Toyota produces world-renowned, reliable, efficient, and long-lasting vehicles. Though the brand is best known for its fuel economy and hybrid expertise, it retains a very good lineup of V6-powered vehicles. For most drivers looking for something between basic utility and luxury, the V6-powered Toyotas have enough power and practicality to satisfy.
This article breaks down the V6 engine Toyota models available today, outlining performance specs, key features, and the best fit driver for each one.
Understanding the V6 Engine
Before we get into the lineup, let’s understand what a V6 engine is. V6 means six cylinders arranged in a V configuration. This offers greater power than a normally aspirated four-cylinder engine yet is lighter and more compact than a V8. V6 engines often receive accolades for their smooth delivery of power, improved acceleration, and higher towing capacity, which is why they dominate the market in SUVs, trucks, this, and performance sedans.
Models With Toyota V6 Engines
Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup truck designed for off-road and rugged performance. Under the hood, the 2024 Tacoma gets a 3.5-liter V6 good for 278 hp and 265 lb-ft.
- Transmission: 6-speed auto or manual
- Maximum Towing Ability: 6800 pounds
- Who it’s for: Buyers who need a rugged truck for work, light towing, or weekend fun.
Toyota 4Runner
The 4Runner is a Toyota mid-size SUV that combines old-school body-on-frame toughness with modern luxuries. A 4.0-liter V6 engine rated for 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque is standard across the entire 4Runner lineup.
- Transmission: 5-speed automatic
- Towing Capacity: Up to 5,000 lbs
- Who it’s for: Off-road enthusiasts, families who need a place for all their shit, or anyone who is just looking for a reliable SUV that can power through tough terrain.
Toyota Highlander
The latest generation Highlanders from 2023 and 2024 now come standard with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, but earlier versions from 2022 and prior offered a burly 3.5-liter V6 packing 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque.
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Maximum Towing Weight: Up to 5,000 lbs
- Who it’s for: Families who want third row seating and a big engine for highway driving or towing small trailers.
Toyota Sienna
The Toyota Sienna minivan, up until 2020, was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 296 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. Starting in 2021, Sienna will be hybrid only.
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Max Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs
- Who it’s for: Families who want a roomy vehicle that can quickly merge onto the highway and also tow if needed.
Toyota Camry
The Camry is one of the last remaining midsize sedans to offer a V6. XSE, XLE, and TRD trim levels get a 3.5-liter V6 that puts out a whopping 301 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque.
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Highlights: Sport-tuned suspension for TRD trim, dual exhaust, paddle shifters
- Who it’s best for: Drivers wanting a sporty performance sedan that does not compromise comfort or reliability.
Discontinued V6 Models
Several Toyota nameplates that previously offered a 6-cylinder engine switched or were dropped for more fuel-efficient drivetrains:
Toyota Avalon: Full-size sedan with a smooth V6 engine available until it was discontinued in 2022.
Toyota RAV4: The 4-cylinder and hybrid powertrains exclusively found under recent generations’ hoods are in marked contrast to the older RAV4s 2006–2012, which also could be equipped with a V6.
Why Choose a Toyota V6?
Drivers are drawn to V6-powered Toyotas for a variety of reasons:
Power and Performance: Great for drivers who tow, merge onto highways, or venture off-road. Rugged power.
Smooth Operation: V6s tend to run a bit smoother and quieter than their 4-cylinder counterparts.
Towing capacity: Particularly vital for truck and SUV drivers.
Longevity: Toyota six six-cylinder motors have a reputation for being indestructible, frequently going over 200,000 miles with routine maintenance.
Conclusion
As the automotive world shifts toward turbocharged four cylinders and hybrid electric systems, Toyota also serves V6 buyers, and are there still so many out there who require performance and capability? Whether you are climbing gnarly trails on a 4Runner towing with a Tacoma or enjoying gut-wrenching acceleration on a Camry TRD Toyota’s V6 lineup provides reliable power in all the right places. While older high-mileage examples still seem like a decent option if you’re in the market for a used
