Six-cylinder engines have become much less common as automakers move toward turbocharged four-cylinders, hybrids and electric powertrains. They have not disappeared, though. For 2026, buyers can still find V6 and inline-six engines in family crossovers, luxury SUVs, off-roaders and performance models.
The important detail is that a six-cylinder is not always standard. In some cases, it is available only on a particular trim, while the rest of the lineup uses a four-cylinder engine. The list below covers U.S.-market 2026 models and identifies where the six-cylinder fits.
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2026 SUVs and crossovers with six-cylinder engines
| Model | Engine | Output | Six-cylinder availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Pilot | 3.5-liter V6 | 285 hp | Standard on every trim |
| Nissan Pathfinder | 3.5-liter V6 | 284–295 hp | Standard across the lineup |
| Acura MDX | 3.5-liter V6 or 3.0-liter turbo V6 | 290–355 hp | Standard V6; Type S gets turbo V6 |
| Lexus GX 550 | 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 | 349 hp | Standard |
| Genesis GV80 | 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 | Not specified in the supplied 2026 source | Available on selected configurations |
| Ford Explorer | 3.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 | 385 hp | ST and available Tremor |
| BMW X5 | 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 48V assistance | 375 hp | xDrive40i |
| BMW X7 | 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 48V assistance | 375 hp | xDrive40i |
| Jeep Wrangler | 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 | 285 hp, 260 lb-ft | Available engine |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 | 293 hp, 260 lb-ft | Standard on Laredo and Laredo X |
1. Honda Pilot
The 2026 Honda Pilot is one of the simplest choices for buyers who specifically want a V6: every Pilot uses the same naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6. It produces 285 horsepower and works with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Honda also rates the Pilot for up to 5,000 pounds of towing when properly equipped. That makes the V6 relevant beyond smooth acceleration; it gives the three-row crossover a useful margin for towing a small camper, boat or utility trailer. Buyers should still check the exact trim, drivetrain and equipment because the maximum rating does not apply to every configuration.
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2. Nissan Pathfinder
Nissan retains a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 in the 2026 Pathfinder and pairs it with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The engine is not tuned identically across the range: SV models produce 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, while higher trims make 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft.
That output, combined with the Pathfinder’s three-row layout, puts it in the same practical category as the Pilot. It is a conventional gasoline powertrain rather than a hybrid, so buyers choosing it should prioritize the V6’s towing and load-hauling ability over maximum fuel economy.
3. Acura MDX
The regular 2026 Acura MDX uses a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 rated at 290 horsepower. It is the mainstream engine for Acura’s three-row luxury crossover.
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4. Lexus GX 550
The 2026 Lexus GX 550 uses a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 as standard equipment. It makes 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, figures that suit the GX’s body-on-frame design and off-road mission.
Unlike a typical unibody crossover, the GX comes with full-time four-wheel drive. Properly equipped versions can tow up to 9,096 pounds, although the exact rating depends on configuration. This is one of the strongest six-cylinder choices for buyers who need serious towing or off-road hardware rather than just a smoother alternative to a four-cylinder.
5. Genesis GV80
The 2026 Genesis GV80 continues to offer a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6, but it is not the standard engine throughout the lineup. Genesis also offers a four-cylinder powertrain, so the engine must be checked when comparing trims or shopping used and dealer inventory.
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The twin-turbo V6 is the choice for buyers who want the GV80’s more substantial power delivery and luxury-SUV character. Since availability varies by configuration, use the vehicle’s window sticker or the exact build specification rather than assuming every GV80 has six cylinders.
6. Ford Explorer
Ford limits the 2026 Explorer’s six-cylinder engine to performance-oriented versions. The Explorer ST uses a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 producing 385 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The V6 is also available in the Tremor.
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Most other Explorer trims use a 2.3-liter four-cylinder, so “2026 Explorer” by itself does not identify the engine. The ST is the clear choice for buyers seeking maximum performance, while the Tremor combines the V6 with a more adventure-focused equipment package. Check the badge, VIN-based specifications or window sticker before assuming a used or dealer-stock Explorer has the V6.
7. BMW X5
The 2026 BMW X5 xDrive40i uses a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-six with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance. BMW lists output at 375 horsepower.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchThis is an inline-six, not a V6. The distinction matters mechanically, but both layouts provide six cylinders and strong torque delivery. The X5 range also includes four-cylinder, V8 and plug-in-hybrid variants, making the xDrive40i designation important. The six-cylinder X5 is a middle-ground choice: more effortless than the four-cylinder models without stepping up to the cost and fuel demands of the V8.
