Understanding Honda’s V6 lineup
To understand where Honda’s V6 engines appear, it helps to know that the company’s V6 family is anchored by the 3.5-liter V6, often referred to by its J-series designation. This engine has powered multiple Honda and Acura vehicles for years, delivering a balance of strong performance and smoother operation in larger vehicles. In recent years, Honda has increasingly used turbocharged four-cylinder engines in its smaller and more affordable models, but the V6 remains a staple for models needing more torque and seating capacity.
The V6 engine family that Honda uses
Honda’s primary V6 family is the 3.5-liter V6 from the J-series. It has appeared in various configurations across multiple generations and has been used in SUVs, minivans, and trucks. The same engineering philosophy underpins some Acura models, which share engines and many components with Honda vehicles.
Current Honda models with a V6
The following Honda models, as of the mid-2020s, still offer a V6 engine in common configurations. These vehicles emphasize seating, towing capability, and highway performance where a V6 is advantageous.
- Pilot
- Ridgeline
- Odyssey
- Passport
The V6 options in these models are typically paired with automatic transmissions (often 9- or 10-speed units) and are used in three-row SUVs, a pickup, and a minivan, reflecting Honda’s commitment to V6 power where it remains a selling point.
Where Honda’s V6 sits in the broader brand lineup
Beyond the Honda nameplate, Honda’s V6 power is a core element of the Acura luxury lineup, which has long offered V6 engines across models like the MDX, RDX, and TLX. In contrast, Honda’s more affordable, mainstream lineup has increasingly leaned on turbocharged four-cylinder engines for efficiency and emissions targets, reserving the V6 for larger vehicles that benefit from extra torque and seating capacity.
Historical context
Historically, Honda and Acura used V6 engines across a broader portion of their lineups, including sedans like older Accord configurations and various pre-2020 minivans and SUVs. Over the last decade, shifts toward downsized four-cylinder engines with turbocharging, plus hybridization, have reduced the number of new passenger cars offering V6 options. Nevertheless, Honda continues to offer V6 power in key larger models, maintaining the engine’s relevance for buyers needing more robust performance and towing capabilities.
Summary
In short, Honda does have a V6 option, centered on the 3.5-liter V6 from the J-series. It remains available in current models such as the Pilot, Ridgeline, Odyssey, and Passport, while many of Honda’s smaller and more economical models rely on four-cylinder turbo engines. The Acura brand, sharing Honda technology, continues to employ V6 power across several of its models.