10 V6

Most trucks are built to be somewhat off-road capable. However, these V6-powered models are better left out of extreme terrains.

Early pickup trucks served as work or farming tools that could navigate rough terrains with ease. Over time, pickups have evolved into vehicles that people use for a wide variety of purposes. They serve as workhorses, boulevard cruisers, family haulers, and trailblazers. But, in whatever role you find them, pickups still keep their go-anywhere capability – to a greater or lesser degree. One factor that affects a vehicle's performance for off-roading is the engine type.

Although V8 engines are more powerful than V6 engines, they are also heavier, less efficient, and more expensive. That is why V6-powered pickups are popular among enthusiasts who want a balance of power, efficiency, and affordability. However, all V6-powered pickups do not have equal capabilities. However V6 engines also have potential problems and may not be great if you are looking for a capable off-roader. One of the reasons for this is that some V6 engines are too weak to handle the vehicle's weight. Some V6-powered pickups also lack the hardware and features needed for superb off-roading. Equipment such as locking differentials, skid plates, and off-road tires are every bit as important for off-roading as horsepower and torque. A decent ground clearance is also needed to avoid scraping or getting stuck on uneven surfaces. Here are ten examples of V6-powered pickups that are poor off-roaders.

The Honda Ridgeline is a unique pickup that has a unibody construction instead of a traditional body-on-frame design. While this design makes it lighter and more fuel-efficient than most pickups, it also makes it less rugged. Under the hood, it has a 3.5-liter V6 engine that churns out 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. Although the output is enough for day-to-day driving activities, it is not remarkable for the Ridgeline's size.

On pavement, the Ridgeline offers a car-like ride quality and comfort. But it lacks the necessary hardware for navigating rough terrains. It lacks skid plates and has a low ground clearance of 7.6 inches, making it prone to getting stuck in the mud. Also missing in the Ridgeline are features like a low-range transfer case and a locking rear differential. Overall, the Ridgeline is not as bad as people say and feels more at home on urban roads than playing in the mud.

The Chevrolet Colorado WT is a versatile and capable mid-size truck with two powertrain options and a range of features. One of the power options is a 3.6-liter V6 engine hooked to an 8-speed automatic transmission. It produces an output of 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. With the V6 engine and Extended Cab configuration, the Colorado WT can tow up to 7,000 pounds and haul 1,530 pounds. The Colorado WT comes with standard amenities such as a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Other standard features include a backup camera, satellite radio, and two USB ports. Yet, the Colorado WT is not a great choice for off-road enthusiasts. It lacks off-road hardware like a locking rear differential, skid plates, and off-road suspension. Also, it has low ground clearance and narrow tires that limit its ability to handle rough terrain.

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The Nissan Frontier is a reliable and versatile pickup truck with two cab styles and two-bed lengths. At the bottom of the Frontier lineup, the Frontier S impresses with a comfortable ride and a spacious cabin. Under the hood, the Frontier's sole power option is a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The 310 hp and 281 lb-ft output go to a standard rear-wheel drivetrain or an optional 4-wheel drivetrain.

Depending on the cab style and drivetrain, the S trim can tow up to 6,720 pounds and haul 1,600 pounds. Standard infotainment features include a 4-speaker stereo and an 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. But the Frontier S has certain drawbacks that undermine its off-road capability. One is the low ground clearance – 7.8 inches in RWD and 8.1 inches in 4WD models.

The Toyota Tacoma is a popular mid-size pickup truck that offers a lot of versatility and features. Besides offering two-bed lengths and two cab styles, the Tacoma also offers a choice of two power sources. At the bottom of the lineup, the SR trim comes standard with a 4-cylinder engine, RWD, and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The optional V6 engine displaces 3.5 liters to generate 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque.

Depending on the configuration, the Tacoma SR can tow up to 6,800 pounds and carry up to 1,155 pounds. Standard infotainment features include a 7-inch touchscreen, a 6-speaker stereo, and three USB ports. Active safety techs such as forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control are also standard. But it lacks some of the off-road equipment that other Tacoma models have.

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The Mitsubishi L200, also known as the Triton, is a compact pickup truck that Mitsubishi introduced in 1978. It is available in various markets around the world, where it impresses with its reliability and versatility. It offers different body styles, engine options, and trim levels to suit different needs and preferences. The last Tritons to feature a V6 engine were the fourth-generation cars released in 2005.

