What is the name of the engine in the Honda Crosstour V6?
The engine in the Honda Crosstour V6 is Honda’s 3.5-liter V6 i-VTEC engine, part of the J-series family.
Used in Crosstour V6 models from around 2009 to 2015, this powerplant delivers about 271 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque, depending on the model year and configuration.
Engine family and naming
Honda's 3.5-liter V6 i-VTEC is a member of the J-series family, a line of smooth, high-compression V6 engines designed for performance and efficiency. In the Crosstour, as in several other Honda models of the era, the engine is marketed simply as a 3.5L V6 with i-VTEC, highlighting both its displacement and the variable valve timing technology.
What the 3.5L V6 i-VTEC means
“3.5L V6 i-VTEC” denotes a 3.5-liter V6 engine that uses Honda’s i-VTEC system to optimize valve timing for different RPM ranges. This combination aims to balance strong low-end response with high-end power, while maintaining drivability and efficiency in everyday use.
Performance and specifications
For Crosstour V6 models, the following specifications were commonly associated with the 3.5-liter V6 engine. Note that exact outputs can vary by year and market.
- Displacement: 3.5 liters (3471 cc)
- Configuration: V6, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) with i-VTEC
- Horsepower: approximately 271 hp
- Torque: around 254 lb-ft
- Applications: Crosstour V6, also shared with various Honda models such as the Accord
- Transmission pairing: typically paired with a 5-speed automatic in early Crosstour V6 models
These figures reflect the engine’s role as a smooth, capable drivetrain for the Crosstour, prioritizing comfortable highway cruising as well as adequate punch for overtakes and hills.
Technology and design highlights
The 3.5L V6 i-VTEC is built around Honda’s VTEC variable valve timing system, later enhanced with i-VTEC to allow additional optimization of valve timing as engine speed rises. This design contributes to a broad, usable torque curve and refined idle characteristics, which suits the Crosstour’s emphasis on comfort and everyday practicality. The engine is typically paired with Honda’s automatic transmission options from the Crosstour era and shares its basic architecture with other J-series V6 engines used across Honda’s lineup.
Reliability and maintenance considerations
As with many Honda V6s from the era, routine maintenance—timing belt/chain inspection, valve cover gaskets, spark plugs, and consistent fluid changes—helps sustain performance and longevity. Owners often report solid reliability when the engine is well maintained and the vehicle is kept within normal service guidelines.
Summary
The Honda Crosstour’s V6 is powered by Honda’s 3.5-liter V6 i-VTEC, a member of the J-series engine family. It blends smooth power delivery with practical mid-range torque, making it a suitable match for the Crosstour’s blend of comfort and capability. Across model years, this engine provided roughly 271 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque, contributing to the Crosstour’s reputation as a versatile, comfortable crossover wagon.
Notes for readers and buyers
If you’re researching a used Crosstour, verify the specific engine code and year, as tuning and output can vary slightly by model year. A qualified mechanic can confirm the exact J-series variant and review maintenance history to ensure ongoing reliability.
Summary: The Crosstour’s V6 is the 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 from Honda’s J-series, delivering capable performance for a mid-size crossover and sharing its core architecture with several other Honda models of the era.
