What Acuras have the 3.7 engine?
In brief, Acura’s 3.7-liter V6 (J37A) was fitted to a small trio of models from the late 2000s to the early 2010s: the MDX, RL, and ZDX. These vehicles shared the 3.7L powerplant for stronger performance in SUVs and a premium sedan.
The question asks which Acura vehicles were equipped with the 3.7L engine, and the answer varies by model year and trim. The 3.7L V6 was used across a few models during a specific window in Acura’s lineup, primarily in North American markets, before the brand shifted emphasis to other engines and powertrains. The engine in question is the J37A, a member of Honda’s J-series, known for delivering around 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque in these applications.
Overview of the 3.7L V6 (J37A)
The 3.7L V6, designated J37A, is a member of Honda’s J-series family. It is a DOHC V6 commonly paired with manual or automatic transmissions and offered in all-wheel-drive configurations on some models. In Acura applications, the J37A was valued for providing notably stronger performance than the brands’ earlier 3.5L V6s, delivering approximately 300 horsepower with torque in the neighborhood of 270 lb-ft. Usage was limited to a handful of models within a fairly tight year range, after which Acura and Honda moved toward other powertrain options.
Acura models that used the 3.7L V6
Below are the primary Acura models that were equipped with the 3.7L V6 during their respective production years.
- Acura MDX (2007–2013) — 3.7L V6 (J37A), commonly around 300 hp; available with all-wheel drive in various trims.
- Acura RL (2009–2012) — 3.7L V6 (J37A), around 300 hp; offered as a flagship sedan with SH-AWD in some configurations.
- Acura ZDX (2010–2013) — 3.7L V6 (J37A), around 300 hp; a crossover from the MDX platform sharing the same engine.
These models demonstrate Acura’s use of the 3.7L V6 for enhanced performance in both a mid-size SUV context (MDX), a premium sedan (RL), and a niche coupe-crossover (ZDX). Availability depended on year, trim, and market, with most examples concentrated in North America.
Technical notes by model (high-level)
Acura MDX (2007–2013)
The MDX adopted the 3.7L V6 to deliver improved power for a three-row SUV, with several trims offering AWD. Horsepower generally hovered near 300 hp, providing robust overtaking and highway performance for the family-oriented SUV.
Acura RL (2009–2012)
The RL, as Acura’s flagship sedan, used the 3.7L V6 in higher-trim variants to deliver strong acceleration and refined highway behavior, paired with Acura’s SH-AWD in some configurations and a luxury-sounding chassis feel for the segment.
Acura ZDX (2010–2013)
The ZDX, a niche crossover, utilized the 3.7L V6 to give the performance edge expected of a sport-oriented luxury model, benefiting from the engine’s smooth delivery and torque across the rev range.
Summary
The 3.7L V6 (J37A) was used in a small subset of Acuras—principally the MDX, RL, and ZDX—during the late 2000s to early 2010s. Each model leveraged the engine to boost performance in its respective role, from family-friendly SUV to luxury sedan to sporty crossover. If you’re shopping for a used example, verify the specific year, trim, and drivetrain, as engine availability could vary by market and production date.
