In many ways, six-cylinder engines and SUVs go together better than turbocharged four-bangers or gas-guzzling V-8 engines. A six-cylinder engine is naturally smoother, which makes it ideal for families and long-distance road trips. Slap on a turbocharger, and they can make more than enough power to make a full-size luxury SUV feel light on its feet. When paired with a hybrid system, they can even save you a ton on fuel bills.
Automakers already know this, which is why six-cylinder SUVs, both V-6 and inline-six engines, are making a big comeback. Your options range from humble Hyundais to the legendary G-Wagon, with ample options in between, whether you’re looking for a practical grocery getter or a rugged adventurer. So, if you are in the market for a powerful, refined SUV, these 10 six-cylinder SUVs are your best bet.
Updated: December 2025
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2026 Hyundai Palisade
Power Output: 287 HP
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade has quickly established itself as a standout in the midsize SUV market since its debut in 2020. Known for its spacious interior, upscale features, and performance, the 2026 model continues to impress families and adventurers alike. It’s powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine producing 287 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available AWD, promising a smooth, responsive driving experience.
With its bold and modern design, the Palisade not only looks appealing but also offers practicality and comfort. It can seat up to eight passengers, offers ample cargo space, and features a suite of advanced safety features, making it ideal for modern families. It’s supported by a range of features, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen, H-Tex trimmed seats, heated and ventilated first and second row seats, and more, depending on the trim.
2026 Chevrolet Blazer RS
Power Output: 308 HP
Since its comeback in 2019, the Chevrolet Blazer has made a strong comeback in the SUV market, combining sporty styling with versatile performance. The 2026 Blazer RS model builds on this success with an available powerful 3.6-liter V-6 engine that produces 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with an available nine-speed automatic gearbox, promising responsive acceleration and engaging driving dynamics, making for one of the best small SUVs with a V6 engine.
The Blazer RS FWD with the V-6 starts at $47,045, whereas the AWD starts at $49,295, so you are paying a bit of a premium for the engine. Fortunately, this trim makes up for it in more ways than performance. It gets standard 20-inch wheels, Chevy Safety Assist, an 8-inch diagonal driver information system, a Bose premium audio system, and more over the lower variants. It’s a stylish choice if you’re looking for the best V6 SUV under $50k.
2026 Mazda CX-70
Power Output: 340 HP
Mazda has had a prominent presence in the US market in recent years, and the 2026 Mazda CX-70 sits right in the middle of it. This two-row crossover embodies everything the flagship CX-90 does well but in a smaller, cheaper shell. As a result, it naturally comes with the same engine options as the CX-90: a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six, producing 280 horsepower in the base variant and 340 horsepower with the Turbo S trim, with mild-hybrid boost.
The CX-70 balances its performance with elegance and utility throughout, though this impact is mainly evident in the clean-cut cabin. It features a spacious, inviting atmosphere that is well-crafted to mirror more upscale experiences. On top of all that, the CX-70 is as safe as they come, with ample active and passive safety features that ensure occupant safety in any event. It even snagged the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick title.
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2026 Mazda CX-90
Power Output: 340 HP
For some time now, Mazda has refined its SUVs to become some of the most well-rounded on the market. The 2026 CX-90 is that, bringing a refined, luxurious cabin and powerful engine options. Right from the Select base model, you can enjoy a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with 280 horsepower, which increases to 340 horsepower on higher trims. i-ACTIVE AWD, 5k pounds towing capacity, and Mi-Drive modes mean that the CX-90 doesn’t mind rolling up its sleeves once in a while.
As Mazda’s flagship SUV, the CX-90 also offers a heightened sense of luxury, especially from the upholstery and dashboard. It can seat up to eight passengers and, depending on the trim, offers features such as 21-inch alloy wheels, i-ACTIVESENSE safety tech, and a panoramic moonroof. The SUV ranks high for safety, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ title and a 5-Star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
2026 Genesis GV70
Power Output: 375 HP
Genesis is stepping up and occupying some of the luxury SUV market that is otherwise dominated by mostly German cars, and this Korean company’s weapon of choice is the 2026 GV70. It features plenty of engine performance, driving dynamics, and features you’d expect of a luxury SUV. In the GV70’s lineup, the 3.5T trim unlocks the V-6, which produces 375 horsepower. The transmission is an eight-speed automatic that sends power to all four wheels.
