The V8 engine has become more than just a powerplant, it’s a cultural icon. In an era where electrification and smaller turbocharged engines dominate, the V8 remains a symbol of raw performance, character, and pure driving enjoyment. For Canadian and American buyers alike, a V8 car or truck isn’t just about getting from A to B, it’s about making the trip memorable. These engines are celebrated for their soundtracks, their effortless torque, and the way they make even mundane commutes feel exciting. Though the list of V8s is shrinking, 2025 still offers plenty of incredible options that bring joy to ownership. Here are twenty models, mixing domestic muscle and foreign precision, that prove the V8 still has plenty of life left.
Ford Mustang GT
The Mustang GT remains one of the most accessible and iconic V8 cars. Its 5.0-liter Coyote engine produces over 480 horsepower, with a free-revving nature and a sound that’s instantly recognizable. For Canadians, the Mustang is just as much at home cruising along the Trans-Canada Highway as it is tearing down summer backroads. It’s also one of the few cars that feels just as exciting with a manual transmission as it does with an automatic, giving owners a truly engaging experience.
Chevrolet Camaro SS
The Camaro SS continues GM’s legacy of small-block V8 performance with its 6.2-liter heart. It’s a car that offers both brute force and surprising agility. While its retro-styled design nods to the past, its handling balance and road manners make it a serious driver’s car. Owners love the way it sounds under load, with a bellow that makes even simple errands a joy. Though production is winding down, the SS will be remembered as one of the last true American muscle coupes.
Dodge Challenger R/T
The Challenger R/T brings a touch of nostalgia. With its 5.7-liter HEMI V8, it isn’t the most powerful muscle car on the market, but it doesn’t need to be. The car’s sheer presence and retro styling make it a rolling piece of Americana. For Canadian buyers, its comfortable ride and wide stance make it usable even in long-distance driving, proving that a muscle car can still be practical.
Dodge Charger Scat Pack
The Charger Scat Pack delivers a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 in a full-size sedan body, making it one of the last true four-door muscle cars. It combines family-friendly practicality with a soundtrack that shakes the ground. Canadian owners love it because it feels like two cars in one: a spacious sedan for daily use, and a muscle machine the moment you hit the throttle. It’s unapologetically bold and deeply satisfying.
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
The Corvette Stingray’s 6.2-liter LT2 V8 sits behind the driver in its new mid-engine layout, transforming how the car handles. With nearly 500 horsepower, it delivers exotic performance at a fraction of the price of European rivals. The sound of the V8 echoing from behind your head is addictive, and owners marvel at how refined the Stingray feels on long trips while still being razor-sharp on track. For many Canadians, it’s the dream car that feels attainable.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
The CT5-V Blackwing is Cadillac’s ultimate statement car — a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 sedan producing a staggering 668 horsepower. It’s raw and refined in equal measure, combining luxury appointments with brutal performance. Owners call it a “muscle car in a tuxedo.” Canadian drivers love that it’s one of the few true performance sedans available with a manual transmission, making it a collector’s item in the making.
Lincoln Navigator
While Lincoln has shifted toward turbocharged engines, the Navigator’s V8 presence in earlier trims and special editions remains legendary. Its blend of smooth power, luxurious interiors, and commanding road presence makes it one of the most satisfying full-size SUVs for highway cruising. For Canadian families who value space and refinement, the V8 Navigator was an unmatched luxury workhorse.
Ram 1500 HEMI
The Ram 1500 continues to be one of the most popular trucks in North America, and the 5.7-liter HEMI is at the heart of that. It delivers power, reliability, and a burly exhaust note that truck fans love. Whether hauling lumber, towing boats, or just running errands, the Ram’s V8 makes it all feel effortless. In Canada, it’s a favorite among those who need utility but still want a touch of fun.
Ford F-150 5.0 V8
Ford’s 5.0-liter V8 is one of the last naturally aspirated engines standing in the pickup world. With plenty of power and a heritage dating back decades, it appeals to traditionalists who want a simple, proven motor. Canadians trust it for long-term reliability, and it still manages to give the F-150 a spirited feel despite the rise of smaller turbocharged alternatives.
