10 V6 SUVs That Deliver Power And Efficiency In Equal Measure

The days of big, powerful V8 engines are numbers. Today’s vehicles can generate more horsepower and return much better efficiency figures by using V6 engines. This measure of equal parts power and efficiency allows SUVs to be lighter, more capable, and easier to handle on the road.

You might think that full-size SUVs would continue to utilize large V8 engines, but most have transitioned from the old big blocks with four cylinders on each side of the V to something smaller and more capable. These V6-powered SUVs deliver the power and efficiency required to handle towing, road trips, and daily driving duties.

Hyundai Palisade

291 Horsepower | Fuel Efficiency: 19/26 MPG

The Hyundai Palisade has a naturally aspirated V6 with more than enough power for your driving needs. Instead, you get raw power for this family hauler, but that also means the fuel mileage is a bit lacking. Still, the numbers are good enough to make the cut.

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This Hyundai SUV is a versatile choice, giving you the family-friendly value you need that can approach luxury SUV quality in the higher trims. The Palisade is a sophisticated and comfortable midsize three-row SUV with room for everyone.

Pros

• Plenty of space for adults in all three rows
• Lots of standard and optional high-tech features
• Comfortable seating and ride quality

Cons

• Handling isn’t quite as stable as that of some rivals
• Impractically narrow door storage pockets
• Wind noise seeps through the doors

Kia Telluride

291 Horsepower | Fuel Efficiency: 20/26 MPG

When the 2020 model year opened up, one SUV took the market by storm. Five years later, the 2025 Kia Telluride is still dominating its class as one of the top choices. It has the right package for large families to enjoy a pleasant ride.

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This Kia SUV brings versatility and comfort to any drive. You can take it wherever you need to go (except the toughest trails) and enjoy a smooth, comfortable, and secure drive. The power and efficiency are good enough for road trips and daily commutes.

Pros

• Plush ride and well-shaped seats offer all-day comfort
• Spacious interior for large families
• Lots of standard tech and safety features for the money

Cons

• Less small-item storage than some competitors
• Slightly jerky acceleration under full throttle
• No wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

Jeep Grand Cherokee

293 Horsepower | Fuel Efficiency: 19/26 MPG

The combination of rugged good looks, off-road capability, and a reputation for toughness makes the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee an easy choice. You might not expect it to offer power and efficiency equally, but it does, and that makes it a good choice for most driving needs.

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Today’s version of this Jeep SUV is much different from the models of old. You can choose a plug-in-hybrid 4xe model or the three-row Grand Cherokee L to enjoy more efficiency and versatility. With nine trim levels offered, this SUV can meet the needs of nearly every driver.

Pros

• Stout towing capabilities
• Impressive list of standard and optional advanced driver aids
• Better off-road capability than most other midsize SUVs

Cons

• Confusing button layout
• Competitors offer more power
• AWD is optional on lower trims

Audi Q7

335 Horsepower | Fuel Efficiency: 18/23 MPG

The 2025 Audi Q7 can sometimes fly under the radar in the midsize luxury SUV segment, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have a lot to offer. This impressive SUV has a graceful design, a high-tech interior, three rows of seats, and plenty of available power.

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This Audi may have a three-row cabin and a tall profile, but that doesn’t take away from its sporty driving demeanor, which makes it one of the most engaging and comfortable SUVs you’ll drive. The Q7 delivers excellent power for towing and driving.

Pros

• Exceptional interior materials and build quality
• Plenty of standard and optional tech features
• Pleasing balance between a smooth ride and agile handling

Cons

• Less cargo space than some competitors
• Cramped third-row seat
• Distracting infotainment system

Porsche Cayenne

348 Horsepower | Fuel Efficiency: 17/23 MPG

If you want two rows of excellence in a high-end SUV, the 2025 Porsche Cayenne is an excellent choice. This impressive SUV starts with a powerful V6 that’s capable and ready to handle nearly everything you want to throw its way.

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The beauty of this Porsche SUV is that it doesn’t defy the sporting image of the brand, instead, it defines it perfectly. The handling is incredible, and the power makes the Cayenne fast and fun, ensuring you have the exhilarating experience you expect in a Porsche.

