Which Acura has a 6 cylinder engine?
Several Acura models use six-cylinder engines. Today, the MDX (3.5-liter V6), the TLX Type S (3.0-liter turbo V6), and the NSX (3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with hybrid assist) are the primary six-cylinder options in production, while the RLX previously offered a 3.5-liter V6 but is no longer sold new in the U.S.
Across Acura’s history, six-cylinder power has appeared in a range of models—from family-oriented SUVs to high-performance sports cars. This article outlines which models use six-cylinder engines, how their powertrains differ, and what has changed in recent years.
Models with six-cylinder engines
The following overview highlights current or recently available six-cylinder configurations in Acura’s lineup. It covers mainstream production models and notable performance variants.
- MDX — 3.5L V6, typically around 290 hp in recent generations; the MDX is also offered in a high-performance variant that uses a different engine setup (see TLX Type S for turbo V6).
- TLX Type S — 3.0L twin-turbo V6, about 355 hp (and roughly 354 lb-ft of torque), paired with a performance-oriented drivetrain.
- NSX — 3.5L twin-turbo V6 paired with a hybrid system, delivering about 573 hp combined and a high-performance all-wheel-drive setup.
- RLX — 3.5L V6, around 310 hp, offered in earlier U.S. models but no longer sold new here as of recent years.
In summary, Acura’s six-cylinder options today center on the MDX, TLX Type S, and NSX for current products, with the RLX representing a former, but still relevant, part of the brand’s V6 history.
Details by model
MDX
The MDX uses a 3.5-liter V6 as its mainstay engine, paired with a sophisticated automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive. In its standard form, it produces about 290 horsepower, with torque around the mid-260s leafing to efficient, reliable SUV performance. A high-performance variant is not the MDX’s V6 primary configuration; that role is filled by the TLX Type S (see below) which uses a different turbocharged V6 layout.
TLX Type S
The TLX Type S represents Acura’s performance-focused option in the mid-size sedan lineup. It uses a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 delivering roughly 355 horsepower and about 354 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive in most configurations. This setup emphasizes sportier handling and acceleration compared with the standard TLX models.
NSX
RLX
The RLX offered a 3.5-liter V6 in its time, delivering around 310 horsepower. It was paired with a front- or all-wheel-drive layout and, in some configurations, Acura’s SH-AWD system. The RLX has since been discontinued in the U.S. market, though late-model used examples remain available to buyers seeking a V6-equipped luxury sedan from Acura’s history.
Summary
Overall, if you prioritize six-cylinder power in an Acura, focus on the MDX for versatile SUV performance, the TLX Type S for street-performance sedan dynamics, or the NSX for a hybrid exotic experience. The brand’s six-cylinder history also adds context for enthusiasts considering used RLX models.
