Are Honda Pilots 4 or 6 cylinder?
Honda Pilots use a 6-cylinder engine, specifically a 3.5-liter V6, and there is no four-cylinder option in the U.S. lineup.
Across its history, the Pilot has been built around a V6 powertrain, prioritizing smooth performance and towing capability for families and adventures. This article explains the engine configuration across generations, current specifications, and what buyers should know about everyday driving.
Engine configuration through the generations
The Honda Pilot has always used a V6 engine. Here is a concise look by generation.
- First generation (2003–2008): 3.5-liter V6 paired with a 5-speed automatic; front- or all-wheel drive available.
- Second generation (2009–2015): 3.5-liter V6 with improved efficiency; typically paired with a 5-speed automatic; AWD available.
- Third generation (2016–present): 3.5-liter V6 (with direct injection and refinements) paired with a 9-speed automatic; AWD available and common on higher trims.
In every generation, the Pilot has remained a V6-powered SUV with no factory 4-cylinder option in the U.S. market.
Current specs and what to expect in daily driving
For the latest models, buyers can expect a single V6 engine option with strong mid-range torque, paired to a modern automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive. Here are the key takeaways.
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6 (Honda’s J-series family) delivering about 280 horsepower and 260+ lb-ft of torque, depending on model year.
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic transmission across current trims.
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive is standard on lower trims; all-wheel drive is available on most trims or standard on higher trims.
- Fuel economy: Typically in the mid- to upper-20s mpg on highway, with city mpg varying in the high teens to low 20s depending on drivetrain and year. Real-world numbers vary by driving style.
The current Pilot lineup remains a V6-powered family SUV with no factory four-cylinder option, emphasizing smooth power delivery and towing capability.
Summary
Bottom line: Honda Pilots are six-cylinder, using a 3.5-liter V6 engine across generations and the current lineup, with a 9-speed automatic and available all-wheel drive. There is no four-cylinder option in the Honda Pilot as sold in the United States today.
Is a Honda Pilot a V6 or V8?
The Honda Pilot does not come with a V8 engine; it has a 3.5-liter V6 engine across all trims. This V6 engine produces 285 horsepower and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It also features a Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system that can switch from six to three cylinders to improve fuel efficiency.
You can watch this video to learn more about the features of the 2025 Honda Pilot Black Edition, including the V6 engine: 59sJoshua McDonaldYouTube · Aug 29, 2025
- Engine: 3.5-liter, 24-valve, DOHC V6
- Horsepower: 285 hp @ 6,100 rpm
- Torque: 262 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Key Feature: Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system
Is a Honda Pilot a 4 or 6 cylinder?
The Pilot is equipped with a V-6 engine capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds.* That's enough muscle to pull a 24-foot camper, a trailer with two side-by-sides, or a 22-foot boat. The Pilot was engineered to create the best possible driving experience.
What is the most common problem with a Honda Pilot?
The most common problem with a Honda Pilot is transmission issues, including rough shifting, hesitation, and failure, particularly in certain model years. Other frequent complaints include engine problems like oil consumption and stalling, and various electrical issues with systems like the infotainment and air conditioning.
Transmission problems
- Symptoms: Rough shifting, hesitating during acceleration, shuddering, and unexpected jerking or sudden slowing.
- Causes: Can range from software glitches to mechanical defects, and in some cases, coolant can leak into the transmission fluid, causing catastrophic damage.
- Specific model concerns: The second generation (2009-2015) and 2016 models have had a high number of transmission complaints.
Engine problems
- Symptoms: Stalling, difficulty starting, overheating, misfires, and excessive oil consumption.
- Causes: Issues with fuel injectors, carbon buildup on the throttle body, and deteriorated piston rings have been cited.
- Specific model concerns: The second generation (2009-2015) had a significant issue with piston ring deterioration leading to engine sludge.
Electrical and other issues
- Electrical system malfunctions: This is a persistent complaint, with issues affecting everything from the navigation and infotainment systems to the headlights.
- A/C system: Some owners report poor performance from the air conditioning system, which may not cool the cabin effectively.
- Warped brake rotors: Some older models (2003-2017) have reported vibrations while braking due to warped rotors.
- Hood latch: A recall was issued for certain models (2016-2019) due to a risk of the hood opening while driving.
What to do
- If you own a Pilot and experience these issues, consult a mechanic for a proper diagnosis and repair.
- If you are considering buying a used Pilot, research specific model years known for having these problems, such as the 2003, 2005, and 2016 models.
- Be aware that transmission problems can be very costly to fix, sometimes costing thousands of dollars for replacement.
Which is better, a Honda 4 cylinder or a 6 cylinder?
Sixes usually rev lower than fours, which means they typically feel smoother even when producing full power. For bigger vehicles, the bigger engine is usually a quieter and more capable choice.
