Turbos whine, EVs hum, and the world has gone quiet. But for car enthusiasts, there’s a certain kind of magic that only comes from a high-revving, naturally aspirated engine — the raw response, the crescendo of sound, the mechanical purity. Sadly, the naturally aspirated V6 is nearly extinct.
And yet, a few legends are still holding the line. In 2025, just three major automakers continue to build free-breathing V6 engines — proof that even in an era of electrification and turbocharging, some traditions refuse to die.
These are the last naturally aspirated V6 champions still fighting for the soul of performance.
Honda/Acura’s 3.5-Liter V6: The Smooth Operator
For decades, Honda has built its reputation on high-revving, finely tuned engines — and their 3.5-liter V6 (J35 series) is no exception.
You’ll find it under the hood of cars like the Acura TLX, MDX, and the Honda Pilot, as well as in the rugged Ridgeline pickup. But beyond its family-hauling duties, this engine carries a legacy of precision engineering and unmistakable Honda character.
In its most advanced forms, the J35 produces up to 290 horsepower and features i-VTEC — Honda’s variable valve timing system that gives it a two-stage personality. Drive it gently, and it’s quiet and refined. Push past 5,000 rpm, and that familiar VTEC crossover kicks in with a surge of power and sound that makes you forget the age of turbochargers ever began.
It’s not the loudest or most powerful naturally aspirated V6, but it’s one of the smoothest, most dependable, and most rewarding — a perfect example of Honda’s obsession with mechanical harmony.
Nissan/Infiniti’s VQ-Series: The Powerhouse Performer
Ask any car enthusiast about naturally aspirated V6s, and one name always comes up: Nissan’s VQ-series.
This legendary engine family dates back to the mid-1990s and has powered everything from the 350Z and 370Z sports cars to Infiniti sedans like the G37, Q50, and FX35. The VQ37VHR, a 3.7-liter variant, stands as one of the most iconic versions — a 332-horsepower, 7,500 rpm screamer with variable valve timing and a character all its own.
It’s raw, vocal, and uniquely aggressive. The VQ’s signature growl has become a calling card for Nissan performance fans, offering a visceral experience that turbocharged engines rarely match.
While Nissan has since replaced the VQ with a twin-turbo VR30 in most of its modern lineup, the naturally aspirated versions live on in enthusiast hearts — and in a few special production runs. It remains one of the most powerful naturally aspirated V6s ever to come from Japan, and arguably one of the most emotional.
If Honda’s J35 is a precision instrument, the VQ is a rock concert — loud, thrilling, and unfiltered.
The American Hero: Stellantis 3.6-Liter Pentastar V6
You didn’t think America would sit this one out, did you?
While Detroit’s muscle cars are going hybrid or electric, Stellantis (the parent company of Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, and Ram) is still producing one of the most enduring naturally aspirated V6 engines ever built: the 3.6-liter Pentastar.
Introduced in 2011, the Pentastar has powered everything from Dodge Challengers and Chargers to Jeep Wranglers, Ram 1500s, and even Chrysler Pacificas. It’s the ultimate all-rounder — a workhorse engine that combines durability, smoothness, and enough grunt to keep up with modern turbo fours.
In its most potent configuration, the Pentastar produces around 305 horsepower, making it one of the highest-output naturally aspirated V6s still in mass production. It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic and has proven itself both reliable and adaptable, serving in sports sedans, minivans, and off-roaders alike.
It may not scream like a Ferrari, but it’s the everyday hero — a reminder that naturally aspirated power doesn’t always have to mean exotic. Sometimes, it’s about solid engineering that just works.
Why These Engines Matter
These three V6s — Honda’s J35, Nissan’s VQ, and Stellantis’s Pentastar — represent more than horsepower figures. They’re the final stand for mechanical simplicity in an era dominated by software, sensors, and silence.
No turbos, no hybrid boost — just instant throttle response, linear power delivery, and unmistakable soundtracks. Each of these engines connects driver and machine in a way that’s becoming increasingly rare.
They remind us why enthusiasts fell in love with cars in the first place: the joy of revs, the feel of a perfectly tuned engine, and the music that comes from pistons working in harmony.
The Verdict: The Last of a Dying Breed
As the industry races toward electrification, the naturally aspirated V6 is fading into history. But thanks to brands like Honda, Nissan, and Stellantis, it’s not gone yet.
The Honda J35 delivers sophistication and reliability.
The Nissan VQ brings excitement and attitude.
The Pentastar V6 offers dependability and everyday muscle.
Together, they’re the final trio of naturally aspirated V6 heroes still roaring into 2025 — proof that not every engine needs a turbo or a battery to be great.
So the question is: which one would you choose to keep the NA spirit alive?