Style and elegance also come standard with every GV70, with its bold, handsome appearance reminiscent of the highest-class vehicles, including the likes of Rolls-Royce and Bentley, to name a few. However, Genesis is anything but a copy of those models as it offers its own special blend of comfort and tech features, including large interior screens, a heads-up display, a loaded safety and assist suite, an electronic limited-slip diff, and much, much more.
Because Genesis offers way more amenities and is far more luxurious on the inside than any of its competition — it’s just an amazing all-rounder.
– Chris Chin for TopSpeed
2026 BMW X5
Power Output: 375 HP
The 2026 BMW X5 is the German manufacturer’s mid-sized SUV, between the smaller X3 and the full-sized X7. There are three powertrains on offer, with the standard being a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six that produces 375 horsepower. This lets the X5 reach 60 miles per hour from a standstill in just over five seconds, helped by BMW’s eight-speed automatic transmission. The X5 xDrive50e features the same engine with a plug-in hybrid system, boosting power to 483 horsepower; it has an all-electric range of 38 miles.
BMW recently upgraded its interiors to something sharper and on par with the competition, and the X5 is no exception. You get heated front seats, adjustable ambient lighting, and even a panoramic sunroof as standard. The SUV also features advanced smartphone connectivity through BMW’s latest Operating System 8.5, which is paired with a curved display, adding a touch of upscale exclusivity as one would expect from a Bimmer.
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2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
Power Output: 375 HP
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS is an amazing option for those looking for one of the best six-cylinder SUVs that offers S-Class luxury. It packs a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with mild-hybrid assistance. Couple this with a nine-speed automatic gearbox, and you have a capable, efficient powerplant that delivers 375 horsepower. Its off-road capabilities may surprise some, too, drawing from its G-Wagon cousin, and supported by underbody plating and adaptive suspension.
The GLS’ road manners and road presence are something that cannot be understated, as this use is dripping enough class to cause a slip-and-fall. It can seat up to seven people, depending on its configuration. All passengers will enjoy many luxury features, including a panoramic sunroof, four-zone climate control, a Burmester sound system, and more. Everything is supported by a laundry list of driver assistance and safety features.
2026 Ford Explorer ST
Power Output: 400 HP
The Ford Explorer has been an iconic name in the SUV market since its debut in 1990, and in its 2026 Ford Explorer ST iteration, it remains a go-to family SUV. The 2026 Explorer ST is powered by a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine that delivers 400 horsepower. It pairs with a 10-speed automatic, ensuring responsive performance in various driving conditions, and can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it ideal for outdoor adventures and family outings.
The 2026 model also features a striking design that combines sporty aesthetics with functional elements, making it a standout on the road. Inside, it offers spacious three-row seating, advanced infotainment, and a suite of safety features. With its combination of power, comfort, and cutting-edge technology, the Explorer ST remains a leading choice for those seeking an SUV that excels in both performance and practicality.
2026 Lincoln Navigator
Power Output: 440 HP
The 2026 Lincoln Navigator is an opulent and comfortable full-size SUV powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine that delivers an impressive 440 horsepower. The powerplant is mated to a swift 10-speed automatic gearbox, and the driveline can either be RWD or AWD. This lets the Navigator tow up to 8,700 pounds, more than enough for occasional vacations and work trips. It’s a hearty beast with enough grunt to get the job done, making it one of the best V6 SUVs.
This underrated Lincoln also has enough class to grant access to the upper echelon of utility vehicles, thanks to its upscale appointments and nifty amenities. It can fit up to eight people or fold the second and third row seats to open up a massive cargo space, which is even better on the Navigator L. Independent adaptive suspension, AdvanceTrac with roll stability, hill descent control, and side-wind stabilization are also present to aid the SUV’s comfort and capability efforts.
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2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Power Output: 443 HP
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Glass, or G-Wagon, as it’s called, is one of the most iconic off-road SUVs you can buy today. In its standard G550 trim, it is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine producing 443 horsepower and is supported by a mild hybrid system. Helping the SUV’s off-road abilities are three locking differentials, short overhangs, high ground clearance, and a 27.5-inch fording depth, making it a terrific off-road-ready 6-cylinder SUV.
The G-Class is not just about off-roading, though. Inside, it features some luxury features befitting its $154,900 starting price, including leather upholstery, massaging seats, 18-speaker Burmester stereo, and more. Then comes the iconic boxy SUV shape that gives it a bold, timeless look and an accommodating interior. Combined, the performance, features, and design make this a true automotive icon that’s also one of the best 6-cylinder SUVs.
Source: Mercedes-Benz, Lincoln, Hyundai, and other manufacturers; IIHS, NHTSA