Produced from 2005 to 2015, these L200 models have a lineup of engines, including a 3.5-liter gasoline V6 unit. Hooked to a 4-speed automatic gearbox, it produces 178 hp and 218 lb-ft of torque. Underneath the sleek exterior of the L200 lies a very capable workhorse that can also double as a family hauler. Although the 4-wheel drive system provides traction and stability on various terrains, its capability off-pavement is minimal. This is due to a low ground clearance of 8.1 inches.

Apart from cosmetic and trim differences, the GMC Canyon is the same vehicle as the Chevrolet Colorado. Whether in the 4-seat Extended Cab model or the 5-seat Crew Cab, the Canyon offers roomy and comfortable front seats. It also impresses with its well-mannered ride and handling. Standard features in the straightforward infotainment system include a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In its lineup of engine options, there is a 3.6-liter V6 unit. Churning out 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, the V6 engine produces swift acceleration. While solid and refined, this engine lacks low-end torque and efficiency. This limits its effectiveness off-road. The Canyon also has a low ground clearance – 8.4 inches RWD and 8.3 inches with 4WD. Its narrow track width also reduces its stability on rough terrain.

The Volkswagen Amarok is a mid-size pickup truck that arrived in 2010. It was the first pickup from the stables of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, however it will not be available in the US. The Amarok features a spacious/comfortable cabin, a large practical bed, and advanced safety and technology features. For power, the Amarok offers a range of engine and transmission options, including turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines and manual and automatic transmissions. The 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel, available in three power ratings, delivers impressive performance and efficiency.

Thanks to a permanent 4-wheel drive system and an 8-speed automatic transmission, the Amarok is a smooth and confident performer on the road. However, it is not as impressive when it comes to off-road capabilities. The Amarok lacks some essential off-road equipment like low-range gearing and a rear differential lock. Besides, a low ground clearance of 7.6 inches limits its ability to overcome obstacles.

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The Nissan Navara is a series of Nissan pickup trucks that started life in 1985 as the D21 series. It is available in many markets worldwide, including Europe, Australia, South Africa, Asia, and New Zealand. In some selected markets, it bears the Nissan Frontier or Nissan NP300 badge. Introduced in 2004, the Navara D40 rides on the then-new Nissan F-Alpha platform.

It is a powerful and comfortable pickup that can handle most on-road and light off-road situations. Yet, it is not the best choice for serious off-roading enthusiasts who want to tackle challenging terrain. Its limitations make it less versatile and capable than most of its rivals. The D40 has a lower ground clearance which means it can get stuck anytime. Besides, it lacks a lockable rear differential to help improve traction and stability on slippery or uneven surfaces.

The Ford F-150 is one of the most popular and best-selling pickups on the market. Thanks to many trim levels and engine options, there is an F-150 to satisfy everyone. But its base model, the F-150 XL, may not be the best choice for off-roading. Under the hood, it features a 3.3-liter V6 engine hooked to a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission.

The engine produces 290 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, which is decent but not impressive for a full-size truck. Besides, the F-150 XL also lacks some features that would make it a more capable off-roader. It doesn't have a locking rear differential, skid plates, hill descent control, and terrain management system. Unless you opt for the FX4 Off-Road Package, you may want to avoid taking the F-150 XL too deep into the wild.

The Ram 1500 Tradesman is the base trim of the Ram 1500 lineup. It is a reliable and versatile truck that offers excellent performance and value. Under the hood, it features a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that churns out 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. The engine pairs with a slick and efficient 8-speed automatic transmission. This power train delivers one of the best fuel efficiency in the segment.

However, it lacks power and torque compared to the V8 and diesel options, making it less capable of towing or hauling heavy loads off-road. Inside the high-end cabin, the Tradesman can seat up to six passengers. The Tradesman is not the best choice for off-roading enthusiasts despite its versatility. Two open differentials limit its traction on uneven terrain. The Tradesman also has a low ground clearance of 8.7 inches, which makes it vulnerable to high centering over obstacles.

Jay Moren is a car enthusiast who loves everything with an engine. When he's not writing about cars, he plays the saxophone and keyboard. He also plays as a goalkeeper for a non-league side in his native Nigeria