Best V6 cars
Smoother and more powerful than a four-cylinder, but cheaper to run than a V8, a car with a V6 engine holds strong appeal
The V6 engine is used to power a range of different vehicles, from sports cars to SUVs, and pick-ups to performance saloons. Smoother in nature than a four-cylinder engine, a V6 also sounds better and delivers more power. Another benefit is the fact that it’s likely to be more economical than a V8.
Here, we’ve pulled together a list of some of the best V6 cars you’ll find on the BuyaCar website. You might have to be patient when searching for a couple of them, but it’ll be worth the wait, especially if you’re after the final car on our list. Spoiler alert: it’s a ‘four-door Ferrari’.
1. Jaguar F-Type
Our pick Jaguar F-Type Coupe 3.0 Supercharged V6 R-Dynamic
Used deals from £20,900
Monthly finance from £501.65*
We start, perhaps predictably, with a sports car. Launched in 2013, the F-Type is arguably the most beautiful Jaguar since the iconic E-type of the 1960s, and is available as a coupe and a convertible. The F-Type was updated in 2020, but this signalled the end for the 3.0-litre supercharged V6 engine.
In many ways, the V6 is the sweet spot of the F-Type range, being smoother and more powerful than the 2.0-litre engine, yet cheaper to buy and run than the 5.0-litre V8. There are two versions available: one developing 340hp and the other 380hp. The latter can be equipped with a manual or automatic gearbox, as well as rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
In all cases, the Jaguar F-Type is a beautiful sports car that’s great to drive, regardless of whether you opt for the coupe or convertible. It’s not the most practical of cars, but we think you’ll be happy to pack light.
2. Nissan 370Z
Our pick Nissan 370Z Nismo
Used deals Limited stock
Launched in 2009, the Nissan 370Z enjoyed an incredibly long innings before bowing out in 2020. Its demise felt like the end of an era, because the 370Z is an old-school sports car, with a 3.7-litre V6 engine up front, sending power to the rear wheels. It’s all about brute force; there’s no turbocharger here.
It doesn’t need it. In standard guise, the V6 engine produces 326hp, which is enough to propel the 370Z to 62mph in just 5.3 seconds. The more powerful 370Z Nismo produces 344hp and can hit 62mph in 5.2 seconds. Both have a top speed of 155mph.
As a car that dates back to 2009, the interior is beginning to show its age, but that simply adds to the retro charm. And because the power is at the top end of the rev range, it must be pushed hard to get the best from it. Again, this is central to its appeal.
3. Volkswagen Touareg
Our pick Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 V6 TDI R-Line Tech
Used deals from £13,599
Monthly finance from £343.24*
The Volkswagen Touareg is one of the best-kept secrets of the large SUV world. It’s not the cheapest option in a relatively crowded market, but it’s worth noting that it shares a platform with considerably more expensive SUVs like the Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus, Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne. In this company, it’s a bit of a bargain.
There are three V6 powertrains available: the entry-level 3.0 V6 TDI diesel, mid-range 3.0 V6 TSI petrol and 3.0-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid (PHEV). All come with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard, with R-Line, R-Line Tech, Black Edition and performance R models available.
The diesel engine is by far the most popular model on the BuyaCar website, with buyers appreciating its blend of performance and fuel economy. Its low-end torque means the Touareg diesel is a great towing vehicle.
4. Land Rover Discovery
Our pick Land Rover Discovery SDV6 HSE
Used deals from £15,999
Monthly finance from £518.77*
The current Land Rover Discovery is one of the best family SUVs you can buy, especially if you’re after seven seats and the ability to tackle the odd mountain pass on the school run. Few vehicles are as good off-road as the Discovery.
The 3.0-litre SDV6 is one of two diesel engines available for the Discovery and it’s only slightly less economical than the 2.0-litre SD4. A figure of 31.6mpg is just 2mpg shy of the smaller engine, despite boasting 306hp and a 0-62mph time of 7.0 seconds. It also sounds better, which could play a part in our decision-making.
This engine was launched in 2018; older ‘Discos’ were offered with a 258hp 3.0-litre TDV6 diesel unit. In all cases, the Discovery is a comfortable, refined and well-equipped SUV with seating for seven adults.
5. Mercedes C-Class Coupe
Our pick Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe
Used deals Limited stock
The Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe is essentially a more stylish, two-door version of the equally brilliant C43 saloon. It was updated in 2018, with the fitment of larger turbochargers helping to increase the output by 23hp to 390hp.
Its styling is a little more understated than the full-fat Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe, but some will appreciate the subtlety of the makeover. The quad-exit exhausts deliver an ‘if you know, you know’ vibe.
Plant your right foot, and the Merc will hurtle through the nine gears at an alarming rate, with the '4Matic' four-wheel drive system helping to keep you on the straight and narrow, even when the weather turns a little ‘British’. The zero to 62mph sprint is polished off in 4.7 seconds, when conditions allow.
6. Audi Q7
Our pick Audi Q7 3.0 V6 TDI S line
Used deals from £21,000
Monthly finance from £402.46*
All Audi Q7 models are powered by a V6 engine, so it comes down to whether you want petrol, diesel, mild hybrid, or plug-in hybrid (PHEV). In all cases, the Q7 is a large and spacious family SUV with the quality you’d expect from Audi.
There are PHEV variants, both of which feature a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine mated to an electric motor. The difference between the 55 TFSI e and 60 TFSI e is the power output, with five trim levels available.
Because the PHEVs are relatively new additions to the range, it will be a while before they hit the realms of affordability. In the meantime, the diesel is best suited to anyone who covers long distances or requires the use of a towing vehicle, while the petrol versions are newer and come without the stigma of diesel power.
7. Porsche Panamera
Our pick Porsche Panamera 2.6 V6 4 E-Hybrid
Used deals from £26,099
Monthly finance from £0.00*
We conclude this list of the best V6 cars with a couple of wildcards. The first is the Porsche Panamera, which might sound like an extravagant option until you discover how affordable it can be.
The entry-level Panamera is powered by a 2.9-litre V6 engine producing 330hp, which is enough to propel it to 62mph in just 5.6 seconds. If the thought of 24.8mpg to 27.7mpg is a little off-putting, you could consider the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, which pairs the same V6 engine with an electric motor to deliver fuel economy of 113mpg to 141.2mpg.
8. Alfa Romeo Giulia
Our pick Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.6 V6 BiTurbo Quadrifoglio
Used deals Limited stock
Why buy a BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, or Mercedes C-Class when you can own something from Italy? The Alfa Romeo Giulia is a rear-wheel drive saloon that’s as stylish as a Milanese suit.
It’s not difficult to find a used Giulia on the BuyaCar website, but we’re focusing on the one with a V6 twin-turbocharged petrol engine built by Ferrari engineers. The 510hp Giulia Quadrifoglio isn’t a cheap option, but it offers the performance of a supercar with space for all the family. Few saloons can sprint from zero to 62mph in 3.9 seconds before hitting a top speed of 191mph.
ALFA ROMEO GIULIA BUYERS' GUIDE
*Representative PCP finance - Ford Fiesta:
48 monthly payments of £192
Deposit: £0
Mileage limit: 8,000 per year
Optional final payment to buy car: £2,923
Total amount payable to buy car: £11,926
Total cost of credit: £2,426
Amount borrowed: £9,500
APR: 9.9%
BuyaCar is a credit broker, not a lender. Our rates start from 6.9% APR. The rate you are offered will depend on your individual circumstances.