V6 engines represent an appealing middle ground for pickup trucks, providing a solid alternative to both fuel-efficient four-cylinder options and the more powerful, but less economical, V8s. Many of the best pickup trucks for 2025 come equipped with V6 engines, with some utilizing turbocharging to deliver V8-like performance. However, Chevrolet and GMC are notably absent from this list, as they primarily use four-cylinder or V8 engines for their pickups, though both offer inline-six turbodiesel options.
This list highlights the top V6-powered trucks based on our BuzzScore methodology. BuzzScores are assigned in relation to direct segment competitors, so the trucks listed here may not compete directly against each other, even if their scores are similar. Learn more about how BuzzScore ratings work here.
1. Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 tops our list with a BuzzScore of 8.7 out of 10. While offering multiple engine choices, including a powerful inline-six, the Ram 1500 still provides a V6 option. The 2025 Ram 1500 Tradesman, Tradesman HFE, and Big Horn trims come standard with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 mild hybrid engine, producing 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. The maximum towing capacity for the V6 model is 8,110 pounds. The Ram 1500 is praised for its stylish design, premium interior, and exceptionally smooth ride quality.
The Ram 1500 may not sell as well as the Silverado or F-150, but it’s arguably still the most comfortable and upscale of the large pickups.
– Jared Rosenholtz, CarBuzz
2. Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 remains a popular choice, offering four different V6 engine options across its various trims. The most potent is a 3.5-liter PowerBoost full-hybrid V6, delivering 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque, with a maximum towing capacity of 11,200 pounds. There’s also a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 (400 hp, 500 lb-ft, 13,500-pound max tow rating) and a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 (325 hp, 400 lb-ft, 8,400-pound max tow rating). The F-150’s wide range of body styles, trim levels, and brand recognition drive its continued popularity.
3. Toyota Tundra
The Toyota Tundra is another strong contender in the V6 truck category. It offers three powertrain options, depending on the chosen trim. These include a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 (358 hp, 406 lb-ft), a version tuned for 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid (437 horsepower combined). The Tundra TRD Pro utilizes the hybrid powertrain, providing excellent off-road capability. As with other Lexus-derived drivetrains, it provides a smooth driving experience.
4. Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Frontier, a mid-size pickup, also earns a spot. For 2025, the Frontier offers a single engine choice: a 3.8-liter naturally-aspirated V6 with 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. The Frontier provides a competitive offering in its segment, and is often priced lower than the Tacoma. Maximum towing capacity varies with bed length, up to a maximum of 7,150 pounds in the right configuration.
5. Ram 1500 Ramcharger
The Ram 1500 Ramcharger represents a unique entry. While it contains a 3.6-liter V6, that engine serves as a generator to supply power to electric motors, providing an estimated 690-mile range. The truck delivers a total of 663 horsepower and 615 lb-ft of torque, with a maximum tow rating of 14,000 pounds.
Other V6-Powered Pickup Trucks
Other trucks include the Ford Ranger Raptor, Ford F-150 Raptor, Honda Ridgeline, and Jeep Gladiator. BuzzScore ratings for 2025 will be added as soon as they are available.
Characteristics of the Best V6 Trucks
The appeal of V6 trucks lies in their ability to
- Power mid-size and full-size trucks
- Provide strong outputs and good performance
- Tow heavy loads
- Offer hybridized options for added efficiency
What to Consider When Buying V6 Pickup Trucks
Pros:
- Hybrid V6 engines can offer excellent fuel economy and power
- V6 engines weigh less than V8s
- Improved fuel efficiency compared to eight-cylinder options
- Strong performance metrics
Cons:
- Not the most fuel-efficient configuration
- Higher starting price
- Potentially higher maintenance costs due to engine complexity
Sources: Ram, Ford, Toyota, Nissan
