How many cylinders can get deactivated in the 3.5 liter V6?
How many in the 3 liter V6 of the hybrid?

 

Best I could locate quickly. Might or might not completely answer your question. But it is a start.

https://www.jaywolfeacura.com/variab...nagement-acura

 

On the 3.5L V6 MDX, 3 cylinders.

The 3.0L V6 MDX Sport Hybrid does not have VCM.

The Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system switches between 6 cylinder operation and 3 cylinder operation.

The VTEC installed for each bank stops opening and closing the intake and exhaust valves on the rear bank (cylinders 1-3) when the 3 cylinder mode is activated.

VTEC/Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) System Description
https://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/...01411_enu.html

 

I believe it is 3 with the non hybrid.

 

Thanks for the detail answer.
I wonder how both are rated for the same 27 mpg highway when the Hybrid is running on all 6 cylinders and weighs quite a bit more.

 

the hybrid does not weigh a whole lot more - wish it did to have more battery
at highway speed you can get entire ICE cutoff with hybrid - that's how

 

The sport hybrid does have engine Auto Stop/Start that can act like a 6 cylinder VCM with the 3 electric motors adding power as needed. Usually on declines and under 65 mph from what I've seen so far.

The smaller fwd 3.0L engine + 7DCT + 3 electric motors with the ability to add instant electric max tq up to 2000 rpms really helps with consistent mpgs. I would put sport hybrid ahead of the 3.5L sh-awd if VCM can't be used at 75-80 mph, hilly terrain, or constant speed changes. My rpms are around 1800-2150 at hwy speeds up to 80 mph to take advantage of max electric tq as needed.

I wish the sport hybrid had an plug in option to top off battery and larger battery pack to increase EV time and range.

 

Just curious . . . do you guys FEEL or HEAR when VCM activates?
I'm sure I have VCM on my 2015 Tech AWD, but I don't feel or hear anything when or if it kicks in. I just assume it's working when cruising on city streets but the MPG jumps to above 25. Or when the RPM drops below 1500 when supposedly in top gear, am I correct?

 

My 2013 MDX doesn’t have VCM, however on my wife’s 2017 RDX it was completely undetectable.

 

The V6 from the Hybrid does have cylinder deactivation.
Yesterday I took delivery of my Sports Hybrid and the window sticker clearly highlights the feature.