By Karl Furlong
Updated
These lively sedans provide a great combination of performance and refinement.
Table of contents
Although turbocharged four-cylinder engines are taking over, the V6 remains relevant. Most V6 engines deliver a decent blend of power, performance, efficiency, and aural excitement. There are still several accomplished V6-powered sedans you can buy in 2024, from stately German sedans to more affordable Korean alternatives. When turbocharged, some of these sedans deliver V8-like performance without the excessive gas bills. These are the best V6 sedans of 2024 based on our BuzzScore methodology.
Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here.
2024 Genesis G80
2024 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport AWD
9.3/10
- Horsepower
- 375 hp
- Make
- Genesis
- Model
- G80
- MSRP
- $64,250
- Engine
- 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas
With its imposing styling and luxuriously trimmed cabin, the Genesis G80 is a legitimate alternative to the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The G80 is at its best with the optional 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, which produces 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Based on independent tests, this all-wheel-drive G80 V6 will hit 60 mph in under five seconds. At $64,250, the G80 V6 is only $650 cheaper than the comparable BMW 540i xDrive, but that doesn’t tell the full story. In this guise, the G80 gets ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and leather upholstery, none of which are standard on the BMW. Besides a lack of brand recognition, there isn’t a lot to criticize, which is why it’s our most highly rated V6 sedan of 2024.
Jared RosenholtzAutomotive Journalist
Expert Opinion
“With this second-generation model, Genesis has made the leap to the point where the G80 not only matches its European competition, it recaptures some of the old-school luxury spirit that's been lost in favor of sporty handling and overabundant technology.”
2024 Audi A8
2024 Audi A8
9.1/10
Our next favorite V6 sedan takes us into the full-size luxury sedan segment. Although it unfairly exists in the shadows of its BMW and Mercedes-Benz rivals, the A8 is an exceptional car. The base A8 has a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 making 335 hp and 369 lb-ft, resulting in a 5.6-second 0-60 sprint. Surprisingly agile for its size, yet with a cosseting ride, the V6 A8 is a lovely car to drive. It also has standard equipment like 22-way multi-contour front seats and a Bang & Olufsen Premium sound system baked into the $90,900 starting price. That’s cheaper than the base 7 Series and S-Class.
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2024 Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid
2024 Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid
9.0/10
- Base MSRP
- $221,200
- Fuel Economy
- 46 MPGe/19 mpg combined
- Horsepower
- 536 hp
- Make
- Bentley
- Model
- Flying Spur Hybrid
- Engine
- 2.9L Twin-Turbo V6 Plug-in Hybrid
It’s difficult to refer to a car costing over $220,000 as sensible, but in the context of the Flying Spur lineup, the V6-powered hybrid model is the most rational option. Unlike the thirsty V8 and W12 models, this one is capable of 19 mpg and 46 MPGe combined, and it can glide on electric power alone for up to 21 miles. The 2.9-liter V6 and electric motor combine for 536 hp, enough for a sub-four-second 0-60 time. Besides its power, the Flying Spur Hybrid is surprisingly competent through the twisties, providing more enjoyment than you’d expect from a Rolls-Royce competitor.
2024 Genesis G70
2024 Genesis G70 3.3T Sport Advanced RWD
8.9/10
- Horsepower
- 365 hp
- Make
- Genesis
- Model
- G70
- MSRP
- $49,950
- Engine
- 3.3L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas
While the base four-cylinder G70 has a more powerful engine for the 2024 model year, the 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 remains unchanged at the top of the range. Producing 365 hp and 376 lb-ft, it propels the fun-to-drive G70 from 0-60 mph in around 4.5 seconds. The compact sedan’s composed cornering and precise steering combine well with the V6 in a package that favors the driver, since rear-seat space isn’t a strong point. In RWD guise, the G70 V6 starts at under $50,000, undercutting the equivalent BMW 3 Series (M340i) by almost $8,000.
2024 Lexus LS
2024 Lexus LS
8.9/10
It speaks to the times we live in that the first-ever Lexus LS 400 had a 4.0-liter V8, whereas the current LS 500 uses a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6. This V6 produces 416 hp and 442 lb-ft, and it motivates the LS 500 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, regardless of whether it’s the RWD or AWD model. In RWD guise, the LS 500 returns 22 mpg combined. Besides its smooth powertrain, the LS has a unique style that sets it apart from the Germans, and the interior is finished in exquisite materials.
