Engine/Chassis Features

3.5-Liter V-6 with i-VTEC®, Direct-Injection Engine, and Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®)

What’s the Benefit?
Ample responsiveness and hauling capability—along with highly efficient operation—make for a very satisfying ownership experience.

The Feature:
The Pilot is powered by an aluminum-alloy 3.5-liter V-6, featuring direct injection, single-overhead camshaft, 24-valves i-VTEC, and Honda’s advanced Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) system. 

  • Horsepower is rated at 280 @ 6000 rpm (SAE net), and torque is an impressive 262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm (SAE net).
  • The V-6 offers greater smoothness at high speed and improved throttle response over turbocharged 4-cylinder engines.
  • Numerous friction-reduction techniques on the piston rings, coatings and elsewhere help enable excellent EPA fuel-economy ratings36.
  • Direct injection enhances both efficiency and power output by delivering the fuel directly into the cylinder itself for a more precise mixture, while also helping cool the combustion chamber so a higher compression ratio can be used.
  • The engine’s 60-degree V-angle helps minimize vibration, while its aluminum-alloy cylinder block and heads save weight, which improves acceleration, fuel efficiency cooling and vehicle handling.
  • By using a single overhead camshaft in each cylinder head and a serpentine accessory drive belt, the engine is made more compact, leaving more room for other components.
  • Additional packaging efficiency is realized by incorporating the exhaust manifold into each cylinder-head casting, and the use of close-coupled exhaust catalysts just downstream from each exhaust manifold.