Although V8 engines have been the mainstay of American trucks for many years, clever engineering means that V6 engines are gradually becoming the preferred option. This is because modern V6 engines, especially if turbocharged, end up matching V8 output and torque while guzzling less gas than a V8. In a period of time when gas prices have been rising steadily, the ability to get around in your truck with less fuel than you would otherwise spend is becoming increasingly appealing to many Americans.
First, let’s look at the differences between V6 and V8 engines before we get into America's favorite V6 trucks.
The Difference Between V6 & V8 Engines
Modern engines have a varied number of cylinders. These cylinders are the compression chambers where fuel is burned, creating the explosive energy needed to power your truck. The basic difference between V6 and V8 engines is that the former has six cylinders while the latter has eight cylinders. Based purely on that dichotomy, V8 engines should theoretically be more powerful than V6 engines, since they can burn more fuel and thus generate more power. But since power is a function of many other elements apart from engine size alone this isn’t a hard rule in all cases. Power can be affected by the weight of the vehicle, how well-tuned or engineered the engine is, the presence or absence of turbocharging, and so on.
Having looked at the basic differences between these two engines, let us look at some V6-powered trucks that have won American hearts for the last few decades.
The 9 Most Popular V6 Trucks in America
“Favorite” and “popular” can mean a few different things. In this instance, this list is based on sales and reviews.
01. Ford F-150
For a long time, the Ford F-150 has been the best-selling truck in the United States. Ford offers the F-150 in eight variants, five of which are V6. The base model comes with a standard V6 engine, but Ford also has the F-150 in two turbocharged V6 variants. The result is a truck that seriously competes with its V8 cousins regarding horsepower and towing capacity. The smaller V6 engines also provide more fuel economy and aerodynamics, as the hood can be streamlined to enhance performance. Fortunately, we offer Ford front and side cameras that are discrete and as streamlined as the truck.
02. Toyota Tacoma
Toyota has earned a reputation for solid and dependable vehicles. This is very true for its wildly popular Tacoma truck. Toyota understands that not all truck drivers will be clambering on rocks with their trucks. For this reason, the Tacoma comes in two variants: a standard truck (what they call the TRD Pro) and the true off-roading variant known as the TRD Off-Road. The off-road models feature a Crawl Control System, which allows the Toyota to transverse steep hills. These benefit from additional Toyota cameras on the front and sides for a clearer view of your surroundings. Under the hood, the Toyota Tacoma is powered by a 3.5 liter V6 with an output of 280 horsepower.
03. Chevy Silverado
Chevrolet is a classic, and so is the Chevy Silverado 1500, one of the most popular trucks in the United States. The 2022 Silverado is no exception, providing rugged 4×4 performance with a cabin full of creature comforts. You will also love the Silverado’s tech, from the touchscreen infotainment display to the smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay. When it comes to rugged performance, the Silverado delivers here as well. The off-road package has a strengthened suspension and automatic rear lock differentials, among other features. You can further enhance your Silverado by installing a backup camera.
04. Chevy Colorado
The 2022 Chevy Colorado comes with a super responsive 308 hp V6 and is as good a 4×4 as anything on the market. Combining the versatility of a pickup packed into a full-body truck, the Colorado is Chevy's way of letting their drivers have their cake and eat it simultaneously. It also offers a diesel variant for those looking to save even more on gas. You can further enhance your Colorado’s safety with heavy-duty cameras for improved visibility.
05. GMC Canyon
The Canyon has a lot in common with the Chevy Colorado. They share the same build and a very similar engine. The 3.6 liter V6 in the Canyon is identical to the one in the Colorado. One of the differences you may notice is that the Canyon has many more luxury features than the Colorado. In that sense, it offers greater value for your money, as the two models are roughly within the same price range. You can upgrade your Colorado with GM rear cameras and GM front and side cameras for maximum safety when parking, hitching, or towing.
06. Dodge Ram 1500
The Dodge Ram 1500 is a good truck for the everyday driver. The 3.6 L Pentastar V6 engine is a common choice for shoppers who want reliability and durability, but don’t need the heavy-duty performance of a V8. This V6 engine has all the capability you need on the road with a maximum towing capacity of 7,730 lbs., 305 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque, and fuel efficiency of 20 MPG city and 25 MPG highway. Make sure you reverse your Ram with ease with Dodge backup cameras.
07. Nissan Frontier
While the Frontier may not sell units in the same crazy sales numbers as the Ford F-150, it is still a popular choice for Americans looking for something different from the Fords and the Chevys. The Nissan Frontier is a great off-roader and good for any driver looking for a rugged and capable truck. Its 4-liter V6 engine is slightly larger than most of the trucks in its category, which gives it an edge when it comes to towing weights or hauling luggage. The downside to this truck is that it is somewhat dated, which means most of the clever electronics that are standard in most other trucks are not standard on the Frontier. Fortunately, it’s easy to upgrade your Frontier with a universal backup camera.
08. Honda Ridgeline
Although Honda is not well known for its trucks, the Ridgeline is a powerful contender on the list. The 3.5 liter V6 variant is just as rugged as any of the trucks covered here. True to its Honda heritage, the Ridgeline delivers this with great fuel economy. This is because the Ridgeline is made with lightweight materials that do not put too much pressure on gas consumption.
Truck purists may argue that the Honda Ridgeline has more in common with an SUV rather than a truck. However, the popularity of the Ridgeline is perhaps an indication that Americans appreciate this vehicle's value.
09. Jeep Wrangler
There is some contention on whether the Jeep Wrangler is a truck or an SUV. While technically it’s in its own class, we think it deserves to be on the list of America’s favorite V6 trucks.
For those looking for a truly genuine off-road experience, the Wrangler is one of the best candidates for the job. While the 2022 edition has attempted to put some creature comforts in the cabin of the wrangler, it is still the symbol of rock-crawling and extreme off-roading. The Wrangler comes in many trims and can be outfitted with many custom options to make it even better at clambering over rocks, such as Jeep rear cameras and Jeep front and side cameras. All trims of the Jeep Wrangler come with a V6 engine, ensuring you get power with lightweight performance.
Keep Your V6 Truck Safe with Camera Source
Whether you’re an every-day commuter or you love going off the beaten track with any of these trucks, you need a good backup camera. Not only do backup cameras make reversing your truck easier (in addition to trailers and RVs), but they also allow for a better field of vision behind and around your truck for enhanced safety. Camera Source is your source of top-quality backup cameras. Contact us with any questions, or check out our backup cameras on our online store.
