How much oil does a 3.5 l Honda take?
The typical engine oil capacity for Honda’s 3.5-liter V6 is about 5.5 quarts (roughly 5.2 liters) with a new filter. This figure can vary slightly by model and year, so always verify the exact specification in the owner’s manual.
The question covers more than a single number: owners want to know not only the capacity but also the right oil grade, how variations in engine design affect the amount, and how to perform a compliant oil change. The 3.5L family powers models such as the Pilot, Odyssey, Ridgeline, Accord (V6 variants), and Acura MDX, and while the core capacity is similar, exact figures can differ by year and variant.
Typical capacity for the 3.5L V6 family
Common capacity figures reported for the 3.5L V6 family are as follows.
- 5.5 quarts (with filter) ≈ 5.2 liters
These numbers assume you are performing a standard drain-and-fill and replacing the oil filter. If you skip a filter change, the amount you need might differ slightly.
Factors that can affect capacity
Several factors can influence the exact amount of oil your engine ends up needing, even within the 3.5L V6 family.
- Engine variant (J35A, J35Z, and other revisions) and model year
- Oil filter size and capacity
- Oil pan design and total internal oil volume
- Whether performing a full oil change versus a drain-and-fill
- Oil type (synthetic vs. conventional) and any factory-fill considerations
Because of these variations, always confirm the exact requirement for your specific vehicle in the manual or with a dealer’s service guide.
Oil grade and viscosity recommendations
Honda’s recommended oil grade for the 3.5L V6 varies by model year and climate. 0W-20 is common on many newer Hondas, while some older models may call for 5W-20. Always check the owner’s manual or under-hood oil cap for the precise specification. Here’s a quick guide:
- 0W-20 for most modern 3.5L Honda/Acura vehicles (latest generations)
- 5W-20 for older models or certain regional specifications
- Synthetic oil is typically recommended or accepted; follow the manual’s quality requirements
In practice, many owners opt for a full-synthetic 0W-20 to balance protection and efficiency, but always adhere to the exact grade and quality specified for your year and model.
How to check or perform an oil change
Follow these steps for a standard oil change and to verify the correct oil level after refilling.
- Warm up the engine briefly, then turn it off and let the oil settle for a few minutes.
- Park on level ground, engage the parking brake, and gather your tools and a suitable container for old oil.
- Drain the old oil by removing the drain plug; replace the drain plug and install a new oil filter per the service manual.
- Fill with the recommended oil amount (about 5.5 quarts with the filter) and replace the oil filler cap.
- Start the engine, let it run for about a minute, then turn it off and wait a moment before checking the dipstick.
- Check the level on the dipstick and add small amounts of oil as needed until it reads within the proper range.
Adhering to the correct capacity and following the vehicle’s maintenance guidelines helps ensure reliable lubrication and engine longevity.
Summary
For most Honda 3.5L V6 engines, plan on roughly 5.5 quarts (about 5.2 liters) of engine oil with a new filter. Exact capacity can vary by model-year and variant, so consult the owner’s manual for your specific vehicle. Use the grade and quality recommended by Honda (commonly 0W-20 on newer models, 5W-20 on older ones), and perform a careful oil-change procedure to maintain engine health.
