NGK Iridium IX Spark Plugs for Honda Pilot 3.5L V6 (2009-2019) Review

TL;DR

NGK's Iridium IX 6-pack spark plug set for 2009-2019 Honda Pilot 3.5L V6 (J35 engine) is the right OEM-tier replacement maintenance pack for Pilot owners hitting 80,000-100,000 miles. NGK is a Japanese OEM-supplier brand; Iridium IX plugs are spec'd by Honda for J35 engines. Iridium tip extends life to ~80,000+ miles vs. copper plugs' ~30,000 miles. At budget pricing for a 6-pack vs. dealership pricing, this delivers OEM-tier replacement at significantly less cost.

Why It Matters

Spark plug replacement on V6 engines is one of the more-involved maintenance tasks — 3 of the 6 plugs are typically on the rear of the engine, requiring intake removal in many V6 layouts. Doing it once with proper plugs vs. doing it again in 30K miles with copper is the right call. NGK Iridium IX is the Honda OEM specification, so fitment and engine compatibility are guaranteed.

Key Specs

• Quantity: 6 spark plugs (matches V6 cylinder count)
• Compatibility: Honda Pilot 3.5L V6 (J35 engine), 2009-2019
• Material: iridium tip electrode
• Heat range: matched to OEM specification
• Service interval: ~80,000-100,000 miles
• Brand: NGK (Japanese OEM supplier)
• Made: Japan typically
• Includes: 6 plugs, no installation hardware

Pros

• OEM-specification replacement
• Iridium tip extends service interval to ~80K+ miles
• 6-pack matches V6 cylinder count (no leftover plugs to store)
• NGK's Japanese OEM-supplier reputation
• Fitment confidence — guaranteed compatible with J35 engine
• Significantly cheaper than dealership pricing

Cons

• Premium pricing vs. copper or basic platinum plugs (justified by extended life)
• Specific to 2009-2019 Honda Pilot 3.5L V6 — verify your year/model
• Honda Pilot V6 plug replacement requires intake manifold removal — more complex than 4-cyl
• Some buyers report inconsistent gap settings — verify before installing
• Doesn't include anti-seize compound (apply lightly when installing)

Who It's For

2009-2019 Honda Pilot owners hitting service interval. Anyone replacing aging plugs in J35 V6 engines. DIY mechanics doing their own scheduled maintenance. Skip it if you have a different model (verify year/make/model), if you have an extended-life plug already installed (don't replace working plugs), or if your Pilot has a factory-warranty maintenance plan covering plugs.

How to Use It

Verify plug gap before installation (J35 spec varies). Apply light anti-seize to threads (not to electrode). Torque to manufacturer spec (~12-15 lb-ft). Replace one cylinder at a time to keep firing order clear. Document mileage at replacement for next service interval planning. Verify proper engine warm-up at start to verify all cylinders firing.

How It Compares

Vs. copper spark plugs: copper lasts ~30K miles; iridium lasts ~80K. Pay more upfront, save labor cost over time. Vs. platinum spark plugs: platinum is similar tier to iridium; OEM-specified is the safer choice. Vs. dealership service: dealership is convenient but expensive. Vs. NGK G-Power (cheaper plug): G-Power is cheaper iridium; IX is the spec'd standard.

Bottom Line

The right OEM-spec spark plug set for 2009-2019 Honda Pilot V6. Buy it for scheduled maintenance. Skip it for non-Pilot vehicles or factory-warranty-covered service.

Check the latest price on Amazon →