In practical terms, Honda did not publish a single cutoff year for stopping V6 engines. The company has largely ceased introducing new V6 powertrains for mainstream North American models in the early 2020s, while V6 engines still survive in select Acura models and some high‑performance variants. The shift reflects a broader industry move toward turbocharged four-cylinders and hybrid powertrains.
The broader shift away from V6 powertrains
The move away from V6 engines has been gradual and market‑specific. Honda has been steering most of its mainstream lineup toward smaller, turbocharged four‑cylinder engines, along with hybrid options, in order to improve efficiency and meet stricter emissions standards. This trend has accelerated as automakers balance performance with fuel economy and regulatory pressure.
- Larger, comfort‑oriented models such as some versions of the Pilot, Odyssey, and Ridgeline continued to offer V6 options through the early 2020s, but many customers now see four‑cylinder alternatives as the default choice.
- High‑performance and luxury‑brand models under Honda’s umbrella, particularly Acura, have kept V6 offerings longer. For example, the Acura MDX has used a 3.5‑liter V6 in many trims, while the MDX Type S has employed a 3.0‑liter turbocharged V6 to deliver higher performance.
The company’s mainstream Honda models in North America have largely adopted turbocharged four‑cylinder or hybrid powertrains for new vehicles in recent years. This means fewer new models with naturally aspirated or larger V6 engines, especially for sedans and non‑premium SUVs.
In summary, Honda’s strategy reflects a portfolio where V6 engines persist in a minority of models—mostly within Acura and certain performance variants—while the vast majority of new Honda passenger cars and mainstream SUVs have shifted away from V6 powertrains in favor of four‑cylinder options or hybrids.
Where V6 engines remain (as of the mid‑2020s)
Despite the broader shift, V6 engines were still present in a few models, especially within Acura, and in some traditional Honda SUVs and vans. Here are examples of where V6 powertrains appeared in recently sold vehicles, noting that some environments offer turbocharged or hybrid alternatives as well.
- Honda Pilot — typically offered with a 3.5L V6 in several model years, though turbocharged four‑cylinder options exist in some markets and trims.
- Honda Odyssey — long relied on a 3.5L V6 for minivan duty; efficiency and family‑mFriendly tech remained part of its portfolio even as four‑cylinder options gained ground elsewhere.
- Honda Ridgeline — another example of a mid‑size pickup offered with a 3.5L V6 in multiple generations.
- Acura MDX — commonly used a 3.5L V6 in many trims, with the MDX Type S adopting a 3.0L turbocharged V6 for higher performance models.
- Acura NSX (high‑performance model) — uses a mid‑mounted turbocharged V6 combined with electric motors in its hybrid configuration, illustrating continued V6 viability in performance applications.
Before you review the current lineup, note that V6 usage today is concentrated in select models and trims. The following examples illustrate where V6 engines have persisted.
These examples show that while the mainstream shift away from V6 has taken hold, V6 powertrains still exist in niche areas, especially performance variants and certain Acura models, through the mid‑2020s. The trend, however, indicates that these are exceptions rather than the rule for new Honda passenger cars.
What this means for buyers and enthusiasts
For buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and modern powertrain technology, the move away from V6 in most new Hondas means more four‑cylinder turbo or hybrid options. For enthusiasts who value the 3.5L V6’s smooth torque in SUVs and vans, or who are eyeing performance variants like the MDX Type S or NSX, V6 options remain, though often in higher‑spec or specialty models.
Consumers shopping today should consider:
- Availability of V6 in the specific model/trim they want, especially if they’re interested in Acura styling and performance variants.
- The tradeoffs between a V6 and a turbo four‑cylinder (power delivery, fuel economy, maintenance).
- The potential for hybridized powertrains to meet efficiency goals while preserving enough performance.
Summary
Honda has not announced a single universal stop date for V6 engines. Instead, it has phased out V6 power from most new mainstream models in North America during the early 2020s, favoring turbocharged four‑cylinder and hybrid options. V6s remain in a minority of models—primarily within Acura and select performance variants—reflecting a broader industry shift rather than an absolute halt. If you’re considering a used Honda or Acura, you may still encounter V6 power in some trim levels, while newer Honda models are more likely to rely on smaller, more efficient engines.