When you’re shopping for a vehicle, one of the most important and challenging decisions you’ll have to make is choosing the right model. There are so many different options out there that trying to look at them all and compare them can be an exhausting prospect. Fortunately, choosing a particular brand that delivers the kind of vehicles you’re interested in makes this process quite a bit easier. As the luxury arm of Honda, Acura is well known for its bold performance, gorgeous designs, and proven dependability.
One of the best things about Acura, as far as I’m concerned, is that the lineup is pretty streamlined, so you’re not drowning in options. If you’re looking for a truck or minivan, then you’re out of luck––but the selection of sporty sedans and impressive SUVs that Acura delivers makes it a fantastic choice for a wide range of drivers. There are currently four Acura models available now––the ILX and NSX were discontinued following the 2022 model year, and the all-electric ZDX won’t be out for another year. Let’s take a look at the four models you’ll find at your favorite Acura dealership and see what each of them offers.
#1 – Acura Integra
First up, we have the Acura Integra, a premium compact sedan with a sporty design and impressive features inside and out. The Integra has always been a popular option in the Acura family, and with the 2023 model year, it’s taking the place of the ILX as the starting option in the brand’s lineup. Looking at the base Integra, you get a 1.5L I-4 turbocharged engine that delivers 200 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and paddle shifters. The base Integra has 17-inch wheels wrapped in all-season tires. Inside, you’ll find leatherette-trimmed seats, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and a seven-inch infotainment display with an eight-speaker premium audio system.
Higher trims improve upon these features. The Integra A-Spec gives you 18-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, and LED fog lights. Choose the A-Spec with Technology, and you get microsuede-trimmed seating with a 12-way power driver’s seat and a keyless access system with personalized settings that you can control. The A-Spec with Technology also includes an ELS Studio 3D sound system with 16 speakers, a nine-inch infotainment display, a 5.3-inch head-up display, and Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. If you prefer more precise control behind the wheel, the Integra A-Spec with Technology can be optioned with a six-speed manual transmission rather than the standard CVT.
#2 – Acura TLX
If you want a luxury sedan with high-performance options, then the Acura TLX is a fantastic model that you should take a good look at. The standard TLX features front-wheel drive (FWD) with all-wheel drive (AWD) available. The engine is a 2.0L four-cylinder turbo that delivers 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque and comes paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission featuring sequential SportShift paddle shifters. The TLX has standard 18-inch wheels. Inside, it features leatherette-trimmed seats with 12-way power-adjustable, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 10-speaker premium sound system. You also get a 10.2-inch infotainment display, a seven-inch driver display, and ambient LED interior lighting.
The Technology trim adds 19-inch wheels, perforated Milano premium leather-trimmed seating, and a 13-speaker ELS Studio premium audio system. With the TLX A-Spec, you get perforated Milano premium leather and Ultrasuede-trimmed seating, heated and ventilated front seats, a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, a 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, a wireless charging pad, and more. The Advance trim gives you AWD standard, 16-way power seats that feature thigh extensions and side bolsters, and the 17-speaker sound system.
One thing that really sets the TLX apart from other sedans is the available Type S trim, which replaces the standard powertrain with a 3.0L six-cylinder turbocharged engine that delivers a massive 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. This model comes with AWD, a 10-speed automatic transmission with SportShift paddle shifters, Brembo performance brakes, and 20-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli Cinturato P7 all-season tires. You get a stunning interior with perforated Milano premium leather and Ultrasuede-trimmed seating, a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, and the 17-speaker sound system. If you want the ultimate performance experience, then the Performance Wheel and Tire version of the TLX Type S comes with Pirelli P-Zero summer tires that are perfect for performance driving.
#3 – Acura RDX
If you’re interested in a sporty crossover SUV, then the Acura RDX is a fantastic option with a lot to offer. The base RDX features a 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged engine that delivers 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, with FWD standard and AWD available. This engine comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission with SportShift paddle shifters and has 1,500 lbs of maximum towing capacity. The RDX features leatherette seating with 12-way power-adjustable, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a nine-speaker sound system. You also get a seven-inch driver display, a 10.2-inch infotainment display, and Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support in the base trim.
The Technology trim adds to this with perforated Milano leather seating, a 12-speaker ELS premium sound system, and a wireless charging pad. If you choose the RDX A-Spec, you get 20-inch wheels, perforated Milano leather and Ultrasuede seating, a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, and a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D premium sound system. The Advance trim gives you Super Handling AWD standard, plus 16-way power seats with thigh extensions and side bolsters, heated rear seats, and a 10.5-inch head-up display. Finally, the top-end RDX A-Spec Advance provides standard AWD and exclusive features like Milano premium leather and Ultrasuede seating with contrast stitching.
#4 – Acura MDX
The Acura MDX is a three-row SUV that offers gorgeous luxury and stunning performance, especially with its available Type S trims, which put many other models to shame. With the standard MDX, you get a 3.5L V6 engine that provides 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque and comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission. FWD is standard, and Super Handling AWD is available. Maximum towing with FWD is 3,500 lbs, while the AWD models can pull up to 5,000 lbs. The MDX features 19-inch wheels wrapped in high-performance all-season tires, and it has leatherette-trimmed seating.
Inside, 12-way power-adjustable, heated front seats are standard, along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a nine-speaker sound system, and a pair of 12.3-inch displays for the infotainment system and driver. Choosing the MDX Technology adds 20-inch wheels, perforated Milano premium leather and Ultrasuede-trimmed seating, a 12-speaker ELS Studio sound system, and a wireless charging pad. If you go with the A-Spec trim, you get standard AWD, a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, and a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system. The MDX Advance takes things even further with exclusive leather-trimmed seating with contrast stitching, 16-way power seats with thigh extensions and side bolsters, and a 10.5-inch head-up display.
To take the performance of your SUV to the next level, check out the MDX Type S trims––the standard Type S features Super Handling AWD and a 3.0L six-cylinder turbocharged engine that delivers 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. The MDX Type S comes with Brembo performance brakes, 21-inch wheels, and a 16-speaker sound system. For an incredible experience, the Type S Advance features exclusive perforated Milano premium leather-trimmed seating with 16-way power adjustability, thigh extensions, side bolsters, and a nine-way massage function. You also get a heated, flat-bottom, leather-wrapped steering wheel, an amazing 25-speaker ELS Studio 3D Signature Edition premium sound system, and more remarkable features.
