The J35 is Honda’s 3.5-liter V6 engine family, and it has appeared in several Honda and Acura vehicles over the years. In short, you’ll find J35 power under the hoods of a number of mid‑2000s to present models, especially in SUVs and minivans.
More detail: The J35 family comprises multiple variants designed to power different trims and generations. While the exact engine code can vary by year and model, the J35 lineage is known to appear in popular models such as the Acura MDX, Honda Pilot, Honda Odyssey, and Honda Ridgeline. Because engine codes can differ even within a single model across years, it’s wise to verify the specific J-series code on the vehicle’s label or VIN when researching a particular car.
Below is a focused look at the main Honda/Acura model families where J35 variants have been used. This list is representative rather than exhaustive, and exact assignments can vary by year and market.
- Acura MDX — The MDX has relied on a 3.5-liter V6 from the J-series across multiple generations, providing the model’s hallmark balance of power and versatility.
- Honda Pilot — The Pilot’s 3.5-liter V6 is part of the J-series family, powering many mid-size SUV trims.
- Honda Odyssey — The Odyssey’s 3.5-liter V6 is a common J-series variant, fitting the minivan’s need for practical, reliable performance.
- Honda Ridgeline — The Ridgeline’s 3.5-liter V6 is drawn from the J-series family, delivering the pickup’s blend of capability and efficiency.
Engine code verification is essential: the exact J35 variant (and its sub-designation) can differ by year, trim, and market. To confirm for a specific vehicle, check the engine stamp on the block or consult the VIN-based build sheet or the manufacturer’s documentation.
Summary
The J35 3.5L V6 has been a staple in several Honda and Acura models, notably the MDX, Pilot, Odyssey, and Ridgeline. Verification via the engine code or VIN is recommended when researching a particular car to ensure you’re looking at the correct variant.
What Honda has the J35 engine?
MDX Honda Pilot Ridgeline and Odyssey balance power and efficiency.
What Honda has a 3.5 V-6?
2026 Honda Pilot
3.5-Liter DOHC V-6 Engine with Direct Injection and Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) - 2026 Honda Pilot | Honda Info Center.
What's better, J32 vs J35?
The J35 is the same bore as the J32, but with more stroke. To get 260hp from the J32 Type S engine, Honda employed higher compression pistons, bigger cams, better heads, and a larger intake manifold. The J35 has all of that with the exception of the cams and pistons.
Is the Honda J35 V-6 reliable?
Is the J35 Reliable? Even with over 25 years to discover issues, the J35 still holds up as a very reliable V6 option that can be trusted to last hundreds of thousands of miles if taken care of properly.