Honda J35A
Engine versions equipped with VCM are notorious for oil leaks from system gaskets.
Acura RLX engines
The basic front-wheel drive version of the car is equipped with a V6 3.5 petrol engine with a capacity of 314 hp and a ten-speed automatic transmission (before restyling – six-speed). A feature of the car is a fully controlled chassis: the rear wheels can deviate at small angles independently of each other, which improves the handling of the car.
The all-wheel drive version of the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid has the same V6 gasoline engine under the hood, but in combination with a seven-speed robotic gearbox and an electric motor, this whole system rotates the front wheels. And on the rear axle there are two more electric motors, while each drives its own wheel independently, realizing thrust vector control. The peak power of the power plant is 382 hp.
The Acura RLX was offered with 2 engines between 2013 and 2020 (2 petrol). Displacement ranges from 3.5 to 3.5 liters, power output from 210 to 310 hp. All of them use a timing belt. The longest rated lifespan belongs to the Honda J35A (about 375,000 km).
Acura RLX engines by generation
| Engine | Years | Volume | Power | Fuel | Timing | Oil | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acura RLX 1 (KB4) 2013–2020 | |||||||
| Honda J35Y | 2013–2020 | 3.5 L V6 | 278–310 hp | petrol | belt | 4.3 L | ~300,000 km |
| Other Acura RLX engines generation not specified | |||||||
| Honda J35A | 1998–2012 | 3.5 L V6 | 210–285 hp | petrol | belt | 4.7 L | ~375,000 km |
Acura RLX engine FAQ
What engines were used in the Acura RLX?
Acura RLX 1 (KB4) (2013–2020): Honda J35Y.
Which Acura RLX engine is the most durable?
By rated service life the most durable Acura RLX engines are: Honda J35A — about 375,000 km; Honda J35Y — about 300,000 km. Actual lifespan depends heavily on maintenance and oil change intervals.
How much oil does the Acura RLX engine take?
Engine oil capacity with filter: Honda J35A — 4.7 L (5W-30); Honda J35Y — 4.3 L (0W-20).
Does the Acura RLX have a timing belt or chain?
Timing belt: Honda J35A and Honda J35Y. Belts must be replaced on schedule: on many engines a broken belt bends the valves.
Was the Acura RLX available with a diesel engine?
No, all Acura RLX engines in our database run on petrol.
Engine details
Honda J35Y
Direct-injection versions accumulate carbon deposits on the intake valves.
Models with the same engines
- Acura MDX 2 shared engines
- Acura TLX 2 shared engines
- Honda Odyssey 2 shared engines
- Honda Pilot 2 shared engines
- Honda Ridgeline 2 shared engines
- Acura RL 1 shared engine
- Acura TL 1 shared engine
- Acura TSX 1 shared engine
- Honda Accord 1 shared engine
- Honda Crosstour 1 shared engine