Does Honda have a V6 engine?
Yes. Honda currently offers a 3.5-liter V6 in several models, notably the Pilot, Odyssey, Ridgeline, and Passport. Most Honda passenger cars now rely on four-cylinder engines or turbocharged four-cylinders.
This article examines which current Honda models still use a V6, why Honda maintains these engines in certain vehicles, and what that means for buyers navigating power, efficiency, and future technologies.
Current Honda models with a V6
Below are the Honda models that continue to offer a factory V6 powertrain, spanning family SUVs, a minivan, and a pickup.
- Honda Pilot — 3.5-liter V6, i-VTEC, paired with a 9-speed automatic; roughly 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, tuned for confident highway performance and light towing.
- Honda Odyssey — 3.5-liter V6, 9-speed automatic; about 280 horsepower; designed for smooth, powerful acceleration in a family minivan.
- Honda Ridgeline — 3.5-liter V6, 9-speed automatic; around 280 horsepower; provides adequate payload and towing capability for a mid-size truck.
- Honda Passport — 3.5-liter V6, 9-speed automatic; approximately 280 horsepower; a rugged SUV with ample mid-range power.
In these models, the V6 is paired with Honda's i-VTEC variable-valve timing and, in most trims, a nine-speed automatic transmission to deliver steady power across ranges of speed and load.
Why Honda uses a V6
Honda preserves V6 power where it matters most for towing, payload, and refined acceleration, especially in larger, truck-based crossovers and trucks. The V6 provides torque at lower engine speeds and a smoother feel than some four-cylinder alternatives under heavy loads.
- Strong low-end torque that helps with towing, merging, and hauling in SUVs and trucks.
- Refined and quiet operation in family and work-vehicle roles, contributing to a smoother ride feel in the cabin.
- Platform and transmission integration that maximizes performance in heavier vehicles while maintaining acceptable efficiency for everyday driving.
Although Honda continues to offer V6 options, the company increasingly deploys turbocharged four-cylinder engines and electrified powertrains in most of its lineup, reserving V6 for models where the blend of power and practicality is most valuable.
Future direction and what it means for buyers
Honda has signaled a broader push toward efficiency and electrification in its product plan. While V6 options remain on the shelf for the near term, some models may move to turbo four-cylinder or hybrid powertrains in future refreshes, particularly as emissions and fuel-economy targets become stricter in various markets.
Electrification and powertrains
Industry trends point to more hybrids and plug-in options across Honda’s SUV range. Buyers who want peak efficiency may prefer the company's four-cylinder turbo or hybrid variants, while those who require maximum towing or a smoother V6 feel may still choose Pilot, Odyssey, Ridgeline, or Passport for now.
Buying considerations for V6 versus four-cylinder variants include differences in towing capacity, acceleration feel, fuel economy, maintenance costs, and potential resale value. Prospective buyers should test-drive and compare equipped specs, especially when evaluating trims with different powertrains.
Summary
Yes, Honda still offers a V6 engine in several current models, notably the Pilot, Odyssey, Ridgeline, and Passport. However, the broader trend at Honda is toward smaller, more efficient engines and electrified powertrains for most of its lineup. If you need V6 power now, those four models provide it; if you prioritize efficiency and modern tech, Honda’s four-cylinder turbo and hybrid options are increasingly competitive across its range.
