There Are Only 3 Light Duty Full-Size Pickups With A V8 Engine Left For 2025
It’s no secret: the V8 is on its way out. From our beloved V8 sedans to our trusty V8 trucks, every segment of the car market is ditching V8s in a drive toward increased efficiency and electrification. While eight-cylinder power has a very long history and was once a common sight in American cars and trucks, today even rugged workhorses (such as the Ram 1500) are opting for alternative powertrain options.
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2025 Ford F-150 XL 2WD Reg Cab 6.5' Box
However, three light-duty trucks on sale in 2025 still come with a V8 under the hood: the GMC Sierra, its Chevrolet-badged sibling the Silverado, and the mighty Ford F-150, the best-selling vehicle in America for several decades. Let’s explore the pickup trucks that still have something on offer for the die-hard V8 enthusiasts.
We take a look at the three full-sized picks on sale in 2025 with a V8 before analyzing why the market is veering away from the beloved powerplants. This article was originally published in August 2024, but has been updated with the latest information available in February 2025.
GMC Sierra
2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate Black Front Angle Driving
Engine | 5.3 or 6.2 NA V8 |
|---|---|
Power | 355/420 hp |
Torque | 383/460 lb-ft |
Towing Capacity | 13,100/8,900 lbs |
Fuel Consumption (city/highway/combined) | 16/21/18 MPG and 15/19/16 MPG |
The Sierra is the GMC-badged sibling of the Chevrolet Silverado with which it shares most components. The current generation of both models (fifth for the Sierra, fourth for the Silverado) was introduced for the 2019 model year. The smaller member of the Sierra lineup, the 1500, can be had with two choices of naturally aspirated V8 powertrain: a 5.3-liter option producing 355 hp or a 6.2-liter option producing 420 hp.
The Sierra 1500 is available in eight different trim levels. The 5.3-liter V8 is available as an option on the entry-level Pro trim, and comes as standard on the mid-level SLT; the 6.2-liter is optional on the SLT, and standard on the top-level Denali Ultimate. The trim level isn’t the only choice to make when selecting a Sierra: a short (5.8-foot), standard (6.6-foot) or long (8-foot) bed are available, and there are three body styles (Regular Cab, Double Cab and Crew Cab) to choose from.
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Towing capacity for V8-powered Sierras hovers around the 11,000-lb mark, with the exact figure depending on factors such as trim and choice of either a RWD or 4WD drivetrain.
As the lowest trim level, the Pro is the bare-bones version of the Sierra: ideal for commercial vehicle owners, and all drivers whose main point of interest is the V8 rather than the comfort level of the cabin. Higher trims bring about a greater degree of comfort, with features such as an upgraded infotainment system with larger screens, power-adjustable seats, and leather upholstery. The height of luxury comes with the Denali Ultimate, which, as well as the larger engine as standard, offers a number of creature comforts including powered steps, a powered sunroof, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, and a head-up display with a digital rearview mirror.
Chevrolet Silverado
2024 Chevrolet Silverado Z72 front
Engine | 5.3 or 6.2 NA V8 |
|---|---|
Power | 355/420 hp |
Torque | 383/460 lb-ft |
Towing Capacity | 13,300/8,900 lbs |
Fuel Consumption (city/highway/combined) | 16/21/18 MPG and 15/19/16 MPG |
The Sierra’s Chevrolet counterpart is the Silverado, which offers a very similar package. While the Silverado EV that arrived last year stole the limelight, the gas-powered version is still very much the core part of Chevrolet’s offering. The Silverado comes with the same two choices of V8 as its GMC sibling: the 5.3-liter option (with an output of 355 hp and 383 lb/ft of torque), or the 6.2-liter (which produces 420 hp and 460 lb/ft of torque). The latter enables the Silverado to access its maximum towing capacity of 13,300 lbs. Silverados equipped with the larger V8 also receive active dual exhaust, adding a more aggressive note, especially when driving in Sport Mode.
