A 6-cylinder SUV adds more power and refinement to the package while having more capacity and capability than a three-box sedan. Due to the increased overall weight compared to a sedan, many buyers place a premium on a larger engine, making this an essential feature.
On the other hand, fuel consumption is higher in a typical six-cylinder SUV engine compared to a smaller, force-fed four-pot; thus, the cost could increase significantly. A lack of options in the USA causes the price to fluctuate from around $30,000 to over $100,000 for 2024. As a result, there is something to fit every budget.
Types Of Six-Cylinder SUVs
Since a six-pot increases the total cost, you’ll mostly see them in the midsize and larger segments. A compact option is the Jeep Cherokee, which features a 3.2-liter V6 and costs less than $30,000. The Honda Pilot and the Kia Telluride are similar in that they both feature three rows of seats and naturally aspirated engines.
Mercedes-Benz GLS and full-size BMW X7 both come with powerful turbocharged engines. When it comes to off-road adventures, some options shine, while others are more suited to buyers seeking a more comfortable ride for on-road excursions.
In the premium and luxury segments, V8s are introduced. A six-cylinder engine may not be as powerful as a V8, but it has the refinement and character of a four-cylinder and some of the efficiency of a six. However, a test drive is essential even after you have a shortlist.
Picking Out the Best Six-Cylinder SUVs
There are many more factors to take into account after determining what is within your budget. Could you care less about a naturally aspirated engine and be satisfied with a turbocharged one? Gas mileage is an important factor since not even the most fuel-efficient 6-cylinder SUV will be. We recommend paying close attention to the following details:
- Cost: Crossovers are cheap, so start with what you have on hand. Considering a used vehicle with low mileage could be a wise choice if you need additional power but are short on budget.
- Transmission: A 4×2 will reduce the cost initially, but a 4×4 could appeal more to you in the long run.
- Engine: A turbo isn’t necessary for a six-pot engine due to its increased refinement, but forced induction can make some engines much more manageable to drive.
- Towing capacity: These crossovers are great for towing a boat or trailer because of their versatility. The comparison with competitors is crucial.
- Fuel efficiency: While some of these cars are real gas-guzzlers, others offer a better mix of efficiency and performance.
Pros and Cons
Is there such a thing as the ideal car? Very unlikely. Having a large SUV paired with a roomy vehicle may sound like the perfect combination, but you’ll end up paying the price. The vehicle’s fuel efficiency is its weak point. The price of a 6-cylinder people mover is much higher than that of a compact turbo-four crossover.
Pros
- Great towing capacities.
- Excellent finishing.
- Complex turbos aren’t required for reliable outputs.
- Typically sold with more features and high-end trims.
Cons
- Excessive use of fuel.
- Turbo-fours are more efficient and powerful.
- More expensive than a four-hole.
- Naturally aspirated models can be a little timid at times.
Top 8 6-Cylinder SUVs in 2024
Below are the top 8 6-cylinder SUVs that you would like for 2024.
8. 2024 BMW X3
Price Range: $46,900 – $61,900
BMW produces excellent SUVs, and it recently refreshed its popular entry in the premium compact class for the final time before a redesigned BMW X3 arrives this year. All BMW X3 30i trims come standard with the tried-and-true turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that produces 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
The four-pot engine comes with either a RWD sDrive30i or an AWD xDrive30i drivetrain. Either way, it has the same performance numbers: it can go from 0 to 60 mph (96 kph) in six seconds and can reach a top speed of 130 mph (209 kph).
The M40i has the standard turbocharged B58 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that makes 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. It also only has all-wheel drive, which speeds up the BMW X3 to 60 mph (96 kph) in 4.4 seconds. If you choose the optional performance tires, you can boost the top speed to 155 mph (249 kph). There is a mild-hybrid system in the six-pot. All X3s are equipped with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.
7. 2024 Mazda CX-90
Price Range: $39,595 – $59,950
From the chassis to the engines, the 2024 CX-90 is a completely new vehicle. It replaces the CX-9 but is larger than the CX-9 due to additional space for proper three-row functionality and a fix for the CX-9’s main flaw. The CX-9 has always been a practical five-seater due to its small back seat; the CX-90 intends to change that, and a two-row five-seater SUV will be available on the same platform later on.
Combining combustion with mild hybrid assistance, the mechanical specs look good. There are two engine configurations that can produce 280 hp or 340 hp, with the latter making it Mazda’s most powerful mass-production engine ever. It sprints from 0 to 60 mph (96 kph) in 6.3 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 130 mph (209 kph).
The newest mild-hybrid fuel-saving technology allows Mazda to focus on efficiency, so the company also offers a range of PHEV CX-90s. The CX-90’s premium finishes and powerful new engines improve on the CX-9, making it a top choice in this segment.
6. 2024 Genesis GV70
Price Range: $44,900 – $57,500
When it comes to compact crossovers, the 2024 Genesis GV70 is one of many sharp teeth in the new premium brand’s range. The Genesis GV70 is available with one of two powerplants. The 2.5T, as its name implies, has a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 311 lb-ft of torque and 300 hp.
