Six-cylinder engines are renowned for their smooth power delivery while striking a pleasing balance between the efficiency of a four-pot and the grunt of a V8. In a large SUV especially, many buyers consider a 6-cylinder engine a minimum requirement, even though turbocharged four-pots are becoming more popular. Based on our BuzzScore rating methodology, these are the best 6-cylinder SUVs for 2024, with some being 2023 models that are still on sale in 2024. These vehicles are not all about their refined powertrains, though – our BuzzScore takes into account all aspects of each vehicle, from design to features, reliability, safety, and more.
Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here.
2024 Kia Telluride
Base MSRP
$36,190
Fuel Economy
20/26 MPG
Model
Telluride
Engine
3.8L V6 Gas
Horsepower
291 hp
Our first favorite SUV with a 6-cylinder engine is this. A mid-life facelift for the 2023 model year further bolstered our impressions of the Kia Telluride, one of the most complete packages in the three-row SUV segment. It starts with the stylish yet rugged styling, while the interior delights with its spaciousness and plentiful features.
The 3.8-liter V6 engine delivers 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic that directs power to the front or all four wheels. The engine is smooth, but it’s not the most responsive or efficient powertrain in its class. That still doesn’t take away from the Telluride’s overall excellence. The Telluride starts at $36,190, but you can spend over $53k on a well-specced version.
There aren’t many things we’d do to improve the Telluride at this point, except perhaps add a frugal hybrid model. We think it’s as close to a perfect family SUV as there can be.
– Jared Rosenholtz, CarBuzz Editor-at-Large
2024 Hyundai Palisade
Model
Palisade
Base MSRP
$36,650
Engine
3.8L V6 Gas
Horsepower
291 hp
Fuel Economy
19/26/22 mpg (FWD) | 29/24/21 mpg (AWD)
With the same BuzzScore as the Telluride (9.1 out of 10), the Palisade is just as capable as its Kia cousin. It has the same 3.8-liter V6 engine, comparable performance, and an eight-speed automatic. Starting at $36,650, the Palisade is a few hundred bucks pricier than the Telluride. If you go for the Palisade AWD, it will return 1 mpg more than the comparable Telluride. Ultimately, the difference between these two will come down to a preference for either the Hyundai or Kia brand or which SUV’s styling you prefer. Either 6-cyl SUV is a strong choice, though, and both are the bechmarks in the three-row family SUV segment.
Lincoln Navigator L
Along with the Telluride and Palisade, the Navigator L is the only other six-cylinder SUV with a BuzzScore of 9.1/10. Unlike the Korean twins, the Lincoln plays in the much more elite full-size SUV segment. In ‘L’ form, the Navigator has a body length of almost 222 inches, so its footprint is substantial. Fortunately, the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 makes 440 hp and 510 lb-ft, so power is not in short supply. When we drove the Navigator Black Label, we praised it for its class-best rear-seat comfort and smooth ride. The Navigator L also has plenty of cargo space, even with all three seating rows in place, and can be specified with indulgent extras like a 28-speaker sound system. The 2024 Navigator L starts at $98,595 for the Reserve L, but you can spend well over $110k for a fully loaded model.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Model
Grand Cherokee
Base MSRP
$38,035
Engine
3.6L V6 Gas
Horsepower
293 hp
Fuel Economy
19/26 MPG
This 6-cylinder mid-size SUV has become a rather handsome beast in its latest incarnation, and the top models are more luxurious than ever. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine is used in many other Stellantis products, including the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Pacifica. In the Grand Cherokee, it makes 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Rear- or all-wheel drive is available, but all models have an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2024 Grand Cherokee SUV with a 6-cylinder engine starts at $36,495, but top models will exceed $60k. These have features like four-zone climate control, Nappa leather seats, and much more.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
If you need a Grand Cherokee with more space, the three-row Grand Cherokee L is that SUV. It starts at just over $40k, but that’s for a more generous specification than in the base Grand Cherokee. The Grand Cherokee L’s body is longer by over 10 inches, and its wheelbase has been lengthened by five inches. Besides its extra seating capacity, the cargo space behind the second row is 46.9 cubic feet, well up on the normal Grand Cherokee’s 37.7 cu-ft. It’s heavier, though, so efficiency from the V6 takes a bit of a knock in this application. Overall, the Grand Cherokee L is an excellent six-cylinder SUV.
