As an auto analyst and Honda enthusiast, I‘ve followed Acura closely since its founding in 1986 as the company‘s North American luxury marque. While European automakers have historically dominated the upscale market, Acura has carved out an intriguing niche by delivering exhilarating performance, striking designs and great value.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll overview Acura‘s full model range, analyze how the brand has evolved over time, and preview the electric vehicles soon to join the portfolio. My goal is to showcase why these vehicles merit your consideration against high-end competitors. Buckle up – it‘s sure to be a fun ride!
A Brief History of the Acura Brand
Shortly after Toyota launched Lexus and Nissan debuted Infiniti, Honda sought to tap the booming Reagan-era luxury car market by introducing Acura in 1986. The brand‘s initial lineup included the Legend and Integra sedans which offered refined Japanese engineering at prices thousands below comparable European models.
This value positioning propelled early success. By the 1990s Acura was moving 200,000 vehicles annually, allowing for expansion into a full-line marque with coupes, sports cars and SUVs joining the range. Polestar vehicle dynamics and emotional designs cultivated an enthusiast following while advanced features previewed the tech-centric direction luxury would ultimately take.
Let‘s analyze how the current lineup upholds Acura’s sporty and value-focused DNA while setting the stage for an electrified future.
Today‘s Acura Model Range – Performance Meets Practicality
Acura sold over 50,000 more vehicles in 2022 versus 2021 – proof these enticing designs continue finding fans even with fresh competition from Genesis, Polestar and others. Savvy shoppers recognize that dollar-for-dollar, Acura delivers performance and premium features comparable to far costlier European alternatives. Let‘s examine the key models:
2024 Acura Integra – Starting at $31,495
The return of the iconic Integra for 2023 sparked excitement among driving enthusiasts. As essentially a luxury variant of the beloved Honda Civic Si, this liftback coupe promises agile handling with 201 horsepower sent to the front wheels through a standard 6-speed manual gearbox. Alternately, a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) pairs with a 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder pumping out 200 ponies.
With leather, 10-speaker ELS audio, 7-inch touchscreen and abundant safety tech even in base form, the Integra bundles desirable amenities for its entry price. Available all-wheel-drive and a limited run Type S model with over 300 horses cater to lead-footed loyalists. Overall, early reviews praise the sharp steering, composed chassis and rev-happy engine that uphold the revered Integra ethos.
Dimensions (Length/Width/Height): 186.8 in/74.4 in/55.5 in
2023 Acura TLX – From $41,800
Slotting above the compact Integra, the midsize TLX serves as Acura‘s premium sedan with an athletic essence. Architected on an all-new platform, the latest TLX has stretched dimensions compared to its predecessor enabling a more capacious cabin. Yet the car maintains a sports-sedan profile with aggressively raked C-pillars and sharply creased bodywork.
My favorite TLX trim is the A-Spec incorporating a sport-tuned suspension, gloss black accents, racing-style seats and a grippy flat-bottom steering wheel. But even in base form, the TLX impresses with a 272 horsepower VTEC® turbo engine, 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura‘s lauded SH-AWD® torque vectoring. With an expansive list of standard gear plus panoramic roof, open-pore wood and Milano leather options, the value equation remains strong.
Dimensions: 195.9 in/77.2 in/57.2 in
2023 Acura RDX – Starting MSRP $43,845
As Acura‘s best-selling nameplate, the fifth-generation RDX carries the badge strongly into the booming compact luxury SUV skirmish. Nimble moves belying its 4,030 pound curb weight, the RDX offers ample motivation from its trusty 272 hp V6 engine. The SH-AWD platform apportions torque across the rear axle for tenacious grip while torque vectoring sharpens turn-in response.
Gracing the RDX cabin is an attractive design frontalized by a 10.2-inch HD center display supporting wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality. For audiophiles, the available ELS STUDIO 3D® audio spins 16 channels through 12 speakers and subwoofer. With abundant passenger room and up to 79.4 cubic feet cargo capacity, the RDX deftly balances utility with dynamic verve.
Dimensions: 187.6 in/74.8 in/65.7 in
2023 Acura MDX – From $49,645
Slotting atop the marque as Acura’s three-row flagship SUV is the formidable MDX. Now in its fourth generation, the family hauler retains a strong sporting character thanks to a double wishbone front suspension and torque vectoring SH-AWD tech. Under the sculpted hood lives a 290 hp 3.5-liter V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic crunching out 267 lb-ft torque.
The MDX cabin advances Acura’s push upmarket with available open-pore wood, French stitched Milano leather and an ELS STUDIO 3D® sound system. The True Touchpad InterfaceTM takes cues from smartphones enabling intuitive taps and swipes to control core functions. With ample amenities and seating for up to seven, the MDX continues to excel as a do-anything luxury family vehicle.
Dimensions: 198.4 in / 78.7 in / 67.1 in
Electrifying Acuras Coming Down the Pike
Keen to stay ahead of looming emissions regulations and meet surging consumer demand, Acura’s pipeline brims with next-gen EVs aiming to electrify the upscale market. As parent company Honda has perfected powertrains for 50 years, expect these models to uphold the performance pedigree while delivering instant acceleration in a whisper quiet package.
2024 Acura ZDX Type S
Slated to launch next year, the ZDX fills the gap for a rakish electric SUV coupe – think BMW X6 competitor. Details remain limited, but styling cues on a Type S concept model preview a dramatic fastback roofline perched atop muscular haunches. The low stance exudes potency while vertical LED strips and hidden door handles nod towards tomorrow’s aesthetics.
Acura confirms the ZDX will feature “Google built-in” suggesting seamless ecosystem integration between the vehicle and leading Android apps. This includes Google Assistant voice commands, Google Maps EV navigation with charging points and smartphone connectivity.
Befitting its Type S badging, output targets should align with the 400hp Cadillac Lyriq sharing GM’s Ultium battery architecture. Figure 300+ miles EPA range and ultra-fast 800V charging compatibility letting juice flow at rates up to 350 kW.
Acura Precision EV
Further out, Acura teases its Precision EV that provides a concept for a envelope-pushing electric SUV. Dramatic details like glitch-particle headlamps, suicide doors and hexagonally-perforated leather give the interior a video game-inspired look certain to polarize opinions.
More importantly, the Precision EV foretells a 800V electrical system enabling 310 mile range replenishment up to 80% in just 20 minutes. It also hints at human-machine interfaces like haptic touch response and transparent displays which dissolve visual distractions during driving.
While the production timeline remains uncertain, the Precision EV undoubtedly signals Acura’s intent to push boundaries as the brand charges headfirst into electrification.
Let‘s Wrap Up!
I hope you enjoyed this deep dive into Acura’s exciting present and future. With sporty driving dynamics baked into every model, Acura continues upholding their design commitment: crafting exhilarating performance machines infused with red-blooded precision energy.
Yet make no mistake, as evidenced by lavish cabins with each advancement, luxury and quality also clock as core competencies for the brand. This deft fusion of power and premium materials at palatable prices is what sets Acura apart.
Looking ahead, forthcoming electric crossovers promise to unleash neutron-quick acceleration and boundary-breaking technologies into the mix. So the journey for Honda’s revered high-performance division remains bright. When chasing supreme value in uplevel vehicles, I wager discerning drivers will continue finding satisfaction behind the wheel of an Acura.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
