Does the 3.2 Acura TL have VTEC?
The short answer: not every 3.2-liter TL has VTEC. The standard TL engines from the late 1990s into the early 2000s did not use VTEC, while the higher-performance TL Type-S models from 2004–2008 employ an i-VTEC-equipped 3.2L V6.
The Acura TL lineup used a 3.2-liter V6 across its middle years, but the availability of VTEC hinges on the specific variant and era. This article outlines which versions of the 3.2L TL include VTEC and what buyers should look for when evaluating a used car.
Overview of the 3.2L V6 in the TL lineup
In the TL’s early years (1999–2003), the 3.2L V6 powering the standard TL did not feature Honda’s VTEC technology. A later, performance-focused variant—the TL Type-S—introduced an i-VTEC-equipped version of the same 3.2L V6, delivering higher output and a more aggressive powerband. For buyers who specifically want VTEC, the TL Type-S from 2004–2008 is the model to target.
Model-year breakdown
Below is a concise breakdown that clarifies where VTEC appears within the 3.2L TL lineup.
- 1999–2003 Acura TL: 3.2L V6 without VTEC (non-VTEC baseline TL).
- 2004–2008 Acura TL Type-S: 3.2L V6 with i-VTEC (VTEC-enabled for higher performance).
In other words, VTEC is tied to the TL Type-S variant rather than the standard TL models of these years.
What to check when shopping for a TL with VTEC
If you’re evaluating a used TL and want to confirm VTEC, verify the presence of i-VTEC on the engine. Look for the Type-S badge, or check the engine code and service records for i-VTEC activation. VIN decoding or photos of the engine bay can help confirm whether the 3.2L V6 in that car is the i-VTEC-equipped version.
Notes for enthusiasts and buyers
Be aware that some owners and sellers may refer to "VTEC" loosely or confuse it with other Honda/VTEC-related technologies like VVT. The reliable indicator for the 3.2L TL is the Type-S designation and the engine’s i-VTEC configuration. If you specifically want the VTEC-lift mechanism on the 3.2L, you’ll want a 2004–2008 TL Type-S.
Summary
In essence, the 3.2 Acura TL does not automatically include VTEC. The non-Type-S TLs (1999–2003) do not have VTEC, while the TL Type-S (2004–2008) features an i-VTEC-enabled 3.2L V6. For buyers seeking VTEC, the Type-S variant is the model to pursue, with verification through badges, engine codes, or documentation.
Which Acuras have VTEC?
Acuras that have VTEC include the Integra, RDX, TLX, and older models like the TL and the original RDX. Many modern Acuras use a VTEC Turbo engine, while older models often feature a VTEC V6 or a turbocharged 2.3-liter VTEC engine.
Modern VTEC models
- Integra: Both the standard 1.5L VTEC Turbo engine and the high-performance 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine in the Type S model are equipped with VTEC.
- RDX: The RDX is powered by a 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine.
- TLX: The TLX uses a 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine.
Older VTEC models
- TL: The TL featured a 3.5L V6 with VTEC.
- Original RDX: The first generation RDX (2007) was equipped with a turbocharged 2.3-liter 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder engine.
What Acura TL has VTEC?
The second-generation TL (became known as the 3.2 TL) was derived from the US-market Honda Accord platform. It was available with a newly designed 3.2 L 225 hp (168 kW) SOHC VTEC J32 V6 gasoline engine mated to a four-speed electronic automatic transmission with SportShift.
What is a 3.2 VTEC engine?
In 1999, VTEC® debuted in the TL family, with an all-aluminum, 3.2-liter SOHC VTEC® V6 engine (J32A1) that produced both abundant low-rpm torque and exhilarating high-rpm horsepower. The 3.2TL produced 225 hp and 216 lb. -ft. The same 3.2-liter engine was used to power the 3.2CL from 2001 to 2003.
What acuras has VTEC used?
The technology debuted in the 200-hp Acura RSX Type S (K20A2), and the 160-hp Acura RSX and Honda Civic Si (K20A3). Both engines use the cam-switching feature of the original VTEC engines, however, the K20A3 use it solely on the intake cam, while the K20A2 use it on both intake and exhaust cams.
