Best V8 Cars, Trucks and SUVs to Buy in 2026 as Automakers Retire Big Engines

As automakers race toward electric vehicles and smaller turbocharged engines, the V8 is becoming harder to find in 2026. Yet for many buyers, the sound, towing strength, and driving experience of a V8 remain impossible to replace.

A new ranking from U.S. News & World Report highlights eight vehicles that continue to offer V8 power in 2026, ranging from family SUVs and pickup trucks to high-performance sports cars.

Dodge Durango Remains the Most Affordable V8 Entry Point

The Dodge Durango offers the lowest-priced path into V8 ownership. Buyers can upgrade from the standard V6 to a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 producing 360 horsepower. At the top of the range, the Durango SRT Hellcat generates an impressive 710 horsepower.

The SUV also offers practical benefits, including seating for seven and towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds.

“The Durango remains one of the few three-row SUVs where buyers can still enjoy traditional V8 performance,” the report noted.

Chevrolet Corvette Delivers Supercar Performance

The standout performer is the Chevrolet Corvette, which earned the highest overall and performance ratings in the study.

Its standard 6.2-liter V8 produces 490 horsepower and can sprint from 0-60 mph in just 2.9 seconds. More powerful versions, including the Z06 and ZR1, push performance even further.

Unlike many rivals, every Corvette still comes with a V8 as standard equipment.

Ford Mustang GT Keeps the Manual V8 Alive

The Ford Mustang GT continues to offer one feature increasingly rare in today’s market: a V8 paired with a six-speed manual transmission.

Its 5.0-liter engine produces 480 horsepower, while the higher-performance Dark Horse version reaches 500 horsepower.

For driving enthusiasts, the Mustang remains one of the last affordable ways to enjoy a traditional V8 sports car experience.

GMC Sierra 1500 and Large SUVs Focus on Towing

Truck buyers still have several V8 choices. The GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offer both 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8 engines.

Higher trims feature Super Cruise, a hands-free driving system that can operate while towing, a capability highlighted as unique in the market.

The Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, and GMC Yukon also continue to offer V8 power for families needing three-row seating and strong towing performance.

Why the V8 Still Matters

While hybrids and EVs continue to gain market share, the remaining V8-powered vehicles serve buyers seeking strong towing capability, immediate low-end torque, and the distinctive engine sound that has become a hallmark of American motoring.

For now, the V8 survives, but its place in the automotive future appears increasingly exclusive.

Read also: Dodge charger returns to V8 roots, reigniting muscle car passion