The J35 3.5-liter V6 has powered a range of Honda and Acura vehicles since the mid-2000s, most notably larger SUVs, crossovers, minivans, and some sedans, including the MDX, RL, TL, Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline, and Accord.
The J35 engine is part of Honda’s J-series family of V6 powerplants. It was designed to deliver smooth, robust performance across front- and all-wheel-drive configurations and has seen multiple revisions to suit different generations, emissions standards, and transmissions. Variants differ in intake, cam timing, i-VTEC features, and other details, but all share the core 3.5-liter displacement and a 60-degree V6 layout. If you’re evaluating a specific vehicle, the exact J35 variant can vary by model year and trim, so confirming the engine code is important for parts compatibility and maintenance.
Models commonly equipped with the J35 3.5L V6
Below is a list of Honda and Acura models that used the J35 engine family across different generations. Exact year ranges and trims vary, so verify the specific engine code for a given vehicle.
- Acura MDX (early generation through later generation; uses J35A variants)
- Acura RL (approx. 2005–2012; variants include J35A/J35Z)
- Honda Odyssey (mid-2000s to mid-2010s; 3.5L J35A)
- Honda Pilot (2009–2015 and later; 3.5L J35A)
- Honda Ridgeline (2006–2014; 3.5L J35A)
- Honda Accord (2008–2017; 3.5L J35A family variants)
- Honda TL and TL Type-S (2004–2008; Type-S variants in 2007–2008; uses J35 variants)
Note: Some markets and trims used different revisions within the J35 family. Always check the engine code on the engine block or under-hood labeling to confirm the exact variant.
J35 variants and how to identify them
Engine codes such as J35A1, J35A4, J35Z1, and other suffixes designate the exact version installed in a given model year. The code is typically stamped on the engine block or found on a badge under the hood. Knowing the precise variant helps with parts compatibility, maintenance procedures, and potential upgrades.
For current-model inquiries, verify specifications with Honda/Acura’s official documentation or a trusted parts database, since model lineups and engine assignments can shift with new generations and regional offerings.
Summary
The J35 3.5L V6 has been a mainstay in several Honda and Acura vehicles, delivering strong performance in mid-size SUVs, crossovers, minivans, and select sedans. If you’re researching or shopping for a J35-equipped model, consider MDX, RL, TL, Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline, and Accord, while confirming the exact engine variant and year to ensure accurate parts compatibility and service requirements.