The Best 10 6-Cylinder SUVs Of 2026 Deliver Up To 450 HP
The era of V8 SUVs is ending. The best six-cylinder models of 2026 produce up to 450 horsepower while improving fuel efficiency and refinement. Expert rankings from Edmunds and CarBuzz, along with testing from Car and Driver, highlight the top 10 performers. Prices range from $38,000 family models to $99,995 luxury SUVs. Turbocharged and hybrid powertrains deliver strong performance without sacrificing comfort or handling. These SUVs show six-cylinder engines can achieve V8-level power, towing, and refinement. The following list presents the 2026 six-cylinder SUVs that stand above the rest.
#1 — Infiniti QX80
The Infiniti QX80 uses a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, exceeding the prior generation V8 by 50 horsepower, according to Edmunds’ February 2026 review. CarBuzz ranked it among top 6-cylinder SUVs for 2025, praising smooth power delivery and refined on-road manners. Starting at $82,450, it combines full-size luxury with performance. The turbocharged V6 provides competitive advantage in modern luxury SUVs. Its refinement and acceleration invite comparisons to other top-tier models, setting the stage for the remainder of the 2026 six-cylinder lineup.
#2 — Lincoln Navigator
Lincoln’s Navigator features a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, confirmed by Car and Driver in October 2025. Towing capacity reaches 8,700 pounds, showing genuine capability alongside luxury appointments. Starting at $99,995, the Navigator ranks at the premium end of six-cylinder SUVs. CarBuzz included it among the top 10 V6 SUVs for 2025. The twin-turbo engine delivers smooth refinement while reducing fuel consumption compared with older V8s. These attributes demonstrate the balance of performance and luxury expected from a flagship SUV, encouraging buyers to consider its capabilities closely.
#3 — Toyota Sequoia
The Toyota Sequoia pairs a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 with hybrid assistance, producing 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque through the i-FORCE MAX system. Toyota confirms it is hybrid-only for 2026. CarBuzz ranked it third among six-cylinder SUVs, noting seamless integration of electric motors and invisible stop-start operation. Starting at $62,425, the Sequoia achieves 22 combined miles per gallon while delivering V8-level power. Electrification enhances capability. The hybrid system allows maximum towing and acceleration while maintaining efficiency, providing a distinct alternative to traditional turbocharged six-cylinder SUVs for buyers focused on performance and economy.
#4 — Ford Expedition
Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 produces 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque in standard form. A High-Output variant raises power to 440 horsepower. Edmunds named the Expedition a top full-size SUV in December 2025. Maximum towing reaches 9,600 pounds when properly equipped. Starting around $57,000, it demonstrates that turbocharged six-cylinder engines handle heavy workloads with improved efficiency over V8s. Car and Driver highlighted its balance of performance, towing, and everyday usability. The EcoBoost shows mainstream America’s shift toward forced induction and sets expectations for modern full-size SUV capability in both work and leisure.
#5 — Lincoln Aviator
The Lincoln Aviator uses a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. CarBuzz ranked it top of its 2025 six-cylinder SUV lists. Starting at $56,910, this three-row luxury SUV offers premium features at a competitive price. CarBuzz’s January 2025 report noted the Aviator balances acceleration and highway composure better than many German competitors.Its twin-turbo V6 provides smooth power delivery and composed handling. Lincoln shows six-cylinder engines can anchor a luxury lineup without compromise. Observing its combination of refinement and performance offers insight into the evolving premium SUV segment.
#6 — BMW X5
The BMW X5 pairs a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six (B58) producing 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. Edmunds’ December 2025 list included it among the best six-cylinder SUVs. Starting around $65,200, the X5 provides entry to European luxury. The inline-six engine ensures smooth operation and benchmark handling in the midsize luxury SUV segment. German engineering delivers precision and reliability. The X5 combines sportiness with composed highway manners. Comparing it with other luxury SUVs highlights differences in ride and power delivery, showing buyers the range of approaches manufacturers take in 2026 six-cylinder performance.
#7 — Genesis GV70
The Genesis GV70 uses a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Edmunds included it in its December 2025 six-cylinder SUV rankings, praising interior quality and value. Starting at $64,000, the GV70 undercuts German rivals while maintaining comparable performance. Car and Driver noted the Sport Prestige trim achieves 21 miles per gallon in mixed driving. Turbo six-cylinder engines now provide accessible performance and luxury. The GV70 demonstrates that premium features and acceleration are not confined to higher-priced models. It highlights the competitive pressures driving innovation in 2026 SUVs.
#8 — Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 houses a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six producing 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque in higher trims. Edmunds included it in December 2025 rankings of best six-cylinder SUVs. Starting around $40,000, the CX-90 offers inline-six smoothness and low vibration at a mainstream price point. Mazda emphasizes engine balance and comfort over peak horsepower. Its turbocharged six-cylinder blends refinement with usable power for everyday driving. Buyers prioritizing smooth operation find it compelling. The CX-90 proves that six-cylinder engineering focuses on driving experience, not only raw output, and sets expectations for non-luxury SUVs.
#9 — Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride’s 3.8-liter V6 produces 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Edmunds ranked it among December 2025’s best six-cylinder SUVs. Starting around $38,000, it provides three-row practicality without turbocharged complexity. This powertrain is available in 2026, while hybrid variants have been introduced for 2027.The Telluride shows naturally aspirated six-cylinder engines remain relevant for buyers prioritizing reliability and simplicity. Its combination of performance and space appeals to families. Watching the hybrid shift in competitors shows how the segment is evolving toward electrified performance for mainstream models.
#10 — Hyundai Palisade
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade uses a 3.5-liter V6 producing 287 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, slightly lower than the previous 291 horsepower. Edmunds included it in December 2025 rankings for improved refinement and luxury features. Starting around $39,000, it competes with the Telluride while offering different styling and equipment. A hybrid variant launching Fall 2025 will produce 329 combined horsepower, Hyundai confirms. The Palisade shows manufacturers prioritize sophistication and fuel efficiency. Its combination of refinement, features, and emerging hybrid options rounds out the top 10 six-cylinder SUVs of 2026.
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Sources:
The Best 6-Cylinder SUVs of 2026. Edmunds, December 14, 2025
Best 6-Cylinder SUVs For 2025. CarBuzz, January 27, 2025
Best V6 SUVs Of 2025. CarBuzz, January 28, 2025
2026 INFINITI QX80 Performance: Towing, MPG, & Horsepower. Infiniti USA, December 31, 2025
2026 Infiniti QX80 Review, Pricing, and Specs. Car and Driver, August 5, 2025
2026 Lincoln Navigator Review, Pricing, and Specs. Car and Driver, October 21, 2025
