Believe it or not, only three midsizes in 2023 come standard with a V6 engine. Believe it or not, some pickups, like the Chevy Colorado, no longer offer six cylinders. But fortunately, three still came with the standard V6 engine. This means that you do not have to pay extra for this feature.
Does a midsize truck need a V6 engine?
Conventional thought says that the engine. But modern engine technology has come a long way. Some of today’s turbocharged four-cylinder engines have more power output than the naturally aspirated V6 engines found in the pickups on this list.
It comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine. It makes up to 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. A big benefit of this engine is that it is used in a range of FCA products and has been in use for quite some time.
Because of that, common problems are well documented. And most mechanics should be able to work on it. The Pentastar V6 isn’t the only engine available for the 2023 Gladiator. For now, you can choose if you’re looking for extra torque.
2. 2023 Honda Ridgeline
Now, some people may be debating whether the Honda Ridgeline is really a truck or not. But Honda definitely considers it a mid-size pickup. According to the 2023 Ridgeline comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine.
This engine generates 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. On the road, this translates into a fairly competent driving experience. And having driven the same engine myself, I didn’t find that I felt underpowered. Remember, the Honda truck is one piece, so it doesn’t ride like a typical pickup truck.
1. 2023 Nissan Frontier
For 2022, Nissan has introduced a new Frontier. As it stands, this midsize truck is currently limited to one engine. Each comes with a 3.8-liter V6 engine. Gone is the base four-cylinder engine this pickup used to offer.
The Frontier’s V6 engine produces 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. That makes it more powerful than the optional V6 found in the Toyota Tacoma. Therefore, this is one of the benefits that Nissan truck has to offer.
However, limiting engine options limits versatility. Smaller engines usually get better fuel economy, and not everyone wants a V6. In terms of sales, the third-generation Frontier certainly breathed new life into the model. And that new engine may be the one to help there.
