Ask TFLTruck: Are V8 Pickup Trucks Going Extinct?

2017 ram power wagon hemi v8 engine transmission
2017 Ram Power Wagon – 6.4L HEMI V8

TFLtruck recently received the following question: “Are V8-powered pickup trucks going extinct?”

Ford has put heavy emphasis on the small displacement twin-turbocharged V6 engines in the F-150. It is true that Ford sells more light-duty pickup trucks with the 2.7L or 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engines, than with the 5.0L V8. The 2017 Ford Raptor no longer has a V8 option. None of the midsize pickups offer a V8 option.

The short answer is: “No, V8-powered pickup trucks are here to stay for the foreseeable future.” The pickup truck with a V8 under the hood is far from dead. Ford is spending resources to update the 5.0L “Coyote” V8 for the 2018 F-150. We should get the specs on the fresh V8 later this year. GM is heavily invested into the V8 technology. The 5.3L and 6.2L EcoTec3 family of V8 engines provide lots of power and good efficiency. Ram trucks has the 5.7L HEMI V8. Toyota has continued the use of the 5.7L iForce V8 in the 2018 Tundra. Nissan has completely redesigned the 5.6L Endurance V8 for the 2017 Titan half-ton.

Nissan Titan 5.6L V8

Heavy duty trucks are still all about V8 engines across the board. Whether it’s a gasoline or a turbo-diesel V8, heavy work is still done with eight cylinders (yes, the straight-six Cummins in the Ram is an exception).

While there is increased pressure to switch to smaller displacement turbocharged engines, the V8-powered pickup truck will be around more many years to come. Lots of engine choices is good, a deep V8 exhaust note is even better.

Here are more details about the 5.0L V8 that Ford is updating for the 2018 F-150 and beyond.

Andre Smirnov
Andre Smirnov is an Automotive Enthusiast, Producer, Reviewer, Videographer, Writer, Software Engineer, Husband, Father, and Friend.