2024 Lexus TX
Lexus finally has a properly roomy three-row SUV in its stable. This one shares a platform with the Toyota Grand Highlander but comes with the more premium finishes associated with the Lexus marque. The only V6-engined model in the range is the TX 550h+, which is also a plug-in hybrid. With 301 hp combined and an eCVT transmission, it’s the quickest model in the lineup. According to Lexus, it has a 33-mile all-electric range when the V6 engine is off. The only downsides to the TX V6? It starts at $76,700, far more than the base TX four-cylinder variant. The Toyota Grand Highlander also offers a similar experience for less money if you forgo the premium badge.
2024 Genesis GV80
The GV80 continues the trend of the best V6-engined SUVs being at least mid-sized, showing how rare six-cylinder engines have become in smaller models. This BMW X5 competitor does things its own way, which is why we love it. It looks exceptionally posh but won’t be easily confused for one of its German rivals, and that’s not a bad thing. The 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 elevates the price to at least $64,850. That model comes with smart matte-wood finishes, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. Besides snappy acceleration, the GV80 also exhibits a great ride/handling balance. A facelift arrives this year, introducing a coupe-styled sibling and the opportunity to climb higher in our BuzzScore rankings.
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
This full-size luxury SUV from Mercedes-Benz is a convincing alternative for buyers who want S-Class luxury in an SUV shell. The base GLS 450 starts at $87,000 and has a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with mild hybrid assistance; it’s a silky smooth inline-six mill, unlike most of the V6s on this list. A nine-speed automatic and AWD are standard. Producing 375 hp, it’s a lot cheaper and more efficient than the V8-powered GLS 580. The GLS can seat six or seven occupants, depending on how it’s configured, and all will enjoy features like four-zone climate control, a panorama roof, and a Burmester sound system. The GLS boasts arguably one of the most refined engines of all the SUVs on this list, but the BuzzScore relies on more than just one metric to rank a car.
2024 Lincoln Navigator
If the Navigator L is just a bit too large to cram itself into your garage, the regular Navigator is just as opulent and comfortable. Equipped with the same 440-hp V6 as the Navigator L, the normal Navigator provides swift acceleration. It comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission, RWD or AWD, and three seating rows. The normal Navigator also has a slightly superior towing capacity. The base Premiere specification of the standard Navigator costs $83,265, so it’s also more affordable than the Navigator L.
2024 Ford Bronco
Most six-cylinder SUVs are firmly positioned in the luxury segment, but the Ford Bronco is a much tougher off-roader. A 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine is available and makes 330 hp and 415 lb-ft when running on premium fuel. Four-wheel drive is standard on this Jeep Wrangler rival, and the V6 is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Bronco is a tremendous off-road SUV, and the extra grunt of the V6 complements the vehicle’s butch styling and go-anywhere capabilities. The cheapest way into a Bronco V6 is via the Black Diamond trim in two-door configuration; this costs almost $47k.You can also enjoy the V6 in pricier trims like the Wildtrak, where it will cost over $60k in four-door form. If money is no object, the bonkers Bronco Raptor has a 3.0-liter V6 but costs over $90k.
Honorable Mentions: Best 6-Cylinder SUVs
Based on their BuzzScores, these six-cylinder SUVs are also well worth considering.
