Automakers are very keen to fit all new vehicles with downsized four-cylinder turbocharged engines, and the truth is, they have been forced to rethink the classic formula of V6s or V8s by climate concerns. Four-pots align closer with the emissions and fuel economy pressures imposed by governments, which results in sports cars, sedans, and SUVs adopting smaller mills.
On paper, these engines promise a lot and even throw in impressive performance. Here’s where many owners and buyers aren’t so keen: the added complexity and stress these engines are under may not translate into long-term reliability, such as the naturally-aspirated V6. Bigger, simpler, but also with a proven track record, the six-cylinder Vee has its fans for a reason. So, instead of plumping for a forced-induction inline-four, check out one of these models from seven years ago instead, as they may just last even longer than the four-pots.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers. Models are listed from the lowest J.D. Power Quality & Reliability score to the highest.
2018 Toyota Sienna
Reliability Score: 77/100
- Base Trim Engine
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3.5L V6 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
-
8-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
296 hp
- Base Trim Torque
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263 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
- Fuel Economy
-
19/27 MPG
- Make
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Toyota
- Model
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Sienna
- Segment
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Minivan
The first candidate in the list is a model that offers a lot of space, practicality, and surprisingly good looks for something that’s essentially a van for people. Toyota‘s Sienna minivan was in its third generation that ended in 2020 and was powered by the Toyota 2GR engine — a reliable and robust V6 from the GR engine family.
Aside from its practical interior, safety features, and comfort appointments, the Sienna stood out for being the only one in its class to offer all-wheel drive. This makes it a do-it-all kind of vehicle that can keep the family mobile even in inclement environments, while the engine offers enough thrust to hit 60 mph in seven seconds. A high-achieving minivan (if there ever was one).
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2018 Toyota Tacoma
Reliability Score: 78/100
- Base Trim Engine
-
2.7L Inline-4 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
-
6-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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159 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
180 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm
- Fuel Economy
-
20/23 MPG
- Make
-
Toyota
- Model
-
Tacoma
- Segment
-
Midsize Pickup Truck
A Toyota Tacoma from 2018 falls in the third generation that ran from 2016 until 2023. This smaller sibling to the beefier Tundra is a favorite in the pickup world, and the model from this year also acquired a decent amount of standard safety kit. To really get the best out of this model, the V6 engine was the optimal choice, which offered about 278 horsepower — far more than the 160-horsepower four-cylinder engine. It’s once again the rock-solid 2GR six-cylinder that gave the Tacoma the get-up-and-go it needed.
Contemporary reviews cited the weak four-pot and auto ‘box as best avoided. Luckily, as well as the V6 engine, a manual was available (six-shooter), and rear- or all-wheel drive was on the table. Today, you can still buy a Tacoma with a stick (something that puts it in a class of its own), but, of course, the latest model doesn’t offer a V6 anymore, making an older example somewhat appealing.
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Weaknesses |
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2018 Toyota 4Runner
Reliability Score: 79/100
- Base Trim Engine
-
4.0L V6 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
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5-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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270 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
278 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
- Fuel Economy
-
17/21 MPG
- Make
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Toyota
- Model
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4Runner
- Segment
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Midsize SUV
What spells rugged, reliable, and robust more than the Toyota 4Runner? This legend in the off-roading SUV field was far from refined and modern by the time it was renewed in 2024, but its appeal lay in the simple yet proven powertrain and drivetrain, strong body-on-frame design, and practicality. The lazy 4.0-liter V6 (the 1GR engine from the same family as the 2GR) and five-speed automatic gearbox are a large part of the secret to its reliability.
Critics may point to the dated design and unrefined on-road behavior, or its lackluster fuel economy, or its lack of polish compared to rivals, but the strong resale value and amount of 4Runners still truckin’ paints the real picture. A strong, reliable, and imperfect machine that will outlast us all.
