A car equipped with an American V8 engine looks like this
V8s may be harder to find these days, but there are still some available from American brands.
V8 engines are a staple of American car culture.
Large motors have been around for more than a century due to their high volume, high power numbers, and versatility. V8 engines are less common than they used to be, as car companies move toward smaller engine displacements, stricter emissions standards, and electrification. Many 8-cylinder cars are still being made, but these days there are fewer and fewer cars to choose from.
Here are some of the remaining V8 engines you can still buy new from the American automaker for the 2026 model year.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
The CT5-V Blackwing uses the same 6.2-liter V8 found in other GM vehicles. This supercharged car takes it to the next level, reaching 668 horsepower. If you really want to experience what this car is capable of, consider the six-speed manual version.
cadillac escalade
The Escalade has used a V8 since its debut in 1999, and nothing has changed with the current generation. If you want more of the excitement of a luxury SUV, consider the Escalade V. It has a supercharger and has a louder exhaust note than most muscle cars.
chevrolet corvette
It just doesn’t feel right that a V8 isn’t in a Corvette.
New powertrains for the C8 generation seem to be popping up quite often now. The Stingray uses a basic 6.2-liter V8, the Z06 opts for a 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8, the e-Ray uses hybrid assist, and the ZR1 gets twin turbochargers. Outperforming them all in terms of performance is the ZR1x, which reaches 1,250 horsepower thanks to its twin-turbo setup and hybrid system.
Chevrolet Express and GMC Savannah
These two utility vans are essentially the same vehicle and have been for years, as they have received limited exterior updates over the years. The V8s in these vans aren’t performance-based or luxury cruising-oriented, but they’re still an eight-cylinder option.
Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra
Automakers often share powertrains in vehicles built on the same platform with sister companies. Most engines found in the Silverado are also found in the GMC Sierra, including the V8.
chevrolet tahoe and suburban
Since the Suburban is just a larger version of the Tahoe, they both have the same V8 engine. The base trim is powered by a 5.3-liter V8, while the top-of-the-line High Country version is powered by a 6.2-liter V8.
dodge durango
Dodge was known for its large-block V8 engines, and that’s still the case. For the 2026 model year, all Durango models come standard with a Hemi V8. The RT comes with a 5.7-liter V8, while the SRT 392 trim comes with a 6.4-liter V8. The Hellcat Durango still exists and uses the iconic supercharged V8 with 710 horsepower.
Ford F-150
America’s best-selling vehicle offers many powertrain options. You can choose between a 5.0-liter V8 engine or a supercharged version of the Raptor R.
ford mustang
Mustangs and V8s go together like bread and butter. The new S650 generation Mustang is available with a V8 engine in GT and Dark Horse trims. Stick shift is also an option.
GMC Yukon and Yukon XL
The GMC Yukon Duo comes standard with a 5.3-liter V8, but a 6.2-liter V8 is also available as an option on AT4 and Denali trims. The Ultimate trim is equipped with a 3.0L inline 6-cylinder DURAMAX turbo diesel engine.
Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler Rubicon SRT 392
The 6.4-liter HEMI was added to the Wrangler in 2021. It will appear in Gladiator next year. The truck and SUV combination delivers 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.
ram 1500
Ram trucks still have a Hemi option for those who want it. That includes the Hellcat-powered TRX, which will return in 2026.
Kenan Thompson is a car culture reporter for the Detroit Free Press. Contact Keenan at kthompson@freepress.com. Follow him on Instagram @keenanaautos. To sign up automotive newsletter. become a subscriber.
