Q: Gas mileage and gas prices are big a deal now and that people are trying to avoid gas guzzlers. I notice that those V8 trucks (Silverado, tundra, especially ram, and F-150) have really low gas mileage. If you bought one of these trucks with a V6 engine would it raise gas mileage or lower it?
A: A V6 will typically be rated slightly higher than a V8. In the real world your mileage will be the same. Little engines have to work harder to move the same amount of weight which means they are using more gas. A midsize truck with a V6 will also get about the same mileage as a 1/2 ton with a V8 because the power to weight ratio is the same so its not working any less. My ex had a Hemi Ram 4x4 that she got 15 mpg in. She though it was too expensive and traded it for a V6 Dakota 4x4 which she got 15 mpg in. It was smaller, slower, towed less, and she hated it.