The Honda Pilot, Honda Passport, and Honda MDX are the Honda SUVs that use a V6 engine. The Ridgeline uses the same engine family but is categorized as a pickup, not an SUV.
Models with V6 power
Below are the Honda SUVs that continue to rely on a traditional 3.5-liter V6, a configuration Honda has used for years. These models pair the V6 with a multi-speed automatic transmission and offer all-wheel drive as an option on most trims.
- Honda Pilot — 3.5L V6 engine, typically around 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque; 9-speed automatic transmission; available all-wheel drive.
- Honda Passport — 3.5L V6 engine, similar output to the Pilot; 9-speed automatic transmission; available all-wheel drive.
- Honda MDX — 3.5L V6 engine, typically around 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque; 9-speed automatic transmission; available all-wheel drive.
These models constitute Honda’s core lineup of V6-powered SUVs as of model years around 2024–2025, offering traditional, naturally aspirated power with established towing and passenger capabilities.
Engine details by model
Honda Pilot
The Pilot has long used Honda’s 3.5-liter V6, delivering a smooth, linear power delivery suited for family hauling and light towing. It is paired with a multi-speed automatic transmission and is typically offered with all-wheel drive, making it a versatile choice for varied road conditions.
Honda Passport
The Passport shares the Pilot’s V6 heart but is styled as a two-row, more rugged crossover. With the same 3.5-liter V6, it emphasizes cargo space and capability, and it likewise pairs with a automatic transmission and available AWD.
Honda MDX
The MDX is Honda’s three-row SUV that uses the same family of 3.5-liter V6 engines. It targets a more premium, performance-oriented segment within the lineup, offering AWD on many trims and a refined interior with advanced tech features.
Notes on the Ridgeline
For clarity, the Ridgeline is built on a unibody architecture and is categorized as a pickup rather than a traditional SUV. It also uses a 3.5-liter V6 shared with the Pilot and Passport, but it sits outside the “SUV” classification in most consumer guides and dealer listings.
Summary
In short, if you’re specifically after a Honda SUV with a V6 engine, your best bets are the Pilot, Passport, and MDX. Each uses a 3.5-liter V6 paired with a multi-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive, delivering established performance and capability across different SUV segments. The Ridgeline, while sharing the same engine, is categorized as a pickup rather than an SUV.