Is Acura MDX a V8?
The Acura MDX is not equipped with a V8 engine. In its current lineup, it uses a V6 in base form, a turbocharged V6 for the high-performance Type S, and a hybrid setup that combines a V6 with electric motors. There is no V8 option available in the MDX today.
Current engine lineup
The following summarizes the main engine configurations you’ll find in the MDX lineup today, spanning standard models, hybrids, and the performance flagship.
- Base MDX: 3.5-liter V6 engine producing about 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and available SH-AWD.
- MDX Sport Hybrid: 3.0-liter V6 paired with two electric motors, delivering a combined output around 321 horsepower, with all-wheel drive.
- MDX Type S: 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 delivering about 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, with standard all-wheel drive.
In short, the MDX’s powertrains rely on V6 configurations—natural or turbocharged—and hybrid technology, not a V8.
Historical context
Since its introduction, the MDX has prioritized V6 propulsion, complemented by hybridization and, in the wake of performance-focused models, turbocharging. Acura has never offered a V8 option in the MDX lineup. This aligns with a broader industry shift toward efficiency and advanced powertrains rather than larger-displacement V8 engines in midsize luxury SUVs.
Why there is no V8 in the MDX
Automakers increasingly favor smaller, more efficient engines aided by turbocharging and electrification. For the MDX, this approach provides strong performance without the weight and fuel penalties of a V8. The result is competitive acceleration, improved real-world efficiency, and better integration with hybrid technology while preserving interior space and ride quality.
Summary
Bottom line: If you’re shopping for an Acura MDX, you should expect V6 power, with the option of a turbocharged V6 on the Type S and a hybrid setup that also uses a V6. A V8 option does not exist in the MDX lineup, reflecting Acura’s current engineering focus on efficiency, advanced electrified powertrains, and turbocharged performance.
Does Acura have a V8 car?
No, Acura does not currently produce a V8 engine for its production vehicles. Acura focuses on smaller, high-performance engines, primarily turbochargers and VTEC technology, and has previously offered hybrid models as a high-performance alternative to a V8. While Honda has confirmed plans to add a V8 to the Acura line in the past, it has not materialized in any production models.
- No V8 in production: Acura does not offer a V8 engine in any of its current production vehicles.
- Focus on smaller engines: The brand prioritizes smaller, high-performance engines like V6s, turbocharged 4-cylinders, and VTEC technology.
- Past V8 plans: There have been past announcements from Honda regarding plans to add a V8 to the Acura line, but these have not resulted in a production model.
- Hybrid alternative: Acura has used its Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system as a V8 alternative, as seen in the RLX.
Is the Acura MDX a V-6 or V8?
The Acura MDX Base models are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower.
Which Acura SUV has a V-6?
Acura's primary 6-cylinder SUV is the MDX, a three-row model that offers a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 engine in most trims and a more powerful 3.0L turbocharged V6 in the high-performance Type S trims. Older RDX models have also featured 6-cylinder engines.
Acura MDX (modern generations)
- Engine Options: The MDX comes with a standard 3.5L V6 engine (290 horsepower, 267 lb-ft of torque) or a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine in the Type S variants (355 horsepower, 354 lb-ft of torque).
- Performance: The standard V6 provides a smooth and powerful ride, while the turbocharged V6 in the Type S models offers enhanced performance.
- Features: It is a three-row SUV with luxury and sporty styling, and it's available with features like all-wheel drive, depending on the trim level.
Acura RDX (older generations)
- Older models, such as the 2017 RDX, were equipped with a 3.5L 6-cylinder engine.
- The RDX is generally a smaller, two-row SUV compared to the MDX.
Other 6-cylinder models
- Acura also offered a hybrid version of the MDX (MDX Sport Hybrid) with a 3.0L V6 paired with an electric motor system.
What engine is in a MDX?
A 355-HP * Turbo V-6 engine propels the 2026 MDX Type S Advance through every drive with adrenaline-inducing performance.
