You might be wondering if you should decide on a V6 engine or a V8, if you're interested in a new pickup truck. For decades, most shoppers would not even think about a full-size pickup without a V8, but contemporary technological improvements (and contemporary gas prices) have made V6s far more attractive than they ever have been in the past. What one should you go for? We have some tips that will help you decide.

Most truck shoppers who would not think about a V6-powered full-size pickup probably base their opinions on past V6 motors, which were slow, noisy and -- most significantly -- not as capable as their V8 counterparts.

But times have changed, mainly due to turbocharging. Two modern full-size pickups use turbocharged V6 motors: the Ford F-150, with its EcoBoost powerplant, and the RAM 1500, that offers a turbodiesel V6. In both circumstances, the V6s set up numbers that are amazing: The F-150's EcoBoost powerplant generates 365 horsepower and an impressive 420 lb-ft of torque, while the RAM is rated at 240 horses and 420 lb-ft.

Those numbers are stronger than V8 versions of the very same pickups, particularly when it comes to torque, which can be essential for towing. The 5.0-liter V8-powered F-150 only places out 360 horses and 380 lb-ft, while even the RAM's muscular HEMI V8 just makes 410 lb-ft. In essence, turbocharging has proven a V6 does not need to be a disability in the world of full-size trucks.

Whenever some pickup shoppers have been won over to the realm of the V6 the moment they hear the power and torque figures of the Ford EcoBoost V6 or the RAM's turbodiesel powerplant, many still prefer V8 engines. 1 reason is that a lot of shoppers still believe V8s are better for towing. Is that true? Not very.

By way of instance, Ford's EcoBoost V6 is rated to tow around 11,300 lbs in any configuration: regular cab, extended cab or crew cab. The brand's 5.0-liter V8 can not crack 10,000 lbs. And even the muscle 6.2-liter V8, that yields 411 hp and 434 lb-ft, can only match -- but maybe not conquer -- the EcoBoost when it comes to towing ability.

It is a similar scenario if you consider the RAM. Although a HEMI-powered RAM pickup truck does indeed out-tow the EcoDiesel, the gap is not as big as you might expect: Properly armed V8-powered RAM versions can pull up to 10,400 pounds, while the EcoDiesel can tow a respectable 9,100 lbs.

Another benefit provided by V6 engines in the present full-scale pickup trucks is fuel economy. Regardless, the RAM EcoDiesel ca the HEMI, but its 20 mph in the city and 28 mpg on the highway far outshine the 14 mpg hwy of the HEMI. Unsurprisingly, it is the same story with just about any V6-powered truck, whether you choose the EcoBoost F-150 or even the newly redesigned Chevrolet Silverado, which does not use diesel or turbocharged technology. In the Silverado, the all-new 4.3-liter V6, which creates a commendable 285 hp and 305 lb-ft, manages to beat the 5.3-liter V8's gas mileage by 2 mpg in the city and one mpg on the highway.

We primarily advocate choosing V6 motors in pickups when you're focused on city driving, fuel economy or light-duty usage, that's the way that their pickups are used by many shoppers. Then, drivers who use their trucks may gain from V6 power, as we've seen with the towing capability and torque numbers.

But in spite of big improvements in torque power, gas mileage, and towing capability, we'd still suggest picking some of this time. Primarily, we'd pick a V8 if you often tow and haul and should the truck you're considering does not offer you a turbocharged or petrol engine option. A V8 is frequently the only way to go if you are considering certain trim levels, like the Tundra Platinum, the Sierra Denali or the Silverado High Country.

But while we concede that a V8 is the choice for some pickup-truck shoppers, we strongly suggest you don't count out a V6 just because it doesn't possess as many cylinders as a V8.