3 of the Best Vehicles With a V6 Are Pickup Trucks for 2023
Not long ago, V6 engines were all the rage in cars, trucks, and SUVs. However, those have been slowly falling out of favor for other types of power. Trucks equipped with a V6 engine offer an excellent balance of power and efficiency, making it a popular choice for many drivers. Some of the best vehicles with a V6 for 2023 are pickup trucks from Ford and Ram. Whether a midsize pickup or a full-size truck, the V6 configuration provides a smooth and responsive driving experience.
Ram has one of the best vehicles with a V6 under $40,000
For a budget-friendly option, U.S. News says the best vehicle with a V6 from Ram is the base 1500. Equipped with a 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, this pickup truck gets 305 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Paired with Ram’s eight-speed automatic transmission, the 2023 Ram 1500 is a pretty solid truck.
The Ram 1500 took the top spot this year in some rankings thanks to its comfortable cabin and updated rear suspension. These attributes combined have made the Ram truck one of the more comfortable options on the market. It also has extended- and crew-cab models with two different bed lengths.
Ram offers many engine choices for 2023, but the V6 will get the job done for only $37,410. This engine comes standard on the Tradesman, HFE, Big Horn, and Rebel trims. Other engine options are a 5.7-liter V8 with 395 horsepower and a 3.0-liter V6 diesel with 260 horsepower. Ram also has a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 702 horsepower in the TRX.
The Ford F-150 is one of the best vehicles with a V6
Ford’s F-150 is one of the best vehicles with a V6 and offers six different types to choose from. There are seven engine options total, and all come paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Shoppers can choose from rear or four-wheel drive, depending on what the truck needs to do on a daily basis.
The base engine on the 2023 Ford F-150 is a 3.3L V6 engine with 290 horsepower. It also gets 265 pound-feet of torque, which is enough for many situations. If you plan on doing heavy-duty towing regularly, this probably isn’t the right selection. The next engine option is a turbo 2.7L EcoBoost V6 with 325 horsepower, followed by a 3.5L EcoBoost with 400 horsepower.
There are also high-powered hybrid engines from Ford, which range from 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque up to 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque.
A V6 is the only engine available with the Honda Ridgeline
Even though the 2023 Honda Ridgeline isn’t a full-size truck, this midsize option is one of the best vehicles with a V6. Drivers like the Ridgeline because it blurs the line of SUVs and trucks, thanks to the old-school body-on-frame design. Honda’s 3.5L V6 with 280 hp has proved a reliable choice over the years, especially when paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It also comes equipped with all-wheel drive for more capability.
This is the only engine option for the Honda Ridgeline, but that helps streamline the selection process. As a midsize truck, the Ridgeline is a good pickup for those not interested in a more significant option. It still has plenty of capability.
Many automakers seem to be moving away from this engine in favor of more efficient options. However, some of the most popular trucks remain on the list of vehicles with a V6. There could be a time in the future without a V6 in your number one choice, so don’t wait too long to decide. Electric and hybrid powertrains are in, and V6 motors are on the way out.