2024 Audi RS5 Sportback
2024 Audi RS5 Sportback
8.9/10
- Make
- Audi
- Model
- RS5 Sportback
- Base MSRP
- $79,900
- Engine
- 2.9L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas
- Horsepower
- 444 hp
Unlike BMW’s preference for inline-six engines, Audi has mostly stuck with the V6 alternative. In the RS5 Sportback, the 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 delivers 444 hp and 442 lb-ft. That’s transferred to the quattro AWD system via an eight-speed automatic for a 3.8-second 0-60 blast. While it doesn’t have the most stimulating exhaust note for an RS model, the RS5 Sportback’s V6 is otherwise a peach of an engine, and turbo lag isn’t an issue. Coupled with the more practical Sportback body, it’s an extremely tempting package.
2024 Lexus LS Hybrid
2024 Lexus LS Hybrid
8.8/10
The LS 500h has a less powerful 3.5-liter V6 (in comparison to the LS 500’s 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6), but the electric motor joins the mix to deliver 354 hp in total. With the hybrid system, gas mileage is better at 25 mpg combined, so you can cover over 550 miles on a tank. However, the 5.2-second 0-60 sprint makes it slower than the LS 500, and the awkward marriage of an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission and four-speed automatic isn’t our favorite. However, for executives covering many miles per annum, the LS Hybrid is worth a look over its non-hybrid sibling.
2024 Audi S4
Audi’s S models have mostly been perfect sleeper cars. Although the S4 could easily be mistaken for a standard A4, it’s much more than that. Its 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine makes 349 hp and 369 lb-ft, enough for a 4.4-second 0-60 sprint. As on the pricier RS5 Sportback, the S4 has quattro AWD and an eight-speed automatic. At $54,500 for the Premium trim, the S4 is a polished sports sedan that does well to keep up with its fellow German competitors.
2023 Porsche Panamera
2023 Porsche Panamera
8.6/10
A significantly revised Porsche Panamera will go on sale in 2024, but we haven’t had first-hand experience with it yet. Even if you settle for the 2023 Panamera, you’re unlikely to be disappointed. At just over $90,000, the base Panamera produces 325 hp from its 2.9-liter turbocharged V6. Even this version will zip to 60 in the mid-four-second range, but without the appealing growl of the V8 models. With a comfortable ride and good agility for its size and weight, this V6-powered sedan should be on everyone’s shortlist.
2023 Porsche Panamera Hybrid
2023 Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid
8.6/10
- Base MSRP
- $109,000
- Horsepower
- 455 hp
- Make
- Porsche
- Model
- Panamera E-Hybrid
- Engine
- 2.9L Twin-Turbo V6 Plug-in Hybrid
With the addition of a plug-in hybrid system, the Panamera E-Hybrid V6 is much more powerful than its non-hybrid sibling, with a meaty 455 hp. Not only is it quicker, but it can travel almost 20 miles on electric power alone, adding another layer to the Panamera’s array of talents. To drive, the E-Hybrid is similar to its non-hybrid sibling; it can cruise on the highway in comfort for hours or entertain the driver when the need calls. A high-tech cabin and an unending number of personalization options add further appeal to this Porsche sedan.
Best Of The Rest
Although they miss out on the top 10, there are many other capable V6 sedans you should consider. These are the best of the rest:
2024 Audi S5 Sportback
8.5/10
- Base MSRP
- $57,500
- Horsepower
- 349 hp
- Make
- Audi
- Model
- S5 Sportback
- Engine
- 3.0L Turbo V6 Gas
2024 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
8.5/10
- Base MSRP
- $61,495
- Engine
- 3.6L Turbo V6 Gas
- Horsepower
- 472 hp
- Fuel Economy
- 15/23 MPG
2024 Lexus ES
8.4/10
- Base MSRP
- $42,040
- Fuel Economy
- 22/32 MPG
- Horsepower
- 302 hp
- Model
- ES
- Engine
- 3.5L V6 Gas
2024 Cadillac CT5-V
8.4/10
2024 Audi A6 Premium 55 TFSI quattro
8.4/10
- Horsepower
- 335 hp
- Make
- Audi
- Model
- A6
- MSRP
- $62,600
- Engine
- 3.0L Turbo V6 Gas
2024 Audi A7 Sportback Premium 55 TFSI quattro
8.4/10
- Horsepower
- 335 hp
- Make
- Audi
- Model
- A7
- MSRP
- $72,000
- Engine
- 3.0L Turbo V6 Gas
2024 Genesis G90
8.4/10
2024 Toyota Camry XLE V6 Automatic
8.3/10
- Horsepower
- 301 hp
- Engine
- 3.5L V6 Gas
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Camry
- MSRP
- $36,295
2024 Acura TLX Type S SH-AWD
8.3/10
- Horsepower
- 355 hp
- Make
- Acura
- Model
- TLX
- MSRP
- $57,000
- Engine
- 3.0L Turbo V6 Gas
2024 Audi S7 Sportback
8.3/10
- Base MSRP
