When it comes to Acura engines, they are all Honda powerplants. However, some of them were used mainly in luxury Acura vehicles. So, I decided to review them separately. Of course, you will find more legendary and massively used engines on the Honda page. But here, mostly Acura used units will be reviewed.
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This page is dynamic and it will be updated once I create new articles about Acura engines. Also, by clicking the links in the sections below, you will get onto the pages with a detailed review of a certain engine.
Acura K20C4 engine
This is the K20C family engine (Earth Dreams VTEC Turbo). The K20C4 model was only used in the Acura RDX and also in the Honda Accord. The engine had different modifications for these vehicles and produced 10% more power for the Acura.
Interestingly, the K20C4 engine is the only option for the new RDX at the moment. You may think it's quite a small engine for such a vehicle, but no, it's very powerful and can produce a lot of torque for active and fun driving.
The engine is equipped with the 10-speed automatic transmission which is probably not the world's best transmission but still a good option in terms of reliability and fuel efficiency.
Key specs and my opinion:
- Production years: 2018-now
- Average lifespan of K20C4: 200,000-230,000 miles
- Fuel supply type: direct injection
- Power range: 252-272 hp
- Fuel efficiency: good
- Engine block material: aluminum
- Engine reliability score: high
- The most common problems: leaky seals, turbo problems, chain premature failure, engine mount issues.
Acura J35Y5 engine
The J35 engine family is very old and massively used in Acura vehicles. This is the V6 engine that was first offered in 1999 and has gone through a ton of modifications and upgrades since that time.
The J35Y5 version was first shown in 2014 and was only used in the Acura MDX. The engine doesn't have a turbocharger and it actually doesn't need it. The power is perfect for the big MDX and the reliability score is probably much better than with any turbo engine you can find on the market.
This engine just needs good maintenance to last to 300,000 miles or even more. But it still has several common issues to be considered.
Key specs and my opinion:
- Production years: 2014-now
- Average lifespan of J35Y5: 250,000-300,000 miles
- Fuel supply type: direct injection
- Power range: 290 hp
- Fuel efficiency: average
- Engine block material: aluminum
- Engine reliability score: high
- The most common problems: oil burning, VTEC phaser issues, carbon buildup on intake valves, quite bad gas mileage.
Acura L15CA engine
This is one of the freshest engines by Honda and it's only used in the Acura Integra and also in the new Honda Civic Si. The engine is the high-performance version of the L15C Earth Dreams engine.
It features VTEC phasers, has a small turbocharger for proper power. The engine is a 1.5L 4-cylinder powerplant with pretty standard specs and simple technologies used to create the proper power and torque.
The phasers are driven by the chain. Even though the engine is one of the smaller ones in the Acura lineup, it can be considered very reliable.
Key specs and my opinion:
- Production years: 2022-now
- Average lifespan of L15CA: 140,000-170,000 miles
- Fuel supply type: direct injection
- Power range: 200 hp
- Fuel efficiency: good
- Engine block material: aluminum
- Engine reliability score: medium
- The most common problems: carbon buildup on intake valves, VTEC phasers problems, chain issues, ignition coils' bad lifespan.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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