What engine does my Honda Odyssey have?
In the U.S. market, Honda Odyssey models primarily use a 3.5-liter V6 engine (i-VTEC) paired with a multi-speed automatic transmission. The latest generation continues with this setup but on a higher-performance configuration, including a 10-speed automatic. Exact output and gear ratios vary by model year and trim.
Understanding which engine powers your specific Odyssey depends on the year, trim, and whether the vehicle has had any factory updates or regional variations. If you’re trying to confirm the exact powerplant for your vehicle, there are several reliable ways to verify without guessing from appearance alone.
How to identify your Odyssey’s engine
Use these steps to confirm the exact engine in your specific vehicle.
- Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Your VIN can be decoded to reveal the engine type, or you can provide it to a Honda dealer or trusted mechanic for confirmation.
- Inspect the under-hood engine label. A sticker or stamping on the engine or nearby components typically lists the engine code and displacement.
- Look for the engine code on the engine itself. A metal tag or stamping on the valve cover or intake manifold will show the correct code (for example, part of Honda’s J-series family).
- Consult the owner’s manual or service records. They often include the engine specification for the original build or any subsequent replacements.
- When in doubt, contact a Honda dealer with your VIN. They can pull the exact factory specification for your VIN and confirm the engine type and related hardware.
With these steps, you can confidently confirm the engine powering your specific Odyssey and avoid relying on appearance or general assumptions.
The latest generation: what you should know
The current generation (the 2018 redesign and continuing models) uses a 3.5-liter V6 with Honda’s i-VTEC system and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and Honda does not offer an all-wheel-drive option on the Odyssey. This setup delivers robust power suitable for minivan duties, including family hauling and highway cruising.
Key specs for the latest Odyssey
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6 i-VTEC (J-series family)
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD) standard; no factory AWD option
- Output: About 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque (varies slightly by model year and market)
These details reflect the dominant configuration in U.S. models from 2018 onward. If your Odyssey is from an earlier year or a different market, the engine and transmission pairing may differ slightly, though the 3.5-liter V6 remains the common thread through most modern Odysseys.
Notes on older Odysseys
- Earlier generations generally used the same 3.5-liter V6 family but with different automatic transmissions across model years, ranging from earlier 5-speed units to later iterations that moved toward higher-speed automatics.
- Output and tuning varied by year and market, so your best confirmation method remains the VIN, engine badge, and under-hood labeling described above.
In short, unless you’re dealing with a unique regional variant or a non-U.S. model, your Honda Odyssey’s engine will most likely be the 3.5-liter V6 from Honda’s J-series, paired with a modern automatic transmission, with the latest models using a 10-speed unit and FWD only.
Summary
The typical Honda Odyssey engine is a 3.5-liter V6 with i-VTEC, most recently paired to a 10-speed automatic and offered in front-wheel drive only in the U.S. The exact specifications can vary by model year, trim, and region, so verifying with the VIN, engine label, or dealer is the surest way to know your exact powerplant. If you need practical help, a quick check of the VIN on the dash sticker or under-hood label will usually reveal the precise engine code and configuration.
How do I identify my Honda engine?
To identify your Honda engine, check the model number sticker (often on the side, top, or front) and look for a stamped code on the engine block. For vehicles, the eighth digit of the VIN will also specify the engine type and size.
This video demonstrates how to find the model number on a Honda engine: 54sSmall Engine WarehouseYouTube · Apr 29, 2025
For small engines (e.g., lawnmowers, generators)
- Find the model number sticker: Look for a sticker with the model number on the engine itself. It often starts with a "G" and may appear on the side, top, or front.
- Locate the stamped code: Find where the engine model and type code are stamped into the side of the engine block, usually near the serial number. The type code can be up to four characters, with asterisks filling in for missing ones (e.g., "QX**").
- Check for specific locations: Depending on the model, specific locations include:
- Under the recoil assembly: Common on GX and GXV series engines.
- Underneath the fuel tank: Often on the left side when facing the shaft.
- Near the oil filter: For GX360 models, look to the right of the oil filter.
- Near the fan housing: For GX610/620/670, look to the right of the recoil assembly.
You can watch this video to see how to find the engine code on a Honda GX160: 34smachinesnmetalYouTube · Mar 4, 2025
For vehicles (e.g., cars, motorcycles)
- Use the VIN: Find the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on your car's dashboard or door jamb. The eighth character of the VIN is an engine code that identifies the engine's size and type.
- Check the engine block: Look for an engine code stamped directly onto the engine block itself. This is separate from the VIN and may be necessary for ordering parts.
This video explains how to find the engine code on a Honda vehicle: 19sCaleb YamYouTube · Jan 25, 2014
General tips
- If you can't find the information: Use a parts lookup tool on the Honda website or from a parts dealer. You can usually narrow down the engine by providing the vehicle's year, make, and model, or by providing information about the equipment the engine is on.
- For generators: The model name is often printed on a sticker near the case, fuel tank, or control panel. These model names typically start with "E".
How do I know what engine is in my Honda Odyssey?
Finding the Engine Model
To find the model number, look for a model number sticker on the engine. All Honda engines model numbers start with the letter "G," such as "G100", "GX610", or "GXV160." This is the base engine model. The engine model and serial number should be adequate for most of your needs.
What engine is in a Honda Odyssey?
The Honda Odyssey is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine across its current model years. This engine is known for its smooth performance, producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
- Engine type: 3.5-liter V6
- Horsepower: 280 hp
- Torque: 262 lb-ft
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Which Honda has a K24 engine?
Many Honda and Acura models have the K24 engine, including the Accord, CR-V, Civic Si, Element, and Acura TSX and ILX. The specific K24 variant and its performance vary across these models and different model years.
Honda models with K24 engines
- Accord: From around 2003 to 2017, various K24 engines were used, including the K24A4, K24Z2, K24Z3, and K24W1.
- CR-V: Many generations, from 2002 to 2019, featured the K24 engine, including the K24A1, K24Z1, K24Z4, K24Z6, and K24W1.
- Civic Si: The performance-oriented Civic Si used the K24 engine in certain model years, primarily from 2002 to 2015, such as with the K24Z7.
- Element: The K24 engine was the sole powerplant for the Element from 2003 to 2011, with variants like the K24A4 and K24A8.
- Crosstour: The K24Y2 was used in the Honda Crosstour from 2012 to 2015.
- Odyssey: Some international versions of the Odyssey have been equipped with the K24 engine, such as the K24A4 and K24W4.
Acura models with K24 engines
- TSX: The K24 engine was a staple in the Acura TSX from 2004 to 2008, with variants like the K24A2 and K24Z3.
- ILX: Some model years of the Acura ILX featured the K24 engine, including the K24Z7 and K24V7.
- RDX: The RDX also used the K24 engine in certain models.
- TLX: The K24W7 engine was used in the Acura TLX from 2015 to 2020.
