Acura: The Pioneer of Japanese Luxury Performance

Acura is the pioneer of Japanese luxury. Launched by Honda in 1986, it beat Lexus to market, proving Japan could rival BMW. Known for "Precision Crafted Performance," Acura blends Honda reliability with advanced tech like SH-AWD and icons like the Integra Type R.

Origin: Japan
Est. 1986
Acura Hero Vehicle

Model Lineup

Explore the current production vehicles.

Integra

The legendary sport compact is back. The Integra blends a fun-to-drive chassis with premium features and liftback versatility. The high-revving Type S is a pure expression of Precision Crafted Performance and a worthy successor to an icon.

Production 1986-2001, 2023-Present

TLX

The quintessential Acura sport sedan. The TLX delivers a thrilling drive with its available torque-vectoring SH-AWD and a potent, turbocharged Type S model. It’s a bold statement of performance, design, and driver-focused engineering.

Production 2015-Present

MDX

America's all-time best-selling 3-row luxury SUV. The MDX is the intelligent choice for families, masterfully blending premium comfort, innovative technology, and the all-weather confidence of SH-AWD. The Type S model adds a thrilling dose of performance.

Production 2001-Present

RDX

The dynamic and driver-focused compact luxury SUV. With its turbocharged engine and standard torque-vectoring SH-AWD, the RDX delivers a sporty, engaging experience. It’s a perfect blend of style, performance, and everyday versatility.

Production 2007-Present

ZDX

The future of performance is here. The all-electric ZDX is a stunning luxury SUV that combines expressive styling with impressive range. The ZDX Type S is the most powerful Acura SUV ever, launching a new era of electrified performance.

Production 2010-2013, 2024-Present

NSX

The legendary 'New Sportscar eXperimental.' From the original, world-beating mid-engine icon to the modern hybrid supercar, the NSX has always been a rolling showcase of Acura's most advanced performance engineering. A true Japanese legend.

Production 1991-2005, 2017-2022

Legend

The car that launched a brand and created a legend. The original Legend sedan and coupe shocked the luxury establishment with their V6 power, sophisticated engineering, and impeccable quality, proving Japan could build a true world-class luxury car.

Production 1986-1995

RSX

The spiritual successor to the Integra and an icon of the sport compact scene. The RSX, especially the Type S model with its high-revving K-series VTEC engine, delivered a pure, engaging driving experience that made it a legend among enthusiasts.

Production 2002-2006

TSX

The enthusiast's choice for a perfectly balanced sport sedan. The TSX was celebrated for its sharp handling, high-revving VTEC engine, and a premium, driver-focused feel. The rare Sport Wagon is a cult classic for those who know.

Production 2004-2014

TL

A titan of the entry-level luxury sedan market. The TL, especially the third-generation Type S, was a legend for its powerful V6, aggressive styling, and available 6-speed manual. It defined a generation of accessible performance and style.

Production 1996-2014

RL

Acura's flagship technology showcase. The RL was a sophisticated and intelligent luxury sedan, pioneering the brand's revolutionary Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system to deliver an incredibly sure-footed and dynamic driving experience.

Production 1996-2012

CL

The stylish and sophisticated personal luxury coupe. The CL offered a blend of performance and comfort, culminating in the highly desirable Type S model, which featured a powerful V6 and an available 6-speed manual. A true enthusiast's grand tourer.

Production 1997-2003

ILX

The gateway to the Acura brand. The ILX was the premium compact sedan that offered a dose of luxury, style, and a fun-to-drive spirit based on the legendary Civic platform. It was the perfect introduction to Precision Crafted Performance.

Production 2013-2022

Vigor

The unique and characterful sport sedan that bridged the gap between the Integra and Legend. The Vigor was known for its longitudinally-mounted inline 5-cylinder engine, a rarity that gave it a smooth, distinct personality for the discerning driver.

Production 1992-1994

SLX

Acura's first-ever SUV and a foray into the rugged 4x4 world. Based on the tough Isuzu Trooper, the SLX was a capable and luxurious body-on-frame vehicle that introduced the brand's customers to the idea of go-anywhere utility in a premium package.

Production 1996-1999

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First to the Party

Before Lexus and Infiniti existed, there was Acura. Launched in 1986, Honda took a gamble that Americans would pay premium prices for a Japanese car if it offered superior engineering and luxury. They were right.

The brand launched with the Legend (a sophisticated V6 sedan) and the Integra (a sporty compact). It was an instant hit. Acura forced the German establishment to wake up and realize that luxury didn't have to mean "expensive to maintain." For the American buyer, Acura represents the sweet spot: the driving dynamics of a European car with the running costs of a Honda.

The Cult of the Integra Type R

While the NSX is the halo car, the soul of the brand lies in the Integra Type R (ITR). Sold in the US from 1997 to 2001, it is widely considered the greatest front-wheel-drive car ever made.

The ITR wasn't just a badge job. The chassis was seam-welded for stiffness, the sound deadening was removed to save weight, and the 1.8L B18C5 engine was hand-polished at the factory. It revved to 8,400 RPM. Today, clean examples sell for six figures, proving that Acura’s "Golden Era" is legendary.

SH-AWD: Super Handling isn't just Marketing

In the mid-2000s, Acura introduced SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive). Most AWD systems just send power to the back wheels when the fronts slip. Acura’s system was smarter.

It uses torque vectoring. If you are turning left, the system overdrives the rear right wheel, literally pushing the car around the corner. It defies physics, making a heavy SUV like the MDX handle like a sports sedan. It remains a key selling point for the brand today.

