Five 4-Cylinder Vehicles That Outperform V6 Engines in Towing
Modern turbocharged four-cylinder engines are proving they can out-tow traditional V6 powerplants effectively.
1Towing Reality vs Perception
While truck marketing emphasizes heavy-duty capability, data shows three out of four owners hitch a trailer annually at most. Despite this, towing remains a critical purchase factor for many. With over 306,000 towable RVs shipped in 2025, the demand for reliable, high-capacity hauling vehicles continues to drive significant consumer interest.
2Colorado Versus Frontier Dynamics
The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado utilizes a 2.7L TurboMax engine, producing 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. It achieves a 7,700-pound tow rating, outperforming the 2027 Nissan Frontier's V6. Despite matching horsepower, the Colorado delivers 53 percent more torque, allowing it to pull 550 pounds more than the V6-powered Nissan rival.
3Defender SUV Towing Superiority
The Land Rover Defender 110 features a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 296 hp and 295 lb-ft. It manages a 7,716-pound towing capacity, significantly higher than the Jeep Grand Cherokee's 6,200-pound limit. The Defender achieves this with 1.6 liters less displacement and two fewer cylinders than the Jeep's 3.6L Pentastar V6.
4Ranger Outperforming Honda Ridgeline
Ford's 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine in the Ranger is rated for 7,500 pounds of towing capacity. In contrast, the V6-powered Honda Ridgeline is limited to 5,000 pounds. Despite the Ridgeline having a slight horsepower advantage, the Ranger's turbo four provides 18 percent more torque, enabling it to pull 50 percent more trailer weight.
5Silverado Versus F-150 Comparison
The 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder Silverado 1500 offers up to 9,500 pounds of towing capacity. This exceeds the 2027 Ford F-150's 3.0L V6, which is rated at 8,400 pounds. Although the Ford V6 provides 15 more horsepower, the Silverado's turbo four delivers 8 percent more torque, resulting in a 1,100-pound advantage in maximum towing capability.
64Runner Versus Pilot Performance
Toyota's 2.4L i-FORCE turbocharged four-cylinder 4Runner is rated for 6,000 pounds of towing. This outperforms the AWD Honda Pilot, which is limited to 5,000 pounds with its 3.5L V6. The 4Runner's engine provides 21 percent more torque than the Pilot, proving that smaller displacement engines can effectively handle heavier loads in SUV configurations.
7The Role of Torque Output
Modern towing performance is increasingly defined by torque rather than cylinder count or total displacement. Turbocharged four-cylinder engines often provide higher torque at lower RPMs compared to naturally aspirated V6 engines. This mechanical advantage allows smaller engines to handle significant trailer weights, challenging the traditional reliance on larger, multi-cylinder engine architectures.
8Complexity of Towing Ratings
Towing capacity is not solely determined by the engine; vehicle configuration, trailering packages, and drivetrain options play vital roles. For instance, the Colorado requires the Advanced Trailering Package to reach its 7,700-pound rating. Similarly, the Ford Ranger's 7,500-pound limit is dependent on specific equipment, highlighting that engine output is only one variable.
9Shifting Automotive Engineering Trends
The automotive industry is moving away from the assumption that more cylinders equate to better towing performance. As shown by these five examples, turbocharged four-cylinder engines now frequently outperform V6 counterparts in both torque and load capacity. This shift reflects broader engineering trends prioritizing efficiency without sacrificing the utility required by owners.
Original article: SlashGear — Five 4-Cylinder Vehicles That Outperform V6 Engines in Towing