars. Automakers are opting for small turbocharged inline-fours over just about every other configuration. However, there are still a good couple of cars out there that haven’t yet dropped the V-6.

We have scoured the current market, finding the best performing cars to feature the robust powertrain, and we have ranked them from least to most powerful. From sturdy pickup trucks to track-focused monsters, we bring you the best that the automotive world has to offer when it comes to roaring V-6 power.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Car and Driver and HotCars. Cars are ranked from least to most powerful.

10 2024 Honda Odyssey

Horsepower: 280

When it comes to family vehicles, there is nothing more versatile than a minivan. While there aren't too many of them left, the few that still stand, like the Honda Odyssey, prove that family cars really can have it all. Comfort, performance, and tons of interior space are all hallmarks of Honda's brilliant minivan.

Performance Specifications

Honda has really managed a miracle with the Odyssey. Not only is it quick to accelerate when it needs to be and super comfortable, but it's nimble too. So nimble that you can easily forget the size of the car you're driving. Its stout V-6 also helps it pull up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.

9 2024 Hyundai Palisade

Horsepower: 291

Hyundai has consistently aimed to offer a blend of value and utility to their line of SUVs. In recent times, though, they've also aimed to be luxurious. The Palisade walks the line between the three in perfect harmony, coming with a plethora of features as standard while challenging much more expensive cars when fully equipped.

Performance Specifications

Hyundai offers a single powertrain on the Palisade, a 3.8-liter V-8. If you're looking for that little bit extra when it comes to driving engagement, you can manually shift the Palisade's eight-speed transmission using steering-wheel-mounted paddle-shifters. The V-6 helps the Hyundai achieve some decent levels of acceleration as well as a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

8 2024 Kia Telluride

Horsepower: 291

The Telluride is the Palisade's cousin, built on the same underpinnings but with a unique look. This three-row SUV is one of the sharpest looking cars in its segment and its silky smooth V-6 gives it the chops to tackle whatever obstacle you put in front of it. Just like the Hyundai, the Telluride offers a near-luxury cabin when fully equipped.

Performance Specifications

Just like on the Palisade, a 291 horsepower V-8 and an eight-speed automatic are standard offerings across the board. Front-wheel drive is the standard setup, but all-wheel drive is an option at every trim level. Despite sharing DNA, the Telluride is also actually capable of towing up to 500 pounds more than the Palisade.

7 2024 Ram 1500

Horsepower: 305

When it comes to quarter-ton trucks, there are few quite as capable or as comfortable as the offering from Ram. Even its base V-6 produces enough oomph to help it tackle anything from rocky terrain to mountainous trails. While its rivals offer close levels of competition, the Ram is by far the most luxurious of the bunch.

Performance Specifications

The 1500 with the Pentastar V-6 may not be the most capable version of the quarter-ton truck, but its capacities will be more than enough for most people. The 3.6-liter V-6 in the 1500 is a mild-hybrid, utilizing a 48-volt system. The only 1500s available without the hybrid system are those with the V-8.

6 2024 Audi A7

Horsepower: 335

Audi often gets overshadowed by its other German countrymen, Mercedes-Benz and BMW. However, the A7 is easily one of the best in class when it comes to midsize luxury sedans. Its turbocharged V-6 means that it has no lack of power and the interior and exterior are both incredibly sophisticated.

Performance Specifications

Audi has equipped the A7 sedan with a three-liter V-6 paired with a 48-volt hybrid system. The hybrid system assists with turbo spooling as well as the stop-start function. The A7 comes standard with Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system. It may not be as raucous or quick as the 444 horsepower S7, but the A7 certainly has enough pep for most situations.

5 2024 Genesis GV70

Horsepower: 375

Like much of the Genesis lineup, the GV70 has a starting price that seems impossibly low compared to its competitors. Despite this, Genesis' luxury compact SUV is anything but second-rate. It's more luxurious than most of its rivals while also offering more power and better road manners.

Performance Specifications

The base offering on the GV70 is a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four. Whilst this provides plenty of pep, it's the twin-turbo V-6 which really shines. Genesis still offers a manual transmission on the G70, but unfortunately, the GV70 only gets the eight-speed auto. Despite it being primarily a luxury car, it's also surprisingly nimble when it needs to be.

4 2024 Ford F-150

Horsepower: 400

While the Ford F-150 offers a brilliant V-8, it's the V-6 options that are the most popular. This truck has been a staple in the U.S. for as long as it has been around. Today, it remains the best-selling car in the United States by a country mile. It's easy to see why as well, with ford offering an excellent blend of capability and comfort.

Performance Specifications

The F-150 comes with a number of different powertrains. The base models come with a 2.7-liter V-6 with 325 horsepower. The most power you can get without switching to a V-8 or a hybrid is the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. The off-road version of the F-150, the Raptor, also features a high-output version of the twin-turbo V-6 which puts out up to 450 horses.

3 2024 Genesis G90

Horsepower: 409

Despite being a decent amount cheaper, the G90 easily does battle with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class as well as the BMW 7-Series. Its interior is beyond opulent, featuring things like built in massaging seats and Nappa leather. Unique features include the likes of an air diffuser which pumps different scents into the cabin. Hyundai's luxury brand seems to be killing it in the current market.

Performance Specifications

The standard G90 comes with one of the smoothest twin-turbocharged V-6 engines ever made. If you're looking for a little more pep, however, the G90 can also be had with an electric supercharger which makes use of a 48-volt hybrid system. Air suspension is available on the E-Supercharger model, giving it an even more comfortable ride.

Horsepower: 440

The Navigator nameplate has always been associated with two things; size and luxury. The 2024 model does not disappoint and continues to represent as the brand's flagship SUV. Features like hands-free highway driving and 30-way power-adjustable massaging seats mean that even those behind the wheel of the Navigator will be thoroughly pampered.

Performance Specifications

Along with being one of the most luxurious SUVs on the market, the Navigator is highly capable thanks to its twin-turbo V-6. An incredible 510 pound-feet of torque helps rocket this behemoth of an SUV from a standstill to 60 miles per hour in a stunning 5.3 seconds. As well as this, even the weakest Navigator is capable of pulling up to 8,700 pounds.

1 2024 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing

Horsepower: 472

Cadillac has, in recent times, been quietly producing some of the most impressive premium sports sedans that money can buy. While not quite as punchy as the flagship CT5-V Blackwing, the smaller CT4-based car is an absolute monster. Equipped with tons of track day features, the CT4-V Blackwing is essentially unmatched.

Performance Specifications

Despite being much cheaper than the likes of the BMW M3, the less powerful Cadillac stays pretty close in terms of performance. On top of that, the Cadillac feels much more engaging. The CT4-V Blackwing also comes standard with a manual transmission, something that very few of its competitors offer.