- $85,300
- Horsepower
- 444 hp
- Make
- Audi
- Model
- S7 Sportback
- Engine
- 2.9L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas
2023 Dodge Charger
8.1/10
2024 Maserati Ghibli
8.1/10
2024 Audi S6
8.0/10
2024 Lexus IS 300 AWD
7.9/10
- Horsepower
- 260 hp
- Make
- Lexus
- Model
- IS
- Model Year
- 2024 Lexus IS
- MSRP
- $42,085
- Engine
- 3.5L V6 Gas
2024 Maserati Quattroporte
7.9/10
- Base MSRP
- $139,000
- Horsepower
- 424 hp
- Make
- Maserati
- Model
- Quattroporte
- Engine
- 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas
2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
7.8/10
- Base MSRP
- $81,370
- Horsepower
- 505 hp
- Make
- Alfa Romeo
- Model
- Giulia Quadrifoglio
- Engine
- 2.9L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas
2024 Infiniti Q50
7.1/10
Characteristics Of Sedans With V6 Engines
There are more than a few V6-powered sedan models in the USA, so the commonalities are not always so easy to spot. That being said, there are some things you can expect from the powertrain in particular.
- Performance: More cylinders generally means more power, so you can expect better performance from a V6 sedan. High horsepower figures are common in the segment, and these skyrocket on models equipped with turbo- or superchargers. Rear-wheel drive is most common in these types of cars, though all-wheel drive is also more readily available than it is on four-cylinder vehicles.
- Economy: Apart from having extra cylinders, V6 engines also usually have higher displacement. This means they consume a lot more fuel to produce power. As such, they cost more to run, especially when pushed to perform. Keep in mind that a V6 car will usually cost more to buy than a four-pot, too, since the engines are more expensive to build.
- Reliability: There are some other advantages to additional cylinders besides sheer output numbers. They also have fewer cycle strokes, which means they don’t wear out as quickly. This is why V6 sedans are often considered to be highly reliable. The widespread availability of such cars also means that getting hold of spare parts is not difficult, and many mechanics know just how to maintain them.
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There are many great V8 sedans you can buy in 2024, but most of them require deep pockets.
What To Consider Before Buying A V6 Sedan
Before you go out and buy a 4-door sedan with V6 power under the hood, you may want to weigh the pros and cons carefully. You could get more performance from a V8 or better efficiency from a four-cylinder. So, here’s what you need to consider:
Pros
- The V6 is a pretty powerful engine
- V6 engines generally sound better than four-cylinder mills
- More economical than V8s
- Wider availability of hybridization has helped soften their gas-guzzler image
Cons
- You’ll almost always spend more than you would on a four-pot
- Even the most efficient V6 is quite thirsty
- A V8 still sounds better
What’s the best midsize sedan with a V6?
While there are plenty of honorable mentions and brand loyalty often plays just as big a part as empirical evidence, the Genesis G80 is arguably one of the most impressive V6-powered sedans on the market. Besides its smooth and powerful engine, it has a long list of standard features and is also something unique in a segment dominated by the Germans.
Are there any affordable V6 sedans?
The V6 is not the most expensive powertrain out there, so you can definitely find some very good V6 sedans at an affordable price. The recently discontinued Kia Stinger is such an example, offering great performance, handling, and practicality for less than $40,000. However, if that’s still too rich for your blood, consider a used model. There are a lot of cars in this segment, even looking back only as far as 2021. This means that you can often find a great deal with very little wear and tear for a lot less money than you would spend on a new model.
Related
10 Great Cars With V6 Engines
Don't forget about V6 engines just yet. There are still loads of exceptional cars powered by this common engine configuration.
Is a V6 engine better than a V8 or four-cylinder?
No one type of engine is purely better or worse than another, which is why they each continue to be used in modern cars. The V6 offers some benefits over each, such as lower fuel consumption than a V8, or improved performance and reliability over a four-cylinder. However, it can’t compete with the break-neck acceleration delivered by a V8 or ever hope to be as economical as a four-pot.
