What type of transmission does Acura have?
Acura uses a variety of automatic transmissions across its lineup, and does not offer a traditional manual gearbox in current models. The brand primarily relies on automatic transmissions—mostly 9- and 10-speed units—with its high-performance NSX featuring a 9-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Overview of Acura's transmission strategy
Across its modern vehicle range, Acura emphasizes smooth shifts, responsive acceleration, and refined highway efficiency. While manuals have largely disappeared from the lineup, the company uses a mix of torque-converter automatics and dual-clutch designs to deliver a balance of comfort and performance.
To help readers understand the landscape, here is a quick taxonomy of the main transmission types you’ll encounter in Acura’s lineup today.
- 9-speed automatic transmissions (torque-converter style) — common in several mainstream Acura models for balanced performance and efficiency.
- 10-speed automatic transmissions — used in larger, performance-oriented models and newer iterations for quicker gear changes and strong acceleration, notably in MDX and RDX.
- 9-speed dual-clutch transmissions (DCT) — employed by the high-performance NSX to maximize rapid, sport-focused shifting.
In short, Acura's approach centers on automatic transmissions rather than manual gearboxes, with a mix of 9- and 10-speed automatics across most models and a dual-clutch setup in its flagship NSX.
Model-by-model breakdown
The following outlines typical transmissions by major Acura model families, reflecting current-generation configurations.
- MDX: 10-speed automatic
- RDX: 10-speed automatic
- TLX: 9-speed automatic in standard trims; 10-speed automatic in the high-performance TLX Type S
- NSX: 9-speed dual-clutch automatic
These configurations highlight Acura’s emphasis on delivering refined, efficient driving experiences across its SUV and sports car lineup, while reserving the most aggressive shifting behavior for its performance-oriented model.
Summary
Acura does not rely on a single transmission type. The brand uses multiple automatic transmissions across its lineup, including 9- and 10-speed torque-converter automatics and a 9-speed dual-clutch transmission in the NSX. Manual transmissions are not offered in current Acura models, reflecting a broader industry shift toward advanced automatic and dual-clutch designs for performance and efficiency.