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2018 Dodge Charger
Reliability Score: 81/100
- Base Trim Engine
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3.6L V6 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
-
8-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
292 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
260 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
- Fuel Economy
-
19/30 MPG
- Make
-
Dodge
- Model
-
Charger
- Segment
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Full-Size Sedan
Finally, a model that isn’t a Toyota. Also, just because a reliable V6 engine is required, it doesn’t mean we must resort to SUVs, minivans, or trucks. The Dodge Charger isn’t just a reliable muscle car; it’s a reliable car, period, with a string of highly-rated model years for quality and reliability. While this seventh generation was arguably famous for its V8 power more than its entry-level engines, there’s a lot to like about the six-pot version, especially as it harbored the reliable Pentastar.
Almost 300 horsepower is still on offer from the 3.6-liter Chrysler V6, and 0-60 mph is achievable in the low-six-second range. A manual transmission wasn’t on the menu, but this sedan still impresses with its good reputation for reliability and the adequate speed on offer, even if the V8 was always its spirit animal.
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2017 Honda Accord
Reliability Score: 82/100
- Base Trim Engine
-
2.4L Inline-4 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
-
6-Speed Manual
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
185 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
181 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm
- Fuel Economy
-
23/32 MPG
- Make
-
Honda
- Model
-
Accord
- Segment
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Midsize Sedan
Honda Accord and reliability go hand in hand. This Japanese sedan is appreciated for its reputation for robustness and dependability, as well as predictability and square image, which lowers its appeal for enthusiasts slightly. This 2017 model differentiates itself from the other models on this list by being a year older, and in fact, this was the last year before the tenth generation, but it benefited from the refresh in 2016. It was praised at the time for its handling, practicality, and list of standard features.
One of the main reasons we’re interested in this model today is its V6 — the optional 3.5-liter unit from the Honda ‘J’ family of engines. It was significantly more powerful than the 2.4-liter four-pot that made 185–189 horsepower, with an extra 90 ponies onboard. A manual transmission was optional on the Accord in 2017, but the V6 instead got a standard automatic six-speed, which makes a good pairing for this sedan. Enthusiasts could instead choose a 2017 Honda Civic Type R from the same year.
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Weaknesses |
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2018 Buick Enclave
Reliability Score: 82/100
- Base Trim Engine
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3.6L V6 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
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9-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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310 hp
- Base Trim Torque
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266 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
- Fuel Economy
-
18/26 MPG
- Make
-
Buick
- Model
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Enclave
- Segment
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Midsize Luxury SUV
A reliable and upscale crossover SUV based on the same platform as the period Chevy Traverse, the Buick Enclave started from $40,000 back in the day, but pricey trims pushed that up over $50,000. Under the hood was the V6 codenamed LFY, which was shared with the Chevy cousin; it made slightly more than the Pentastar from Chrysler, but torque was similarly soft by today’s turbocharged standards.
The engine itself receives mixed reviews, and its reliability is dependent on proper maintenance, though its reliability score suggests it won’t leave you suddenly in the rain. An optional switchable all-wheel drive system complemented the standard front-drive version. Contemporary reviews cite its comfort, space, and practicality, though the interior fit and finish are rough around the edges for its price.
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2018 Toyota Highlander
Reliability Score: 83/100
- Base Trim Engine
-
2.7L Inline-4 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
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6-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
185 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
184 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
- Fuel Economy
-
20/24 MPG
- Make
-
Toyota
- Model
-
Highlander
- Segment
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Midsize SUV
The specs above cite the entry-level Toyota Highlander, but the mid-sized crossover SUV was offered with a V6 as well as a hybrid powertrain for this late third-gen model. Buyers of this used Japanese SUV will find front-and all-wheel drive were offered, and the 295 horsepower from the six-cylinder was put down through an eight-speed ‘box. It was once again the reliable 2GR V6 running the show. A hybrid offered another 2GR with all-wheel drive and a CVT.
