Drivers who compare the Acura vs. Honda brands are often pleasantly surprised to find out that Acura models are quite impressive. Every Acura vehicle offers the reliable, affordable, safe, and efficient benefits of a Honda vehicle but with the luxury and performance kicked up a notch. To see the details, read our Acura vs. Honda brand comparison below, then visit us at Phil Smith Acura to explore the Acura model lineup.
Honda vs. Acura: Which Vehicle Lineup Is the Best?
For new Honda vehicles, you can find:
- HR-V (subcompact SUV)
- CR-V (compact SUV)
- Passport (midsize SUV)
- Pilot (midsize three-row SUV)
- Civic (compact sedan or hatchback)
- Civic Si (compact sports sedan)
- Civic Type R (high-performance compact sports sedan)
- Accord (midsize sedan)
- Odyssey (minivan)
- Ridgeline (pickup truck)
- Prologue (all-electric midsize SUV)
The Acura vehicle lineup tailors the best of the Honda lineup with luxury and thrills, offering you the following models:
- RDX (equivalent to CR-V)
- MDX (equivalent to Pilot)
- MDX Type S (high-performance midsize three-row SUV)
- Integra (equivalent to Civic SI)
- Integra Type S (equivalent to Civic Type R)
- TLX (equivalent to Accord)
- TLX Type S (high-performance midsize sedan)
- ZDX (equivalent to Prologue)
- ZDX Type S (high-performance all-electric midsize SUV)
| 2025 Acura RDX | 2025 Honda CR-V LX | 2025 Acura Integra | 2025 Honda Civic Si | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class | Compact Luxury Crossover SUV | Compact Crossover SUV | Compact Sports Luxury Sedan | Compact Sports Sedan |
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo 4-Cyl w/ VTEC | 1.5L Turbo 4-Cyl w/ VTEC | 1.5L Turbo 4-Cyl w/ VTEC | 1.5L Turbo 4-Cyl w/ VTEC |
| Horsepower | 272 hp | 190 hp | 200 hp | 200 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 179 lb-ft | 192 lb-ft | 192 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic w/ Sequential SportShift paddle shifters | CVT | CVT w/ paddle shifters / Available 6-Speed Manual | 6-Speed Manual |
| Drivetrain | SH-AWD | FWD / Available AWD | FWD | FWD |
| EPA-Estimated MPG (City / Hwy / Comb) | Up to 21 / 27 / 231 | 27 / 32 / 291 (w/ AWD) | Up to 30 / 37 / 331 | 27 / 37 / 311 |
| Maximum Interior Cargo Volume | 79.8 cu ft | 76.5 cu ft | 24.3 cu ft | 14.4 cu ft |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs2 | 1,500 lbs3 | Not Rated | Not Rated |
| Driver's Seat (Standard) | Leatherette – 12-way power w/ power lumbar and heating | Cloth – Manual | Leatherette – 8-way power w/ heating | Cloth – Manual |
| Sound System (Std / Avail) | Acura Premium (9) / ELS STUDIO 3D (16) | 4 speakers / Bose® Premium (12) | Acura Premium (8) / ELS STUDIO 3D (16) | Bose® Premium (12) |
| Moonroof | Standard | Available | Standard | Standard |
| Blind-Spot Monitoring | Standard | Available | Standard | Standard |
| Low Speed Autonomous Emergency Braking | Standard | Available | Available | Not Available |
Acura vs. Honda: Which Brand Is More Reliable?
Most drivers consider both Honda and Acura to be great choices that aren't as hungry for auto service, so it shouldn't be a surprise that Acura vs. Honda reliability is a tie. That's not just our opinion: RepairPal.com gave both the Acura and Honda brands a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0.4, 5
Returning to the RDX vs. CR-V comparison, we find that these individual models also received the same "Great" reliability score from J.D. Power.6, 7 So, as we've mentioned before, we think that Acura is the winner of the Honda vs. Acura comparison because a new Acura for sale offers the same attractive spirit as a Honda with more fun and luxury surrounding you.
Acura vs. Honda: Which Brand Makes Safer Vehicles?
Noticing a pattern here? Acura vs. Honda safety isn't a dramatic comparison with a huge winner to note, as these sister brands share the same core values. However, some Acura vehicles do score higher for safety than their Honda counterparts, as more advanced safety features can typically be found inside of them. To get into specifics, let's compare equivalent Acura vs. Honda models across their safety ratings.
First up, the Acura RDX and Honda CR-V tie, as both were 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick8 recipients. However, when you move to the MDX and Pilot comparison, things aren't so equal: The Acura MDX was awarded IIHS Top Safety Pick+8 status, but the Honda Pilot is a regular Top Safety Pick.8 Furthermore, the Acura Integra is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+11 award winner, but the Honda Civic is an IIHS Top Safety Pick9 recipient.
Considering the added fun, luxury, and safety you can get with our Acura specials, the choice is quite simple. To confirm that an Acura vehicle is right for you, visit Phil Smith Acura today and take one on a test drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Acura or Honda?
Acura vehicles can be thought of as Honda vehicles imbued with better luxury features, more power, premium style, and exceptional quality. Acura vs. Honda vehicles are very similar because they share core values. However, with the Acura brand being the luxury and performance-focused sibling to Honda, an Acura vehicle lets you get a better luxury experience while retaining top-notch reliability.
Is Acura a high-end version of Honda?
Acura vehicles can be considered high-end versions of Honda vehicles, but this is not the entire story. The Acura brand was created to complement the Honda lineup with better performance and luxury. While high-end makeovers are a significant part of the Acura vs. Honda comparison, Acura vehicles also add high-performance features under the skin, including SH-AWD for exceptional handling.
Which lasts longer: Honda or Acura vehicles?
No matter if you choose a Honda or an Acura vehicle, you'll be getting a reliable, long-lasting car. There is no clear winner here, as RepairPal.com gave both the Honda and Acura brands a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0.4, 5J.D. Power also gave the CR-V and RDX (sibling models) an equal reliability rating.