The naturally aspirated Japanese V6 is becoming increasingly rare in the U.S. market as automakers continue shifting toward turbocharged four-cylinder engines and hybrid powertrains. Today, only Toyota, Honda, and Nissan still offer naturally aspirated V6 engines in the United States, marking the final chapter for a powertrain that once defined many midsize and full-size vehicles.

Japanese Automakers Continue Moving Away From Naturally Aspirated V6 Engines

For years, naturally aspirated V6 engines were valued for their smooth operation, balanced performance, and greater power than four-cylinder engines while remaining lighter and more efficient than V8s.

That trend has changed as manufacturers increasingly adopt turbocharged engines and hybrid systems. As a result, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan are now the only Japanese automakers still offering naturally aspirated V6 engines in the U.S.

Toyota’s 2GR V6 Nears the End of Its Run

Toyota’s 2GR engine debuted in 2005 as the all-aluminum 2GR-FE, replacing the MZ engine family. Over the years, it appeared in numerous models, including the Avalon, Camry, and RAV4.

The engine evolved through multiple versions, including the direct-injected 2GR-FSE and the final 2GR-FKS, which combined port and direct injection using Toyota’s D-4S system.

Today, the 2GR remains available in the Lexus IS, which has reached its third facelift.

The 3.5-liter 2GR-FKS typically produces around 295 horsepower and approximately 265 lb-ft of torque, depending on the application. It has powered vehicles including the Highlander, Camry, and Lexus RX 350, while the same basic engine block also serves as the foundation for the 2GR-FXE hybrid system in the RX 450h.

Toyota has steadily reduced the engine’s role across its lineup. The Lexus ES 350 is transitioning to a 2.5-liter hybrid, while the Tacoma and Highlander now use a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The 2GR remains available only in limited fleet trims and select markets.

The engine has earned recognition for its refinement and versatility, powering vehicles ranging from a mid-engine Lotus to family minivans while becoming closely associated with Toyota’s reputation for reliability.

Honda Continues Offering the J-Series V6

Honda introduced its J-Series V6 with a single-overhead-camshaft design and the company’s VTEC variable valve timing and lift system. The compact design made the engine well suited for transverse vehicle layouts.

Honda later adopted a dual-overhead-camshaft configuration to improve airflow and emissions performance. The 3.5-liter J35Y remains available in the Odyssey, Ridgeline, Pilot, and certain Acura MDX and TLX models.

The engine typically produces about 285 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. In Acura applications, it is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Some versions also include Variable Cylinder Management, allowing selected cylinders to deactivate under certain driving conditions to improve fuel economy.

Honda has already begun transitioning to newer powertrains. The Acura MDX Type S now uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, while future generations of the Pilot and Ridgeline are expected to adopt hybrid or turbocharged engines.

Nissan Keeps the VQ Engine Family Alive

Nissan continues offering naturally aspirated V6 engines through the VQ38DD in the Frontier and the VQ35DD in the Pathfinder.

Both belong to the VQ engine family, which first debuted in Japan in 1994 before arriving in the U.S. The VQ38DD is the largest-displacement version and features direct injection and variable valve timing.

It produces 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque while delivering strong low- and mid-range torque suited to the Frontier’s truck application.

The VQ38DD also features a high compression ratio, advanced knock control, and a forged crankshaft. According to the report, it also shares some engineering heritage with Nissan’s twin-turbocharged VR38DETT engine previously used in the discontinued GT-R.

While the Jeep Gladiator also offers a naturally aspirated V6, the report notes there are no other naturally aspirated V6 engines available in U.S. midsize pickup trucks.

Other Japanese Automakers Have Already Moved On

Several Japanese manufacturers have already discontinued naturally aspirated V6 engines.

Mazda retired its V6 alongside the CX-9 and transitioned to turbocharged inline-four and inline-six engines on its Large Platform architecture. Subaru replaced the EZ36 flat-six with turbocharged four-cylinder engines after discontinuing it in 2019 for the Outback and Legacy.

Suzuki exited the U.S. market after offering the Grand Vitara’s 2.7-liter V6, while Mitsubishi phased out its 6B3 engine family during the mid-2010s.

Efficiency and Emissions Drive the Industry Shift

According to the report, stricter emissions regulations, including Euro 6d and WLTP standards, have encouraged manufacturers to move away from larger-displacement engines.

Turbocharged four-cylinder engines and hybrid powertrains now deliver torque levels that match or exceed many traditional naturally aspirated V6 engines while producing lower emissions and improved efficiency. As a result, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan remain the final Japanese automakers offering naturally aspirated V6 engines in the U.S. market.