Acura MDX (2000-2023) firing order — diagram & guide
The Acura MDX made a perfect combination of a three-row SUV and sporty design and performance, so it’s no wonder it’s a hugely popular model to this day. However, it’s worth noting the Acura MDX (2000-2023) firing order for regular repairs, especially for the older MDX models.
That’s why our team of automotive experts will lead you through it as we browse MDX engines one by one and look for the firing order and cylinder layout for each.
| MDX YEARS | ENGINE | FIRING ORDER |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Gen (2001-2006) | 3.5L V6 | 1-4-2-5-3-6 |
| 2nd Gen (2007-2013) | 3.7L V6 | 1-4-2-5-3-6 |
| 3rd Gen (2014-2021) | 3.5L V6 | 1-4-2-5-3-6 |
| 3.0L V6 hybrid | 1-4-2-5-3-6 | |
| 4th Gen (2022-present) | 3.0L turbo | 1-4-2-5-3-6 |
| 3.5L V6 | 1-4-2-5-3-6 |
First-generation Acura MDX (2001-2006) firing order
The first-gen model of the MDX only came with a single optional engine and it was the 3.5-liter V6 engine. It was also used in a few Honda models like the Odyssey, which is why it’s pretty easy to work on once you get to know the firing order and the cylinder arrangement.
Acura MDX 3.5L firing order
As a base version of the model, the Acura MDX 3.5L firing order is 1-4-2-5-3-6, and it’s a standard longitudinal V6 engine. The cylinders are laid out in two banks, one on the driver’s side and one on the passenger’s side.
The passenger’s side cylinders are laid out in the 1, 2, and 3 order front to rear, while the driver’s side cylinders are 4, 5, and 6, also looking front to rear.
Second-generation Acura MDX (2007-2013) firing order
As for the second-gen MDX model, Acura still offered only one engine option, but it was upgraded to the 3.7L V6. So, the firing order remained the same, but the cylinder configuration wasn’t, which is why we’ll dive deeper into it.
Acura MDX 3.7L firing order
The Acura MDX 3.7L firing order is 1-4-2-5-3-6, and this firing pattern is common for V6 engines used in MDX models. Even so, the engine is a different type since it’s a transverse V6 which means the cylinder banks aren’t the same as for the 3.5-liter V6.
The upper cylinder bank houses cylinders 1,2, and 3, while the lower bank includes cylinders 4, 5, and 6 arranged from the left side of the engine to the right side.
Third-generation Acura MDX (2014-2021) firing order
The third-gen MDX expanded the engine selection to two options, and this time there was an engine based on the 3.5L V6 from the first gen and it had the same firing order and configuration. On the other hand, there was a new 3.0-liter Hybrid engine, so we’ll talk about that one next.
Acura MDX 3.0L firing order
The Acura MDX 3.0L firing order is 1-4-2-5-3-6 and it’s a common pattern that we’ve seen across the different V6 engines used in the MDX. However, this one once again features a regular V6 configuration instead of the transverse placement like the 3.7L engine, so the driver’s side cylinders are 4, 5, and 6, while the passenger’s side cylinders are 1, 2, and 3.
Fourth-generation Acura MDX (2022-present) firing order
Finally, we reached the fourth-gen of the MDX and this one once again featured the same 3.5-liter V6 engine as we previously discussed. Along with that one, there’s also a 3.0-liter turbo V6 and it’s the same engine as the 3.0L hybrid from the previous generation, only without an electric engine component.
The firing order for the Acura MDX 3.0L turbo is 1-4-2-5-3-6 as well, so the engine’s firing pattern and cylinder layout are the same.
Our take
Ultimately, there weren’t many engine options used in the MDX models over the years and they were mostly V6s with the same firing order. That makes the job at least a bit easier for you, but you should still be aware of the differences in the cylinder layouts, which is what we hope to have helped you solve in this guide.
