Acura MDX engines

The Acura MDX is a Japanese mid-size crossover vehicle from Honda Motor Co., Ltd. The model has been manufactured since 2001. In total, 3 generations of cars are known. In the 1st generation, the car was also produced under the designation Honda MDX for the Japanese and Australian markets. Cars of the 1st and 2nd generation were manufactured in Canada, and starting from 2014 in the 3rd generation cars are assembled in the USA. In 2016, a modernized version of the model was presented with a changed appearance and equipment.

The Acura MDX was offered with 5 engines between 2000 and 2020 (5 petrol). Displacement ranges from 3.0 to 3.7 liters, power output from 200 to 310 hp. All of them use a timing belt. The longest rated lifespan belongs to the Honda J30A (about 375,000 km).

Acura MDX engines by generation

EngineYearsVolumePowerFuelTimingOilLifespan
Acura MDX 1 (YD1) 2000–2006
Honda J35A2000–20063.5 L V6210–285 hppetrolbelt4.7 L~375,000 km
Acura MDX 2 (YD2) 2006–2013
Honda J37A2006–20133.7 L V6295–305 hppetrolbelt4.3 L~320,000 km
Acura MDX 3 (YD3) 2013–2020
Honda J35Y2013–20203.5 L V6278–310 hppetrolbelt4.3 L~300,000 km
Honda J30A2016–20203.0 L V6200–245 hppetrolbelt4.4 L~375,000 km
Honda J30Y2017–20203.0 L V6257–267 hppetrolbelt4.3 L

Acura MDX engine FAQ

What engines were used in the Acura MDX?

Acura MDX 1 (YD1) (2000–2006): Honda J35A; Acura MDX 2 (YD2) (2006–2013): Honda J37A; Acura MDX 3 (YD3) (2013–2020): Honda J35Y, Honda J30A and Honda J30Y.

Which Acura MDX engine is the most durable?

By rated service life the most durable Acura MDX engines are: Honda J30A — about 375,000 km; Honda J35A — about 375,000 km; Honda J37A — about 320,000 km. Actual lifespan depends heavily on maintenance and oil change intervals.

How much oil does the Acura MDX engine take?

Engine oil capacity with filter: Honda J30A — 4.4 L (5W-30); Honda J30Y — 4.3 L (0W-20); Honda J35A — 4.7 L (5W-30); Honda J35Y — 4.3 L (0W-20); Honda J37A — 4.3 L (5W-30).

Does the Acura MDX have a timing belt or chain?

Timing belt: Honda J30A, Honda J30Y, Honda J35A, Honda J35Y and Honda J37A. Belts must be replaced on schedule: on many engines a broken belt bends the valves.

Was the Acura MDX available with a diesel engine?

No, all Acura MDX engines in our database run on petrol.

Engine details

Honda J30A

Honda J30A

1997–2007 · 3.0 L V6 · petrol · 200–245 hp · belt

All engines of this series are famous for their reliability and unpretentious maintenance.

Honda J35A

Honda J35A

1998–2012 · 3.5 L V6 · petrol · 210–285 hp · belt

Engine versions equipped with VCM are notorious for oil leaks from system gaskets.

Honda J37A

Honda J37A

2006–2014 · 3.7 L V6 · petrol · 295–305 hp · belt

The engines of this family are famous for their reliability and have no weak points.

Honda J35Y

Honda J35Y

2012–present · 3.5 L V6 · petrol · 278–310 hp · belt

Direct-injection versions accumulate carbon deposits on the intake valves.

Honda J30Y

Honda J30Y

2013–2020 · 3.0 L V6 · petrol · 257–267 hp · belt

A rare engine, so finding a used donor is difficult.

Models with the same engines

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