8 Awesome SUVs That Offer V-6 Power Without The Added Complexity Of A Hybrid

SUVs have dominated the North American market and currently, the choice is as plentiful as ever. Not all is well, however. While hybrids have become a much more popular alternative to EVs of late, not everyone thinks the same. There are those among us who prefer the simplicity of the internal combustion engine without any electric assist. On that front, the SUV offerings that adhere to this requirement are steadily diminishing.

For 2025, models like the Buick Enclave have dropped the V-6 as a powertrain option, but there are still a few picks out there for those who aren't fond of the downsizing trend most carmakers seem to be following. Below, I have compiled a list of eight proven SUV models that feature potent V-6 engines, proven tech, and are great all-rounders for families looking for a spacious SUV.  

Hyundai Palisade: Starting MSRP $38,215 

The Korean carmaker has a strong presence across multiple segments and the Hyundai Palisade is a stalwart in the SUV segment. Its most impressive trait is the luxury character without the luxury price tag, tried-and-tested V-6 engine, rich standard equipment, and the best-in-class ride quality. The unibody platform favors on-road driving as opposed to the body-on-frame chassis, which has more advantages off-road and when towing. The 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is responsive and intuitive.  

You also get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity (for up to two devices simultaneously), as standard, across all trims. Depending on whether you get the captain's chairs or a traditional seat on the second row, the Palisade can sit up to seven or eight passengers. The only downside of the Palisade is the below-average fuel economy.

The all-wheel-drive Palisade gets 21 MPG combined (EPA) - 19 city, 24 highway. Front-wheel-drive models get up to 26 MPG on the highway. 

Hyundai Palisade performance specifications 

• Engine: 3.8-liter, DOHC, normally-aspirated V-6 with Atkinson cycle 
• Power: 291 horsepower at 6,000 RPM 
• Torque: 262 pound-feet at 5,200 RPM 
• Transmission and drivetrain: 8-speed automatic, FWD/ 4WD 
• Curb weight: 4,301-4,506 pounds 
• 0-60 mph: 6.4 seconds 
• Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds 
• Ground clearance: 7.9 inches 
• Approach/ departure/ breakover angle (degrees): 18.5/20.3/17.9 

Ford Explorer: Starting MSRP $41,220 

The sixth-generation Ford Explorer has come a long way since the 1991 original. Since 2011, the American SUV is no longer body on frame, having switched to a unibody platform, better suited for on-road driving. That said, the Ford Explorer is still a capable all-terrain vehicle (within reason) that packs a powerful V-6, lots of standard equipment, great handling, and good towing capacity for a midsize SUV. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and.  

The Ford Explorer does not feature true autonomous driving, but you can take your hands off the wheel if you are on a pre-mapped route. You might want to as the steering feels a bit vague. As a bonus, you can also pretend to be a highway patrol (it's actually illegal). At the very least, other commuters might think you are one. The Explorer can sit up to six or seven passengers, depending on what the second-row configuration is. The third-row seats are power-folding (50/50). Keep in mind, they are a bit cramped. 

In terms of fuel economy, the 3.0-liter Explorer gets 21 MPG combined (EPA) - 18 MPG city, 25 MGP highway – which isn't far from what you get from the base engine with all-wheel drive. 

Ford Explorer performance specifications 

• Engine: 3.0-liter, DOHC, twin-turbo V-6 
• Power: 400 horsepower at 5,500 RPM 
• Torque: 415 pound-feet at 3,500 RPM 
• Transmission and drivetrain: 10-speed automatic, RWD/ 4WD 
• Curb weight: 4,700 pounds 
• 0-60 mph: 6.4 seconds 
• Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds unbraked (5,600 pounds braked) 
• Ground clearance: 7.8-8.2 inches 
• Approach/ departure/ breakover angle (degrees): 19.7-20.5/20.6-21.1/16.8-17.6 

Nissan Pathfinder: Starting MSRP $38,460 

Given Nissan's current situation, it is understandable why you would consider foregoing the Pathfinder as a good SUV offering. In reality, if you are searching for a midsize SUV and plan on driving mostly on the road, the Nissan Pathfinder offers better value for money than the Land Cruiser. The Nissan Pathfinder features a unibody platform, making it less capable off road, compared to some of its rivals.  