A total of nine trim levels are available, as well as three body styles and three bed lengths (similar to the Sierra). If you are looking for a Silverado that offers plenty of luxury as well as power, the High Country model is the one to choose; the equivalent of the Sierra’s Denali trim, it comes with plenty of comfort features for a more pleasant driver and passenger experience.
GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate Badge
These include the use of high-quality materials such as perforated leather and wood trim, wireless charging, a heated steering wheel, and heated seats in the front and rear (with ventilation in the front).
While the Trail Boss trim is already well-equipped with features to handle rough terrain, there is also a standalone off-road version of the Silverado on the market, called the 1500 ZR2. While the ZR2’s default powertrain is a 3.0-liter inline-six Duramax diesel, the 6.2-liter gas-powered V8 is available as an option. What the ZR2 lacks in towing capacity (which only goes up to 8,900 lbs) it makes up for in off-road prowess, thanks to its 33-inch tires, electronic-locking front and rear differentials, specially tuned suspension, and an additional three inches of ground clearance (bringing it up to 11.2 inches). The ZR2 Bison amps up the party with a few mainly cosmetic upgrades, including gloss-black wheels and stamped-steel bumpers.
Ford F-150
2024 Ford F-150 Lariat front three-quarter
Engine | 5.0-liter NA V8 |
|---|---|
Power | 400 hp |
Torque | 410 lb-ft |
Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs |
Fuel Consumption (city/highway/combined) | 17/25/20 MPG |
The Ford F-150 has been the best-selling vehicle in America for the better part of four decades; combining practicality, comfort, and reliability, it has something to offer for every type of driver, from the commuting parent to the construction site worker.
While there is a wide range of engines available for this year’s model, only one V8 option is on offer: the iconic 5.0-liter Coyote. This naturally aspirated engine produces 400 hp and 410 lb/ft of torque, and can also be found under the hood of the Mustang. The only choice of transmission is a ten-speed automatic, but the lower three trims (the XL, STX, and XLT) are available with either a rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive layout. Moving upwards in the lineup, a further four trim levels are available: the Tremor, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum (available with the optional Platinum Plus Equipment Group, which almost constitutes a separate trim as it adds $10,975 to the price tag).
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While the first three trims are fairly no-frills and better suited as a work truck thanks to their spartan interior, the Lariat adds a host of extras such as heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, a premium sound system, and leather upholstery. The Tremor focuses on off-roading capability (with 33-inch all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance and off-road suspension), and enhances its rugged appearance with orange accents in its grille. The Platinum turns the luxury aspect up to 11, with contoured seats for ultimate comfort.
There are three body styles (Regular Cab, SuperCab and SuperCrew) and three bed lengths (5.5-foot, 6.5-foot, and 8-foot) on offer, making the number of combinations available very large: no matter what your driving needs are, there is an F-150 out there for you.
Why Are V8-Powered Trucks Dying Out?
2025 Toyota Tundra Hybrid Rock Crawling White
There are several reasons why the V8-powered truck is disappearing from the market, but ultimately it all boils down to the same factors that killed the V8 in other automotive segments: poor efficiency and the threat of electrification and hybridization. While the V8 has a lot to offer in terms of raw power, the advancement of technology has made it possible for smaller, lower-displacement engines to achieve similar levels of performance, while considerably improving fuel efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. A prime example is the new twin-turbocharged Hurricane inline-six, used to power certain models in the 2025 Ram 1500 range. Ram is also introducing the Ramcharger, which is a mix of old-school ICE and EV.
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An increasing number of pickup trucks are also now being offered as hybrids, and although all-electric trucks are still far from a common sight on American roads (and seen as a bit of an oddity), they are making rapid progress toward gaining a bigger share of the market. The V8 simply took a bit longer to disappear from the world of trucks because it still held some advantages that overcame its shortcomings, such as good towing and hauling abilities.
However, now that smaller engines are achieving comparable results and EVs offer instant torque without the environmental impact, the mighty V8 has found its territory being encroached on by an increasing number of competitors. These three trucks are proof that, even though the V8’s heyday may be coming to an end, there is still life in it, and it’s not time to say goodbye just yet.
