Acura 3.5L 6-cylinder

Acura 3.5L 6-cylinder — every model and year that used this engine (10 models, 1996–present), based on NHTSA VIN build data, with links to prices and reliability.

3.5L · 6 cylinders · seen in 10 models, 1996–2026

By the numbers

Output range 210–520 hp (median 290 hp). Gasoline: 100%. Based on 337 decoded NHTSA VIN build sheets.

About this engine family

The J-series is Honda's fourth production V6 engine family introduced in 1996, after the C-series, which consisted of three dissimilar versions. The J-series engine was designed in Japan, with engineering taking place in the United States. It is built at Honda's Anna, Ohio, and Lincoln, Alabama, engine plants.

In detail

The J25A was used only in the Japanese domestic Inspire/Saber models. The J25A displaced . Its bore and stroke was . The J25A used a 10.5:1 compression ratio and was a SOHC VTEC design. Output was at 6200 rpm and of torque at 4600 rpm. It had a variable intake manifold to optimize torque output across varying engine speeds and engine response. The J30A displaces and is a SOHC VTEC design. Its bore and stroke is .

Output for the J30A1 was initially and of torque, later increased to and of torque. The J30A4 pushed output to and using a three-way VTEC system, a higher (10.0:1) compression ratio and a novel exhaust manifold cast as one piece with the cylinder head. It weighs nearly less and is an inch shorter than J30A1. This version was on the Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 2003 and 2004. The IMA hybrid version was on the list for 2005.

In 2006 Honda created the J30A5 to mark the 30th anniversary of the Accord. It boosted output to (SAE Net 08/04) and (SAE Net 08/04) of torque. According to Honda, horsepower gains were achieved with improvements to the airflow of the intake and exhaust system. 2003–2007 Honda Inspire (JDM, marked as J30A-60 250ps) 2004–2013 Honda Elysion (JDM, RR3/RR4) Displacement: Bore and stroke: Power: at 6,000 rpm Torque: at 5,000 rpm IMRC (Intake Manifold Resonance Control) for increased torque at low rpm Redline: 6,800 rpm Compression: 10.5:1 Valve train : SOHC i-VTEC (belt-driven, intake2, exhaust2) Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) : (3 and 6 cylinder operation) Induction: Naturally Aspirated Fuel Delivery:Multi-point fuel injection (Honda PGM-FI) Emissions control systems : Catalytic converter,EGR,PCV 1996–1999 Acura 3.0CL 1998–2002 Honda Accord V6 1999–2003 Honda Avancier 1998–2002 Honda Accord V6 1997–2003 Honda Odyssey (Prestige & Absolute models) 2003–2007 Honda Accord V6 (USDM) Displacement: Bore and stroke: Power: at 5,500 rpm (Thai Domestic Market 220hp): Drive by wire for reducing gas emissions) Torque: at 5,000 rpm Compression: 10.0:1 Induction: Naturally Aspirated Fuel Delivery: Multi-point fuel injection (PGM-FI) Valve Train: 24-Valve SOHC VTEC 2005–2007 Honda Accord V6 2013–2016 Honda Accord (China only, with VCM ,261ps) Displacement: Bore and stroke: Power: at 6244 rpm Torque: at 5000 rpm Redline: 6,800 rpm Fuel cut: 7,000rpm Compression: 10.0:1 Valve Train: 24-Valve SOHC i-VTEC (Turbo) 2021–2025 Acura TLX Type-S 2022+ Acura MDX Type-S Displacement: Bore and stroke: Power: at 5500 rpm Torque: at 1400–5000 rpm Compression: 9.8:1 Valve Train: 24-Valve DOHC with VTC 2013–2018 Acura RDX (China) 2017–2020 Acura MDX (Sport Hybrid) Displacement: Bore and stroke: Power (engine only): 257 hp at 6300 rpm Power (combined): 321 hp at 6300 rpm Torque (combined): 289 lb⋅ft (392 N⋅m) at 5000 rpm Valve train: 24-Valve SOHC Induction/Fuel Delivery: Naturally Aspirated – Direct Injection 2005–2007 Honda Accord Hybrid Displacement: Bore and stroke: Power: at 5400 rpm + IMA hybrid = Torque: at 4500 rpm Compression: 10.5:1 Valve Train: 24-Valve SOHC i-VTEC The J32A displaces and is a SOHC VTEC design.

Its bore and stroke is . Output was at 5600 rpm and at 4700 rpm for the J32A1, with the J32A2 raising output to at 6200 rpm and at 3500–5500 rpm. A more aggressive camshaft, more free flowing intake/exhaust, and a 2-stage intake manifold produced a increase over the J32A1. The J32A3's output in the 2004/2005 TL is . Due to changes in SAE testing methods, 2006–2008 model years have a reduced output rating of , despite being mechanically identical.

The J32A3 includes a one-piece exhaust manifold cast with the cylinder head, first introduced on the J30A4.

Source: Wikipedia — Honda J engine, CC BY-SA.

Models that used this engine

Model Years with this engine Fuel VIN builds seen
MDX 2001–2026 Gasoline 154
TLX 2015–2020 Gasoline 45
RL 1996–2008 Gasoline 38
RDX 2013–2018 Gasoline 30
TL 2007–2014 Gasoline 29
RLX 2014–2020 Gasoline 23

Engine usage derived from NHTSA VIN build data (displacement + cylinder configuration). Model links lead to prices, generations and reliability.

For sale with this engine