The other choice is a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 with 391 lb-ft of torque and 375 hp. Power is sent to an all-wheel powertrain using an eight-speed automatic transmission, which is linked to both blocks. The 2.5T takes 5.8 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph (96 kph), while the 3.5T takes 4.9 seconds.
The top speed remains fixed at 149 mph (239 kph). Although the SUV can be easily driven by any engine plant, the 3.5T is genuinely enjoyable to drive. The gearbox willingly shifts down to give you what you need when you need it, making overtaking incredibly simple, especially when you’re in Sport or Sport+ mode.
5. 2024 Ford Bronco
Price Range: $39,130 – $71,105
When it comes to small off-road SUVs, the Jeep Wrangler has long been the market leader, with competitors like the more costly Land Rover Defender occupying more premium price points. But the Ford Bronco’s tough qualities have upended the status quo in recent years, which is why the carmaker has decided to continue using its successful formula for another year.
Most Ford Bronco models are powered by a 2.3-liter, four-cylinder EcoBoost engine that produces 310 lb-ft of torque and 270 hp. The standard gearbox is a seven-speed manual, although a ten-speed auto is also an option.
Additionally, there is an optional turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 that produces an even more remarkable 310 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque when coupled only with an automatic transmission. Independent studies show that the Ford Bronco’s standard engine can accelerate it from 0 to 60 mph (96 kph) in 7.6 seconds, while the V6 can do the same in 6.2 seconds. The maximum speed is 124 mph (199 kph).
4. 2024 Genesis GV80
Price Range: $57,450 – $81,500
The most recent generation of the Genesis GV80, the company’s first SUV, lives up to the high standards set by German consumers. The Genesis GV80 is equipped as standard with a 2.5-liter turbo-four engine that produces 311 lb-ft of torque and 300 hp.
This is sufficient to move the huge SUV with mild enthusiasm and is comparable to what other luxury automakers offer in their entry-level models. But the real pleasure is in the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, which is available with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque.
Both engines are combined with a seamless eight-speed automatic transmission that just transmits power to the rear wheels. The Genesis GV80 has a top speed of 149 mph (239 kph) and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (96 kph) in about 5.5 seconds when powered by a V8 or slightly longer in around six seconds when using a four-cylinder.
3. 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Price Range: $39,535 – $65,360
The 2024 fifth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of those cars that can do well on rough terrain and be used comfortably every day. The Jeep Grand Cherokee only offers a single engine, a 3.6-liter V6 producing 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.
For the majority of the trims, you have the option of a rear- or four-wheel powertrain, and this power plant is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Even though the Jeep Grand Cherokee isn’t exactly a sprinter, its big V8 engine can get it to 60 mph (96 kph) in 6.2 seconds.
Light and precise steering makes the suspension specifically tailored for comfort, making it perfect for driving in cities. The SUV has a top speed of 180 mph (289 kph) and a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds (2812 kg) with the V6 and 7,200 pounds (3265 kg) with the V8 when equipped with the proper gear.
2. 2024 Hyundai Palisade
Price Range: $36,400 – $53,600
Many customers think that only full-size SUVs can provide enough comfort, but the midsize 2024 Hyundai Palisade makes a compelling case. It’s always been a cost-effective choice for people on a tight budget, but it also provides more value than more costly options.
The Hyundai Palisade’s 3.8-liter V6 engine produces a respectable 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, sufficient power to transport eight passengers and their belongings. This is connected to an automatic eight-speed transmission, which may send outputs to either front or all-wheel drive.
With this configuration, the heavy SUV accelerates well, and even though the gearbox can be a little erratic at times, the Hyundai Palisade can reach a high speed of 132 mph (212 kph) and go from 0 to 60 mph (96 kph) in around 7 seconds.
1. 2024 Kia Telluride
Price Range: $35,990 – $53,185
The mid-size SUV market in the USA is fiercely competitive and full of strong competitors, so any manufacturer looking to make more than a blip on the radar would have to create a special vehicle. In this very competitive class, the Kia Telluride is up against cars like the new Mazda CX-90, which also has a third row of seats.
With 291 hp from its normally aspirated V6 powertrain, the Telluride is not the most thrilling car to drive. It is outperformed in terms of power and economy by more contemporary turbocharged competitors, but it still has a lot going for it. The Kia Telluride’s 3.8-liter V6 naturally aspirated engine produces 262 lb-ft of torque.
It takes about 6.7 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph (96 kph) with AWD, which is good for this class. It has a long list of standard equipment, astonishingly premium interior finishes, plenty of space, and so many different trim options that there’s a Telluride for everyone.
Conclusion
SUVs are ideal for long road trips because of their practicality as family movers, ample cargo space, and high ground clearance. Although larger V8 engines and smaller four-cylinder engines have long been the norm for SUV powertrains, a newer variety of V6 engines is quickly becoming a fan favorite. A V6 SUV, as the name implies, has six cylinders arranged in a V pattern.
With this engine, you can enjoy a sportier ride, get more torque and acceleration quickly, and pull more weight. However, finding the ideal 6-cylinder SUV can be challenging with so many options and configurations. To that end, we have compiled a shortlist of the 8 best 6-cylinder SUVs. Check out their features and specifications to see which works best for you.