8. BMW X7
The 2026 BMW X7 xDrive40i also uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology and 375 horsepower. In the larger three-row X7, that engine provides the six-cylinder option for buyers who want strong performance without choosing the V8-powered M60i.
The xDrive40i is the key specification to look for. The M60i uses a V8, so the X7 model name alone does not tell you whether the SUV has six or eight cylinders.
9. Jeep Wrangler
The 2026 Jeep Wrangler still offers the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, rated at 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It is an available engine rather than the only powertrain; Jeep also offers a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
The Wrangler remains one of the more distinctive places to find a V6 because engine choice is tied to the vehicle’s off-road and open-air identity rather than luxury or straight-line performance. Buyers should compare the V6 with the available four-cylinder based on intended use, transmission and equipment, not just peak horsepower.
10. Jeep Grand Cherokee
The redesigned 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee retains the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which produces 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Jeep makes it standard on the Laredo and Laredo X.
Higher trims use the new 2.0-liter Hurricane four-cylinder, so the V6 is no longer the lineup-wide default. This is an especially important detail when reading older Grand Cherokee reviews, many of which describe the V6 as if it were standard across every trim. For a 2026 model, confirm that the vehicle is a Laredo or Laredo X—or verify the specific powertrain on the build sheet.
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What to check before buying a six-cylinder SUV
- Confirm the trim. The Explorer, BMW X5, BMW X7, Genesis GV80 and Grand Cherokee do not use a six-cylinder in every version.
- Check the engine layout. BMW’s engines are inline-sixes; the others on this list use V6 engines.
- Separate horsepower from towing capacity. A powerful turbocharged engine does not automatically mean the highest tow rating. Hitch equipment, drivetrain, cooling hardware and vehicle configuration all matter.
- Look at the window sticker. Dealer listings can contain generic model descriptions. The sticker or manufacturer build sheet is more reliable than a headline such as “fully loaded SUV.”
- Use current specifications. The 2026 Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander are not six-cylinder entries; their U.S. powertrains are turbocharged or hybrid four-cylinders. Older V6 buying guides are no longer accurate for those models.
V6 versus inline-six: does it matter?
For most buyers, the cylinder arrangement matters less than the complete powertrain. A V6 is shorter and has long been common in transverse-engine crossovers, while an inline-six is naturally smooth and is often used in longitudinal luxury-SUV platforms. Turbocharging, hybrid assistance, transmission calibration and vehicle weight can have a greater effect on how an SUV feels than the engine’s layout alone.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThe practical distinction is trim availability. A naturally aspirated V6 in a Pilot or Pathfinder is easy to identify because it spans the lineup. A turbocharged V6 in an Explorer ST, or an inline-six in a BMW xDrive40i, requires selecting the right version before comparing price, towing equipment and fuel economy.
FAQ
Which 2026 SUV has a six-cylinder engine as standard on every trim?
The 2026 Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder use a six-cylinder engine across their respective lineups. The Pilot has a 3.5-liter V6, while the Pathfinder uses a 3.5-liter V6.
Are any of these six-cylinder engines inline-sixes?
Yes. The 2026 BMW X5 xDrive40i and BMW X7 xDrive40i use 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engines with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance. The other models listed use V6 engines.
Does the 2026 Toyota Highlander have a V6?
No. The 2026 U.S.-market Toyota Highlander uses turbocharged or hybrid four-cylinder powertrains, so it is not included as a six-cylinder SUV.
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Which six-cylinder SUV has the highest listed towing capacity?
The Lexus GX 550 has the highest listed maximum in this group, with up to 9,096 pounds when properly configured. The Honda Pilot is rated for up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
The Bottom Line
Six-cylinder SUVs are still available, but buyers can no longer assume the engine is standard across an entire model range. The Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder are the straightforward family-crossover choices, the Lexus GX 550 is the heavy-duty option, and the BMW X5 and X7 deliver an inline-six in luxury form. For performance, look at the Acura MDX Type S or Ford Explorer ST; for open-air off-roading, the Jeep Wrangler remains one of the few traditional V6 choices.
Before signing a deal, verify the exact trim and engine. The difference between a six-cylinder and four-cylinder can now be one line on the order sheet—not a difference between model names.
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