Base MSRP
$46,900
Fuel Economy
23/29 MPG
Horsepower
248 hp
Base MSRP
$50,150
Fuel Economy
19/26 MPG
Horsepower
290 hp
Base MSRP
$55,000
Fuel Economy
21/28 MPG
Horsepower
248 hp
Base MSRP
$77,850
Fuel Economy
21/25 MPG
Horsepower
375 hp
Base MSRP
$65,200
Fuel Economy
23/27 MPG
Horsepower
375 hp
Base MSRP
$73,900
Fuel Economy
23/26 MPG
Horsepower
375 hp
Base MSRP
$92,915
Fuel Economy
17/22 MPG
Horsepower
409 hp
Base MSRP
$56,500
Fuel Economy
19/24 MPG
Horsepower
349 hp
Base MSRP
$59,500
Fuel Economy
19/25 MPG
Horsepower
261 hp
Types Of Six-Cylinder SUVs
Since a six-pot adds to the overall cost, most such vehicles exist in the midsize segment and above. Both the Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot have naturally-aspirated mills and three rows of seats. The full-size BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS have potent turbocharged power plants. Some options are particularly adept at off-road forays, while others cater to buyers looking for a softer ride for comfortable on-road use. At the more premium and luxury end of the market, V8s become available. However, it could be argued that a six-cylinder engine provides some of the efficiency of a four, and some of the refinement and character more often associated with a brawny V8. A test drive remains crucial once you have drawn up a shortlist, however.
Choosing From The Top Six-Cylinder SUVs
Once you have decided on what is within your budget, there is a lot more to consider. Do you want a turbocharged power plant or are you happy with a naturally-aspirated unit? Even the best six-pot SUV won’t be especially light on fuel, so it’s worth taking into account consumption. Our advice would be to focus on these points:
Price: Crossovers are dime-a-dozen, so begin with what you can afford first. A low-mileage secondhand version could be a smart move, too, if you need more grunt but can’t stretch to a new car.
Drivetrain: Going for a 4×2 lowers the initial outlay, but you may hanker after a 4×4 depending on your specific needs.
Engine: If you only want a six-pot for its enhanced refinement, you won’t need a turbo, but forced induction greatly improves drivability in certain cases. Towing capacity: These crossovers often function as excellent haulers, ideal for pulling along your boat or trailer. A comparison with rivals is key.
Fuel consumption: Some of these vehicles are true gas-guzzlers, while others strike a better balance between performance and economy.
Related
Don’t forget about V6 engines just yet. There are still loads of exceptional cars powered by this common engine configuration.
Specifications and Pricing of the Top Six-Cylinder SUVs
It’s challenging to sift through the maze of configurations and choices. Popular six-pot crossovers range all the way from around the $35,000 mark to well over $80,000 for the luxurious Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. The Lincoln Aviator Hybrid is an example of six-cylinder power combined with an electric motor.
Mercedes-Benz
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Top Six-Cylinder SUVs
Does the perfect vehicle exist? Probably not. While having a big six under the hood of a spacious vehicle sounds like an ideal combination, you’ll be paying for it – literally. Fuel consumption is the Achilles heel of a car like this. A 6-cyl people-mover carries a hefty premium over crossovers with a small turbo-four.
Pros
Superior towing capacities
Improved refinement
Complex turbos aren’t necessary for solid outputs
Generally sold with more features and paired with higher-spec trims
Cons
Heavy fuel consumption
A turbo-four can provide just as much power while being more efficient
Pricier than a four-pot
Naturally-aspirated models sometimes feel a bit gutless
What are the highest rated six-cylinder SUVs for 2024?
Based on our BuzzScore, three six-cylinder SUVs have ratings of 9.1 out of ten. These are the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Lincoln Navigator L. Hovering just below those with a score of 9/10 are the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Lexus TX, Genesis GV80, Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, and Lincoln Navigator. The Hyundai and Kia are notable for being two of the most affordable vehicles in this category.
Lincoln
What are the best hybrid six-cylinder SUVs in the US?
Combining the power and refinement of a smooth six with the efficiency of a hybrid, what are your best bets? You could do much worse than a BMW X5 Hybrid, which makes 483 hp yet can travel for around 40 miles on electric power alone. The Land Rover Ranger Rover Sport Hybrid and Lexus RX Hybrid are other great alternatives, while models like Mercedes GLS 450 use a mild hybrid system.