The "Beak" Era and the Comeback

Acura lost its way slightly in the late 2000s. They introduced a new design language featuring a massive silver grille shield, affectionately known by critics as "The Beak." It was controversial and hurt sales.

However, the brand has recently returned to form. The "Beak" is gone, replaced by the handsome "Diamond Pentagon" grille. The Type S performance badge has returned on the TLX and MDX, bringing turbocharged V6 power back to the lineup.

The NSX: Part II

While the original NSX (sold as an Acura in the US) changed the world in 1990, the second-generation NSX (2016-2022) was a technological marvel. It was a hybrid supercar with three electric motors and a twin-turbo V6. It was built in Ohio, not Japan. While it didn't have the same cultural impact as the first one, it proved Acura could still compete with Ferrari and McLaren on pure speed.

Buying Advice: The V6 Transmission Woes

If you are shopping for a used Acura from the early 2000s (specifically the TL, CL, or early MDX), be very careful.

  • Automatic Transmissions: The 5-speed automatic transmissions mated to the V6 engines in this era had a very high failure rate. The 2nd and 3rd gear clutch packs would overheat and shatter.
  • Dashboard Cracks: Like Lexus, the 3rd Gen Acura TL (2004-2008) is notorious for cracked dashboards.

Acura is the brand for the "smart" enthusiast. It offers 90% of the performance of a BMW M car for 60% of the price, and it will likely start every morning for the next 20 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the performance difference between the Acura Integra and Integra Type S?

The standard Acura Integra features a 1.5L VTEC® Turbo engine producing 200 hp, ideal for a balance of efficiency and fun. However, the Integra Type S is engineered for the ultimate enthusiast, boasting a 2.0L VTEC® Turbo that delivers 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.

Unlike the standard model, the Type S comes exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission, Brembo® front brakes, and a wider track for superior high-speed stability on American canyon roads and tracks.

How does Acura Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) work?

SH-AWD® is a world-class torque-vectoring system. Unlike traditional AWD that only manages front-to-back power, SH-AWD can send up to 70% of torque to the rear wheels and 100% of that power to either the left or right rear wheel.

For US drivers, this means the vehicle "rotates" into corners with incredible precision, significantly reducing understeer and providing unmatched traction during heavy rain in the South or icy winters in the Midwest.

What are the new interior features of the 2026 Acura MDX?

The 2026 Acura MDX has undergone a significant interior redesign. The most notable change is the move to a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in, replacing the previous touchpad system for more intuitive control of Google Maps™ and Assistant.

Additionally, the cabin is quieter than ever thanks to acoustic laminate glass, and top trims now offer a state-of-the-art 31-speaker Bang & Olufsen® Ultra audio system, setting a new benchmark for luxury SUVs in North America.

What is the range and charging speed of the Acura ZDX electric SUV?

The Acura ZDX A-Spec (RWD) offers an EPA-estimated range of up to 313 miles. The performance-tuned ZDX Type S provides approximately 278 miles of range while delivering a thrilling 499 horsepower.

Regarding charging, the ZDX supports DC fast charging at rates up to 190 kW. This allows US owners to add about 81 miles of range in just 10 minutes at compatible high-speed charging stations, making it a viable zero-emission option for long-distance travel.

What is the difference between AcuraWatch and AcuraWatch 360?

AcuraWatch™ is the standard suite of safety tech including Collision Mitigation Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control. New for the 2026 MDX Type S Advance is AcuraWatch 360™, which adds high-speed sensors for 360-degree hazard detection.

AcuraWatch 360 includes advanced features like Active Lane Change Assist, Front Cross Traffic Warning, and Cornering Speed Assist, providing a higher level of semi-autonomous support for highway driving in the United States.

What is the towing capacity of the Acura MDX and RDX?

The Acura MDX remains a versatile choice for American families, offering a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs when equipped with SH-AWD®. The front-wheel-drive models are rated at 3,500 lbs.

The compact Acura RDX is rated for lighter duties with a 1,500-lb towing capacity, sufficient for a small utility trailer or a pair of dirt bikes for a weekend getaway.

What is the Acura "A-Spec" package?

The A-Spec® package is a sport-appearance upgrade available across the Acura lineup. It focuses on aggressive styling rather than engine modifications. Key features typically include:

  • Gloss Black Accents: On the grille, mirrors, and window surrounds.
  • Interior Upgrades: Ultrasuede®-trimmed seats and a flat-bottom steering wheel.
  • Larger Wheels: Shark Gray alloy wheels that give the vehicle a more planted stance on the road.
How does the Acura TLX Type S compare to European sport sedans?

The Acura TLX Type S is designed to compete directly with mid-size European sport sedans by offering a high-output 3.0L Twin-Scroll Turbo V6 with 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque.

With standard Brembo® 4-piston front brakes and a performance-tuned SH-AWD® system, the TLX Type S offers a more "raw" and connected driving experience at a price point that typically includes more standard features than its German counterparts.

Is the 2026 Acura RDX still available with a VTEC Turbo engine?

Yes, the 2026 Acura RDX continues to use the proven 2.0L VTEC® Turbo 4-cylinder engine, producing 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission for smooth, responsive power delivery.

This powertrain is favored by US drivers for its low-end punch, making it ideal for merging onto busy interstates or navigating urban environments with confidence.

What is Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE)?

ACE™ is Acura’s proprietary body structure design. It is engineered to help disperse crash energy more evenly during a frontal collision, protecting passengers by directing force away from the cabin.

This structural design is a key reason why Acura models consistently earn Top Safety Pick+ ratings from the IIHS, a crucial factor for safety-conscious luxury buyers in the USA.