Characteristics of Trucks With V8 Engines
Naturally, these trucks all have V8 engines, but that is not their only commonality.
- They boast the greatest outputs and capabilities
- They cost more than trucks with a four-pot or V6 engines
- They often come paired with four-wheel drive and an off-road suspension
- They are generally large in size
What to Consider When Buying V8 Pickup Trucks
As one of the most popular segments, pickup trucks come in all shapes and sizes, and you don’t always need the most expensive and powerful version. So, before you go sifting through all the 8-cylinder trucks out there, way the pros and cons to see if you actually need one.
Pros
- Massive engine outputs, especially when turbo- or supercharged
- A V8 block is generally quite reliable and will keep going for many miles
- Best towing and hauling capabilities with reinforced frames
- Raucous soundtrack accompanies rugged looks
Cons
- Expensive to buy and own
- Extremely thirsty powertrains
- Massive size makes them cumbersome
FAQs
What are the best V8 trucks?
Quite a few popular models at least offer a more powerful V8 upgrade to their standard four-cylinder or V6. Thus, the best V8 truck models are often the best trucks in general. These include the Ford F-Series and Ram 3500.
What is the price of the best gas V8-engined truck?
Since these ultra-powerful engines are usually reserved for the most heavy-duty or top-tier trucks, you have to spend a bit more than you normally would. The Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 are priced in the mid $30k area, while their bigger siblings, the F-450 and Ram 3500 start at around $50,000.
Do trucks with V8 engines get good mileage?
As a rule of thumb, no. Naturally-aspirated V8 engines in trucks only get the base value out of their fuel, and considering their size, weight, and displacement, you should expect pretty low figures. Diesel engines help offset this somewhat.
How reliable are V8 pickup trucks?
A V8 truck from a reputable brand should last you close to a decade, if not longer. This is assuming you keep it maintained. And if something should go wrong, parts are usually easy to source, given the popularity of these cars.