Pros

• New GTS has standout performance at a lower price than the Turbo E-Hybrid
• All Cayenne trims feature exquisite interior and build-quality
• Lots of customization options

Cons

• Options increase price quickly
• Poor rear visibility
• No three-row option

Genesis GV70

375 Horsepower | Fuel Efficiency: 18/24 MPG

The powerful V6 version of the 2025 Genesis GV70 is the higher trim and powertrain. This means you can have good power and impressive qualities in the Genesis SUV that you drive every day. The only disappointing aspect of this SUV is the poor towing figures.

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Genesis challenges the status quo in the luxury market with more affordable vehicles that have excellent feature packages. The GV70 delivers refinement, style, and value to the market, putting other luxury SUVs on notice.

Pros

• Spacious interior with comfortable seating
• Composed ride and handling
• Costs thousands less than other luxury SUVs

Cons

• A few interior controls can be inconvenient to reach or use
• Could use more interior storage for small items
• Taller adults can feel squeezed in the rear seats

Genesis GV80

375 Horsepower | Fuel Efficiency: 16/22/ MPG

The power is excellent, but the efficiency is questionable in the 2025 Genesis GV80. Still, the efficiency figures aren’t going to keep anyone from buying this impressive luxury SUV, which has the goods to be one of the top choices on the market.

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Genesis gives this impressive SUV a design that demands attention wherever it goes. The impressive power of the V6 is more than enough to tow a medium-sized trailer to your next fun destination. Step inside and check out the plush accommodation of the GV80’s cabin.

Pros

• Impressively smooth ride quality
• Lots of luxury and tech features at an attractive price
• Quiet cabin with premium materials

Cons

• Base V56 trim is now a lot more expensive than before
• Available third-row seat is pretty small
• Subpar fuel economy

Lincoln Aviator

400 Horsepower | Fuel Efficiency: 17/25 MPG

If you’re looking for comfort over performance in your V6-powered SUV, the 2025 Lincoln Aviator should be on your list. This midsize three-row SUV brings power and good efficiency to the mix while also providing you with respectable towing abilities.

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This impressive Lincoln SUV has a big motor, compliant suspension, and plush cabin, which add up to a modern Town Car ride in an SUV body. This means you’ve got the versatility you need in an SUV while enjoying the smooth and comfortable ride of the Aviator.

Pros

• Upscale design inside and out
• Quick acceleration
• Plenty of advanced features

Cons

• Underwhelming real-world fuel economy
• Subpar visibility
• Overly soft handling

Ford Expedition

440 Horsepower | Fuel Efficiency: 17/23 MPG

If only a big SUV will do, the 2025 Ford Expedition could be the V6-powered brute you need. This beast has the horsepower and towing capacity to put most other SUVs to shame, and it does this with a strong V6 power plant.

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Ford refreshed the Expedition for 2025, giving it new lighting, a revised grille, and some new wheel designs. These elements give this big SUV a refreshed look that makes it more attractive than before. The Expedition can handle the biggest jobs for you.

Pros

• Potent powertrain
• Cavernous cabin
• Tows like a pickup truck

Cons

• Truckish handling
• Noticeable cheapness inside
• Higher trims approach luxury SUV levels

Lincoln Navigator

440 Horsepower | Fuel Efficiency: 17/23/ MPG

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator is the luxury cousin to the Ford Expedition. The two big brutes share a platform and a powertrain. The Navigator can seat up to eight passengers, and it’s one of the most comfortable full-size SUVs available.

Most Popular Powertrain Specifications

The comfort-first mentality of Lincoln means you’ll have an SUV capable of taking your family and a large boat wherever you need to go, while also enjoying the plush cabin features offered. The Navigator also has BlueCruise for some hands-free driving.

Pros

• Powerful twin-turbocharged V6
• Impressive roster of standard features
• Handsome exterior

Cons

• Fuel efficiency is middling at best
• Size makes it hard to drive in urban environments
• Big wheels hurt the ride