Years ago, most new vehicles on the market featured an engine with at least 6 cylinders, if not a standard V6. But 6-cylinder engines aren't that common anymore. As buyers and governments prioritize fuel efficiency, turbocharged 4-cylinder engines have replaced larger engines with 6- and 8 cylinders. The point is that just because it's not the standard go-to engine for many vehicles anymore doesn't mean 6-cylinders are going extinct just yet.
Based on starting Manufacturers' Suggested Retail Prices* in Canadian dollars, here are the 10 most affordable new 6-cylinder vehicles in Canada for 2021.
10th place: 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport - $37765 CAD
Few vehicles can match the Wrangler mid-size SUV’s off-road prowess. Buyers can opt for a spunky turbocharged 4-cylinder, a wonderfully stout diesel V6, or the new 4xe plug-in gas-electric hybrid and limited-edition 392 V8 powerplants. But in its most basic Sport trim, the 4-passenger, 2-door Jeep comes with a 285-horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque 3.6-litre V6. A 6-speed manual transmission hooked up to Jeep’s Command-Trac four-wheel-drive system is also standard and scores a 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres (L/100 km) combined city and highway fuel economy estimate.
9th place: 2021 Chevrolet Traverse FWD LS - $36,498 CAD
In a competitive segment, the Traverse has an advantage over its mid-size/3-row SUV rivals. Larger than most and, thanks to a price that historically starts lower, the Chevy SUV appeals to buyers who appreciate a lot of metal for the money. There’s seating for up to 8 occupants, plus a standard V6 engine that makes an ample 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque mated to a 9-speed transmission that generates an 8.8 L/100 km combined estimate. Front-wheel-drive (FWD) is standard, all-wheel-drive (AWD) optional.
8th place: 2021 Dodge Challenger SXT - $36,265 CAD
The Challenger 2-door 5-passenger coupe is a card-carrying muscle car but follows its path as a practical daily driver, thanks to a roomy cabin, a generous trunk, and a back seat that (just!) holds three passengers. The over-$100k SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody trim’s 797-horsepower V8 tops the range. But the base SXT trim comes with a standard 3.6-litre V6 that makes 303 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque with RWD and 8-speed automatic transmission and is rated at 10.3 L/100 km.
7th place: 2022 Kia Carnival LX - $34,795 CAD
The all-new 2022 Carnival takes over from the Sedona minivan. A standard 3.5-litre V6 endows the Carnival with 290 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission sends that power to the front wheels, and scores 12.0 L/100 km in the city and 8.9 highway estimates. With class-leading interior (for up to 8 occupants) and cargo space, the Carnival also offers a lot of advanced safety features and Kia’s long 5-year/100,000-km factory warranty.
6th place: 2021 Nissan Murano S - $34,098
The Murano delivers a premium feel, creamy ride quality, AWD and a standard 3.5-litre V6 engine that produces 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission, the Nissan mid-size SUV is rated at a combined 10.4 L/100 km. The Nissan also offers a sleeker, less off-road-ready look for those uninterested in portraying themselves as lumberjacks ready to fell a forest. Plus, the Murano gives plenty of room for its 5 passengers and cargo.
5th place: 2021 Ford F-150 XL - $34,079 CAD
The F-150 full-size pickup truck has been the best-selling truck in Canada for 55 years because it consistently offers capability, value, innovation, and choice—and a V6! With three cab sizes, three bed lengths, multiple powertrains, and various trim levels, the F-150 allow buyers to find a combination that suits their needs and budget. The base XL trim with a Regular Cab, 6.5-foot bed and RWD comes with a 3.3-litre 6-cylinder engine backed by a 10-speed automatic that makes 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, scoring an 11.0 L/100 km combined estimate.
4th place: 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe 1LT 6M- $32,058 CAD
Are you looking for an inexpensive new car with 6 cylinders? The RWD 2+2 passenger Camaro 2-door epitomizes bang for the buck and attitude for the dollar. The $71,998 650-horsepower supercharged V8 in the ZL1 trim tops the lineup. But for less than half the price, the base 1LT Coupe (a convertible is also an option) comes standard with a 3.6-litre V6 that makes 335 horsepower and 284 pound-feet of torque and is rated at 12.0 L/100 km combined. Unlike the Challenger, you’ll need to shift your own gears, as the standard transmission is a 6-speed manual.
3rd place: 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT - $32,048 CAD
As with its best-selling archrival, the F-150, the Silverado 1500 full-size pickup truck is available in a dizzying variety of configurations. Engines range from a turbocharged 4-cylinder, 5.3-litre and 6.2-litre V8s and a turbodiesel 6-cylinder. The most affordable WT trim is a bare-bones RWD Work Truck with a regular cab and crank windows. But at least there’s the standard 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque 4.3-litre V6 with a 6-speed automatic transmission that is estimated to get 13.5 L/100 km city and highway combined.
2nd place: 2021 GMC Canyon Elevation - $30,128 CAD
Like its Chevrolet Colorado platform-mate, the GMC Canyon mid-size pickup truck offers a trio of engine choices. The base 4-cylinder engine is adequate. And a turbodiesel 4-cylinder is optional. But for under-$33k, the 2WD Elevation Extended Cab gets an optional 3.6-litre V6 that makes 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. Like all Canyon engines, the gas 6-cylinder mates to an 8-speed automatic transmission. It provides decent fuel economy (11.3 L/100 km combined), satisfying acceleration, and impressive passing power.
1st place: 2021 Chevrolet Colorado WT - $29,598 CAD
If you don't need the extra room of the Crew Cab bodystyle, and want a 6-cylinder engine in your General Motors's mid-size pickup starting for under $30k, the Colorado in base WT trim is here. As Canada's most affordable new vehicle with a 6-cylinder engine, the Chevy truck uses the same V6 as its GMC Canyon corporate cousin. The low price gets you a Colorado with RWD, Extended Cab body style, Long Box bed length in the base WT (Work Truck ) trim.
*MSRPs as of August 1, 2021.
