Acura Vs. Lexus Comparison: When It Is Time to Make a Choice
Two luxury Japanese brands, Acura and Lexus, have developed into two worthy competitors with a unique position in the luxury automotive industry, loved by many US drivers. Both car manufacturers offer a variety of models. And both vehicles have their own set of advantages and drawbacks. The best way to choose the winner in the Lexus vs Acura battle is to compare them in different categories. We gathered the main characteristics of the most competitive models in terms of reliability, handling, performance, fuel economy, safety, prestige, and prices to help you make the final decision.
Reputation and Price Range
| Used Acura | Price * | Used Lexus | Price * |
| Acura ILX | $16 990 – $31 990 | Lexus IS sedan | $26 990,00 – $40 990 |
| Acura TLX | $20 590 – $44 990 | Lexus ES 350 | $22 990,00 – $44 990 |
Lexus, a Toyota luxury brand division, is best known for its quality and reliability. The overall lineup is considered more elegant than Acura. They offer smoother aesthetics, dynamic ride, and steering feel, and some sports models like the LC and RC-F have improved overall performance.
Acura is a Honda luxury division famous for increased productivity, safety features, and design elements ensuring driving comfort. Acura has gained a solid reputation for providing excellent quality cars for their money. Such models as TLX and ILX make the most of the standard equipment.
Performance
| Lexus RX350 | Acura RDX | |
| Wheels | 18 inches as standard | 19-inch alloy wheels |
| Standard Engine | 3.5L V6 engine | 2.0L VTEC Turbocharged I-4 |
| Horsepower | 295 @ 6300 | 272 @ 6500 |
| Drivetrain | AWD | SH-AWD |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
To compare performance, let’s take two competitive SUV models – Lexus RX350 and Acura RDX.
Lexus is more focused on luxury, but when it comes to performance, Acura is the winner. The lineup has more models that take sportiness and performance to the next level than the Lexus lineup. Any Lexus model equal to Acura in terms of performance standards will cost you more for a higher trim and other upgrades.
Fuel Economy
The standard front-wheel-drive versions of Lexus and Acura have the same fuel consumption figures. When both brands upgrade their cars to all-wheel-drive versions, Lexus came out on top with a fuel efficiency rating that increased by one mpg. Lexus offers improved fuel economy in its NX300h model with regenerative braking technology, which you won’t find in Acura.
Handling and Safety
Let’s compare the 2019 Lexus NX and the 2019 Acura RDX in terms of handling and safety.
Acura RDX can boast the following standard features:
- Lane Keeping Assist. Provide drivers with a detection system to keep the vehicle in the center of the detected lane. Lane Departure Avoidance alerts the driver if the vehicle deviates from the traffic lane.
- Anti-collision braking system. Warns drivers of the possibility of a head-on collision. This detection method has raised the safety ratings of the Acura RDX to give it the best ratings in this category.
- Adaptive cruise control. A standard feature to help reduce driver fatigue. It can stop the car when the car in front of you suddenly stops.
- Super Handling ™ (SH-AWD®) all-wheel drive. An additional option that directs power to each rear wheel individually, helping the RDX handle cornering.
Lexus offers:
- Rear seat belts with pretensioners that reduce the pressure on passengers in the accident.
- Intuitive parking assistance and automatic braking. These features are not included in standard trims. You will also need an update to get the pedestrian, vehicle, and obstacle detection features.
Other Features
If we compare, as an example, Acura RDX to the Lexus RX350, we see that Acura offers more standard features. The ultra-wide panoramic sunroof on all trim levels, 12-way power adjustment and heated sport front seats, a 10.2-inch center screen with an intuitive touchpad – are all features that the standard Lexus does not have. Acura had the wisdom to throw them into the initial trim level to beat Lexus in this competitive segment.
The good news is, the features do not considerably affect the price when you buy a used car. The chances are high that at our car lot in Indianapolis you will find a used Lexus with all the features included.
Check used Lexus models available
Check used Acura models available
What Is More Reliable: Lexus or Acura?
Both Acura and Lexus vehicles have excellent scores for safety and long-term reliability, just like Honda and Toyota. But the Lexus brand comes out ahead in customer reviews and our expert analysis. According to Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) from J.D. Power, the Lexus brand, which last year yielded the palm to the Genesis brand, is again on the first line this year, having improved the indicator by 19 points at once.
Lexus Vs. Acura: What to Choose?
- Acura is the right choice for true lovers of luxury cars with excellent handling and high performance. Choose any Acura model if you need a wide range of safety and convenience features at a very attractive price.
- Lexus is a name in the luxury car class that needs no introduction. The brand is primarily synonymous with luxury and sophisticated aesthetics, followed by performance and prestige. If your dream car is the most stylish, reliable, and comfortable luxury one, then opt for Lexus.
Visit Indy Auto Man, Indianapolis to compare models of both brands in one place for a test drive and take the one you like more!