On the plus side, the VQ35 DDTT engine packs surprising amount of grunt while returning 23 MPG combined (EPA) - 21 city, 27 highway. The nine-speed automatic is a great match for the V-6 and a big upgrade from the previous model's dreary CVT. Third-row seating is available, but it is among the most cramped in the segment. Higher trims can be had with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, featuring the latest version of NissanConnect as well as Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. 

Nissan Pathfinder performance specifications 

• Engine: 3.5-liter, DOHC, normally-aspirated V-6  
• Power: 284 horsepower at 6,400 RPM 
• Torque: 259 pound-feet at 4,800 RPM 
• Transmission and drivetrain: 9-speed automatic, FWD/ 4WD 
• Curb weight: 4,316-4,470 pounds  
• 0-60 mph: 6.6 seconds 
• Towing capacity: 6,000 pounds 
• Ground clearance: 7.1 inches 
• Approach/ departure/ breakover angle (degrees): 16.1/15.6/20.9 

Kia Telluride: Starting MSRP $36,190 

It isn't very surprising that the Kia Telluride is considered by reputable publications to be one of the best SUVs money can buy. It even takes first place in Cars.USnews' SUV ranking. With a low starting price, generous standard equipment, and a robust V-6 powertrain shared with the Hyundai Palisade, the Kia Telluride seems to be the ultimate long-term family companion. The cabin is spacious and upscale while the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system is one of the best in its class.  

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, as is Bluetooth connectivity. The unibody platform makes the Telluride better suited for on-road driving, but even so, the handling is impressive for an SUV. Like in the Palisade, the Kia Telluride can accommodate up to seven or eight passengers, depending on whether you have a full seat or captain's chairs on the second row.

Going for the all-wheel-drive variant (which you should) means you will have to settle for a combined fuel economy of 20 MPG (EPA) - 18 city, 23 highway. Front-wheel-drive models get up to 26 MPG on the highway. 

Kia Telluride performance specifications 

• Engine: 3.8-liter, DOHC, normally-aspirated V-6 with Atkinson cycle 
• Power: 291 horsepower at 6,000 RPM 
• Torque: 262 pound-feet at 5,200 RPM 
• Transmission and drivetrain: 8-speed automatic, FWD/ AWD 
• Curb weight: 4,301-4,524 pounds  
• 0-60 mph: 6.8 seconds 
• Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds 
• Ground clearance: 8.4 inches 
• Approach/ departure/ breakover angle (degrees): 17.7/23/N/A 

Jeep Grand Cherokee L: Starting MSRP $38,290 

The Grand Cherokee is a staple in American SUV offerings. Currently in its fifth generation, the recognizable Jeep design continues to evolve. Unfortunately, the V-8 is no longer available, but you can still get the tried and tested Pentastar V-6 now as a mild hybrid. There is also an inline-four turbo, but I doubt many people will opt for it. The Grand Cherokee is a true jack of all trades. Despite its unibody chassis, it is just as capable off-road as it is on it.  

The cabin is spacious and provides plenty of room for seven people. The dashboard looks premium, but some materials aren't quite up to premium standard. The infotainment touchscreen is 8.4 or 10.1 inches depending on the trim. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. With 37.72 to 70.81 cubic feet, the Grand Cherokee offers the most cargo space on this list of midsize SUVs.

The combined fuel economy isn't very impressive at 22 MPG (EPA) for the 4WD model. That's 19 city and 26 highway. You can, of course, go for the Grand Cherokee 4xe, which is a lot more fuel-efficient, but you have to sacrifice the V-6 engine.

Jeep Grand Cherokee L performance specifications 

• Engine: 3.6-liter, DOHC, normally-aspirated V-6  
• Power: 293 horsepower at 6,400 RPM 
• Torque: 260 pound-feet at 4,000 RPM 
• Transmission and drivetrain: 8-speed automatic, RWD/ 4WD 
• Curb weight: 4,237-4,475 pounds 
• 0-60 mph: 7.4 seconds 
• Towing capacity: 6,200 pounds (for the V-6) 
• Ground clearance: 8.39-10.91 inches 
• Approach/ departure/ breakover angle (degrees): 20.5-30.1/26.6/19.1-24 

Honda Pilot: Starting MSRP $41,295 

The Honda Pilott makes a strong case for itself in the midsize SUV segment. It comes with a proven J35Y8 V-6 and four-wheel drive, even in base form. The engine is durable and to add to its simplicity, it does not feature VTEC (only VTC). If you are fed up with Toyota discontinuing its normally-aspirated V-6 engine, this SUV is definitely for you. The 10-speed automatic is a good match, but sometimes, it hesitates on downshift, struggling to decide what gear is best for the situation.

