Across Honda and its luxury division Acura, the 3.5-liter V6 engine—part of the J35 family—has powered a wide range of vehicles. In current and recent history, this engine is most commonly found in SUVs, minivans, and certain sedans, and it also appears in high-performance and older models. A quick guide to where the 3.5L V6 lives helps sort fact from legacy.
As a reference, the 3.5-liter V6 has served as a mainstay for many Honda and Acura models since the mid-2000s. While some newer Honda products increasingly rely on turbocharged four-cylinders, the 3.5L V6 remains standard or available in several mainstream vehicles and in Acura’s lineup, including performance variants. The exact availability can vary by model year and region, so always check the specific year’s specs when shopping.
Honda-branded vehicles with the 3.5L V6
Below are the Honda-brand models that have historically used or currently offer the 3.5-liter V6, with notes on typical applications and generation spans.
- Honda Pilot — a long-running SUV that uses the 3.5L V6 in most generations since its redesign in the late 2000s.
- Honda Odyssey — the family minivan that has employed the 3.5L V6 for efficiency and power across multiple generations.
- Honda Ridgeline — the mid-size pickup that shares the 3.5L V6 with related models and uses it for towing and payload needs.
- Honda Passport — a mid-size SUV introduced with the same 3.5L V6 engine common to the Pilot, used in recent years.
- Honda Accord (older V6 variants) — the 3.5L V6 was used in certain Accord V6 trims before the market shifted toward turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinders in later generations.
These vehicles illustrate how Honda deployed the 3.5L V6 across its mainstream lineup, particularly in larger, passenger-focused models where smooth power and towing capability were priorities.
Acura-branded models with the 3.5L V6
Acura, Honda’s luxury division, has offered the 3.5L V6 in several of its core models—and even used it in a high-performance hybrid setup in one model. The following list covers the primary applications by model line and era.
- Acura MDX — the three-row SUV that has long used the 3.5L V6 as its standard powerplant in multiple generations.
- Acura RLX — the flagship sedan that anchored its lineup with a 3.5L V6 in its early years.
- Acura TLX — offered with a 3.5L V6 in its initial years, before later generations leaned toward turbocharged four-cylinder options; some early trims included the larger V6.
- Acura NSX — the high-performance hybrid supercar employs a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 paired with electric motors, demonstrating the engine’s versatility beyond mainstream models.
In Acura’s lineup, the 3.5L V6 has been central to a blend of everyday usability (MDX, RLX) and performance (NSX), with shifts over time toward alternative powertrains in some models.
Additional context and what to check when shopping
Engine design and configuration details—such as direct injection, i-VTEC timing, and hybrid configurations—have evolved across model years. Prospective buyers should verify the exact engine variant for a given year trim, as some models transitioned away from the 3.5L V6 to turbocharged four-cylinders or hybrid setups in later generations. For example, the Accord’s modern lineup moved away from the 3.5L V6 in favor of a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder, and some newer Acura TLX configurations emphasize other power options.
Summary
The 3.5-liter V6 from Honda’s J35 family has been a staple across a broad swath of vehicles, especially larger SUVs, the Odyssey minivan, the Ridgeline pickup, and the Passport, along with Acura’s MDX, RLX, TLX (in earlier years), and the NSX (in a high-performance hybrid form). While newer Honda models increasingly favor turbocharged four-cylinder engines, the 3.5L V6 remains a defining engine for many established models and legacy configurations. If you’re buying used or researching current inventory, confirm the exact engine specs by model year and trim to ensure you’re getting the 3.5L V6 or the newer powertrain option.