With the V6, the Highlander proved quick enough for stress-free acceleration, but no thrill ride.
– Brady Holt, TopSpeed Editor-at-Large
Aside from reliability that’s proven and one of the hardest-working V6s ever made, what does it offer? Reviews pointed out the well-put-together and practical interior, the list of safety features, fuel efficiency, and affordability, but chasing apexes or offering BMW-chasing dynamics wasn’t the goal here. Since we’re talking models that can live on for years to come, the 2GR-powered Highlander still comes out on top as a wise used option.
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Weaknesses |
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2018 Toyota Camry
Reliability Score: 83/100
- Base Trim Engine
-
2.5L Inline-4 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
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8-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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203 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
184 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
- Fuel Economy
-
29/41 MPG
- Make
-
Toyota
- Model
-
Camry
- Segment
-
Midsize Sedan
J.D. Power consistently lists the Toyota Camry as one of the most reliable sedans you can buy for good reason, thanks to its Japanese engineering, and in this case, the return once again of the 2GR V6. The Camry was the US’s best-selling sedan for a reason, and reliability is one of the cornerstones of the Camry way. In the case of the then-all-new 2018 model, a sharper chassis was also part of the package to enhance its slightly dull ride.
This front-driver from Japan offered a four-cylinder with more than 200 horsepower, but the six-cylinder and a hybrid were also on the table in the dealer’s office. High-20’s were up for grabs according to the EPA’s fuel economy register, or, if you chickened out and got the 2.5-liter four pot, low-30 combined MPG was possible thanks to the decent eight-speed auto ‘box that served both engines.
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2018 Chevrolet Camaro
Reliability Score: 85/100
- Base Trim Engine
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2.0L Inline-4 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
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6-Speed Manual
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
275 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
295 lb-ft @ 3000-4500 rpm
- Fuel Economy
-
20/30 MPG
- Make
-
Chevrolet
- Model
-
Camaro Coupe
- Segment
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Sports Car
You could also opt for another muscle car — or pony car in this case — when considering a seven-year-old reliable motor to be your wingman or woman in the future. The Chevy Camaro gets high-fives from J.D. Power when it comes to quality and reliability, across all its engine range, since no specific engine is singled out. We know that the strong LT1 V8 gets most of the credit, but the V6 was also a wise choice, thanks to 335 horsepower and a more entertaining character than the turbocharged four-pot (even that engine doesn’t make the Camaro slow, with a 5.5-second 0-60 mph time possible).
Like the Buick Enclave, the Camaro’s beating V6 heart is from the GM Feature engine lineup, specifically called the LGX, and is commonly believed to be reasonably reliable, but some common issues are present, as with many other engines. It might not be as bullet-proof as some other rival six-cylinder engines, but not many other cars offer what the Camaro is offering. Get the V6 for fuel economy, but don’t forget the manual ‘box for fun on Sunday.
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2018 Lexus RX 350
Reliability Score: 86/100
- Base Trim Engine
-
3.5L V6 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
-
8-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
295 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
- Fuel Economy
-
20/27 MPG
- Make
-
Lexus
- Model
-
RX
- Segment
-
Midsize Luxury SUV
What’s reliable, comfortable, luxurious, and comes with a V6 engine? One of the answers could lead us to this, the Lexus RX 350. Toyota aficionados or readers of this article (thanks for staying with us) will correctly deduce that the Toyota 2GR is once again running the show. The RX 350 made 295 horsepower as it rolled out of the dealer lot, and a hybrid (RX 450h) could muster 308 horsepower along with 30 MPG combined, which was up from the RX 350’s 23 combined MPG ceiling.
This heavy unit ran as if on air, but sharp dynamics and traffic-light grand prix aren’t the focus here. Reviews at the time picked up on the decent ride, the styling, and the interior, which is still a nice place to be, even if the infotainment wasn’t the best in class. Another candidate for the wise used V6 vehicle today — just keep some cash handy for consumables and fuel.
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