Fuel economy is average at best with 19 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway.  

The Honda Pilot also comes with fewer safety features compared to the competition. You do get a better infotainment system than the Passport and seating for up to eight passengers in three-row configuration. With the second and third-row seats down, you are getting a total cargo volume of 111.8 cubic feet. Despite a few shortcomings and the steep price compared to some of its rivals, I would still recommend the Honda Pilot for those looking for a simple and dependable SUV, without the burden of too much tech.  

Honda Pilott performance specifications 

• Engine: 3.5-liter, DOHC, normally-aspirated V-6  
• Power: 285 horsepower at 6,100 RPM 
• Torque: 262 pound-feet at 5,000 RPM 
• Transmission and drivetrain: 10-speed automatic, 4WD 
• Curb weight: 4,229 to 4,262 pounds 
• 0-60 mph: 6.4 seconds 
• Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds 
• Ground clearance: 7.3 inches (8.3 for Trailhawk)
• Approach/ departure/ breakover angle (degrees): 18.3-21.1/18.3-20.3/N/A 

Lexus GX550: Starting MSRP $65,285 

If you are looking to spend a bit more and want a bit more luxury, coupled with dependability, the Lexus GX550 is what you want. Yes, the V35A engine does have some issues, but Toyota is already replacing problematic engines, free of charge. Then, there is the issue with melting side-mirrors and exterior trim, which is also annoying, but once all that is taken care of, the GX550 is, actually, a versatile SUV that cocoons you in luxury.  

Yes, $65,000 is a lot for a midsize SUV, but you do get best-in-class towing capability, and the body-on-frame structure allows you to go in places where most SUVs wouldn't dare, especially in Overtrail guise. Despite sharing the J250 Land Cruiser platform, the Lexus GX550 is quite a different animal.

The downsides are that it isn't as nimble as some other competitors and fuel economy is not the greatest – 15 MPG city, 21 MPG highway. The maximum cargo space is 76 cubic feet, which is alright, but not the best for a midsize SUV. 

Lexus GX550 performance specifications 

• Engine: 3.4-liter, DOHC, twin-turbo V-6  
• Power: 349 horsepower at 4,800-5,200 RPM 
• Torque: 478 pound-feet at 2,000-3,600 RPM 
• Transmission and drivetrain: 10-speed automatic, 4WD 
• Curb weight: 5,564 to 5,709 pounds 
• 0-60 mph: 6.5 seconds 
• Towing capacity: 9.096 pounds (Overtrail) 
• Ground clearance: 8.7 inches 
• Approach/ departure/ breakover angle (degrees): 26/21.3/23 

Dodge Durango: Starting MSRP $41,995 

If an old-school, full-size SUV is what you after, the Dodge Durango is still around, and quite the bargain. The third generation has been around since 2011 with very minor changes over the years, meaning you are getting proven tech. There is a good reason why Dodge still keeps the Pentastar V-6 around. It is mass-produced, cheap to maintain, and generally reliable.  

Dodge Durango has always been a body-on-frame SUV. Even the base engine offers decent pick-up, with fuel economy being 18 MPG in the city, 27 MPG on the highway – around the same as similarly-powered midsize SUVs. The eight-speed Torqueflite (ZF) shifts smoothly and works as pleasantly as you would expect from a modern-day torque-converter automatic.

Standard safety features are a bit scarce compared to the competition, and despite a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen now being standard, some of the tech is showing its age. Do I care? No! The best part? In 2025, you can still get the Dodge Durango with a Hemi V-8.

Dodge Durango performance specifications 

• Engine: 3.6-liter, DOHC, normally-aspirated V-6  
• Power: 293 horsepower at 6,400 RPM 
• Torque: 260 pound-feet at 4,000 RPM 
• Transmission and drivetrain: 8-speed automatic, RWD/ 4WD 
• Curb weight: 4,826 pounds 
• 0-60 mph: 7.4 seconds 
• Towing capacity: 6,200 pounds (for the V-6) 
• Ground clearance: 8.1 inches 
• Approach/ departure/ breakover angle (degrees): 20/21.5/18.1 

If you are not a fan of downsizing and prefer the V-6 to a hybrid four-cylinder, these SUVs feature potent engines without the complexity that comes with electrification. Feel free to share your insight if you own one of these SUV models in the comment section below.

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.

All images are sourced from the official manufacturer websites and press releases.