GMC Sierra 1500 6.2 V8
The Sierra’s optional 6.2-liter V8 is the jewel of GM’s truck lineup. Smooth, powerful, and surprisingly refined, it’s the kind of engine that feels just as happy towing 10,000 pounds as it does cruising down the highway. It delivers an upscale experience, especially when paired with the Sierra’s luxurious Denali trim. For Canadian truck owners, it’s both a workhorse and a status symbol.
Lexus LC 500
The LC 500 is widely considered one of the most beautiful cars on sale, and its 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 is equally stunning. With a linear power delivery and a sound that builds to a crescendo, it’s as much a sensory experience as it is transportation. Owners often describe it as a “grand touring masterpiece,” perfect for devouring Canadian highway miles in style.
Lexus RC F
Sharing the LC’s glorious V8, the RC F delivers it in a smaller, sharper coupe package. It may not be the lightest car in its class, but its blend of reliability, style, and that addictive V8 soundtrack make it a favorite among enthusiasts. Canadians appreciate its all-weather usability and understated exclusivity.
Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe
The AMG GT Coupe brings German engineering and drama in equal measure. Its handcrafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 produces heart-stopping acceleration, accompanied by an exhaust crackle that sounds like rolling thunder. It’s more exotic than many cars twice its price and proves that the V8 can still be sophisticated while remaining a beast at heart.
Mercedes-AMG G63
The AMG G63 is a paradox: a boxy, old-school SUV packing nearly 600 horsepower from a twin-turbo V8. Despite its military roots, it has become one of the ultimate luxury status symbols. Canadians love its winter-crushing capability combined with absurd performance, making it one of the most joyful V8-powered SUVs on the market.
BMW M5
The M5 continues its reign as the ultimate sports sedan. Its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 pumps out supercar levels of power while still offering a refined daily drive. It’s the kind of car that can blend into traffic one moment and outrun sports cars the next. Canadian buyers praise its blend of four-season usability and unshakable prestige.
BMW X5 M
Taking the same V8 from the M5 and putting it in a family SUV might sound unnecessary, but it’s exactly what makes the X5 M so appealing. It’s absurdly quick, handles better than most sedans, and still carries the kids in comfort. For Canadian drivers who want practicality without giving up thrills, it’s the perfect contradiction.
Jaguar F-Type R
The Jaguar F-Type R is unapologetically emotional. Its supercharged 5.0-liter V8 produces a howl that many enthusiasts consider one of the best sounds in motoring. All-wheel drive makes it usable year-round in Canada, while its design and character make every trip feel like an event.
Jaguar XJ Supercharged
Though rarer now, the XJ Supercharged models with their 5.0-liter V8s remain among the most graceful performance sedans ever built. They blend British luxury with a heart that delivers explosive acceleration. Owners in Canada often remark on how special it feels even when just used for daily commuting.
Maserati Quattroporte Trofeo
The Quattroporte Trofeo hides a Ferrari-built twin-turbo V8 under its hood, making it one of the most exotic sedans on the market. Its Italian flair, combined with rare exclusivity, makes ownership feel like joining a private club. Canadians who want something different from the German crowd gravitate to it for its individuality.
Aston Martin DB11 V8
The DB11’s AMG-sourced twin-turbo V8 combines British elegance with German precision. While Aston purists love the V12, the V8 is lighter and more agile, making it arguably the better driver’s car. It’s a grand tourer in the truest sense — perfect for long road trips across Canada, where the journey matters as much as the destination.
Why the V8 Still Matters
The V8 engine isn’t just about numbers; it’s about character. From the Mustang’s iconic rumble to the Jaguar F-Type’s spine-tingling howl, the V8 adds emotion that turbo fours and sixes can’t match. For Canadian and American drivers alike, these twenty models prove the V8 still makes car ownership a joy. Whether in a work-ready pickup, a luxury sedan, or a fire-breathing sports car, the V8 reminds us why driving can be fun in the first place.
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