How much horsepower does a Ford 4.2 liter V6 have?
The Ford 4.2-liter V6 does not have a single universal horsepower rating. In typical consumer applications, it sits around 210 horsepower, with small variations by year, market, and emissions tuning. For an exact figure, match the engine code to Ford’s official specs for your vehicle.
Understanding the 4.2L V6
The 4.2L V6 used by Ford is part of the Cologne family and was deployed primarily in trucks and SUVs during the late 1990s and 2000s. It is generally a two-valve OHV design in most applications, meaning the factory horsepower rating is relatively conservative compared with modern multi-valve designs. Because Ford used the same displacement across different trims and markets, horsepower can vary slightly from one model year to another.
Key horsepower figures by variant
Below is a concise overview of the most commonly encountered ratings for the 4.2L V6 in its mainstream applications. Figures reflect factory ratings as published by Ford for the corresponding year and configuration.
- Cologne 4.2L OHV V6 (two-valve design, widely used in mid- to late-1990s and early-2000s Ford trucks/SUVs): approximately 202–210 horsepower, depending on year and emissions setup.
Notes: Individual vehicles may show slight deviations due to market specifications or specific calibrations. For the exact horsepower of your vehicle, refer to the engine code on the engine block and cross-check Ford’s official spec sheets for that year and model.
How to verify the exact horsepower for your vehicle
Because there are occasional variations by year and market, here are reliable ways to confirm the precise horsepower for your specific car or truck:
- Find the engine code and model year on the engine label or VIN plate.
- Consult Ford’s official service literature or the owner’s manual for that engine code and year.
- Check the original window sticker or build sheet for the posted horsepower rating.
- If needed, contact a Ford dealer or a certified mechanic with the VIN to obtain the exact specification.
Accurate horsepower identification ultimately comes down to the exact engine code associated with your vehicle’s year and trim. The 4.2L V6 was most common in older Ford trucks and SUVs, and production has waned as newer V6 options have entered the lineup.
Summary
The Ford 4.2-liter V6 does not have a single, universal horsepower figure. The most typical rating for its common two-valve Cologne configuration is around 210 horsepower, with minor year-to-year variations. For precise horsepower, verify the engine code and year in Ford’s official specifications for your specific vehicle.
