Is An Acura Better Than a Honda?

As you spend more time comparing Acura vs. Honda, you start to notice some tremendous similarities that spark your curiosity.

While looking at options for your next automobiles, you run across several amazing Acura and Honda vehicles.  Little did you know that Honda and Acura are actually part of the same company.

Acura was created in the 1980s to be the luxury arm of the Honda brand. Since then, it’s been known for offering awesome vehicle options with upscale inferiors and plenty of tech options. Of course, with so many similarities, it’s hard not to compare Acura vs. Honda.

Acura cars may be priced higher than Hondas, but are they really better? Here’s what you need to know:

How Do These Two Brands Compare?

When drivers pick out and purchase an Acura, they are looking for an overall luxury experience. This brand offers more standard high-tech features and premium interiors than you get with Honda.

Honda, on the other hand, is known for building reliable vehicles that focus more on function than luxury, not discounting its higher-level luxury trim options. Honda also has a much more robust lineup of various vehicles than you’ll find with Acura.

Performance

Acura may cost more than Honda, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a better car. Honda tends to rank higher on various reliability and dependability charts. Honda also tends to outperform most of its Acura counterparts.

There are a couple of Acura vehicles, however, that are hard to top. The NSX sports car and RDX SUV have more than impressive performance specs. It really comes down to specific models and vehicles to know which brand offers better power under the hood.

Reliability

The race between Honda and Acura in the category for reliability is too close to call. These two brands use similar components and platforms; they tend to be fairly equal. Historically, both brands are known for producing extremely reliable vehicles.

There are many examples of vehicles that earn above-average reliability ratings by J.D. Power. Regardless of which way you go, you’ll enjoy the longevity that you expect from a Honda-owned factory.

Safety

Safety is another area where these two brands are neck and neck. Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that Honda and Acura cars perform extremely well in crash/safety tests.

Both the Honda Sensing Suite and Acura Watch Package are full of driver-assist features like emergency braking, collision warnings, and lane-keep assist. If it comes down to it, Acura does offer a few more features, which is expected from a luxury brand.

Price

While price isn’t the only factor to consider when purchasing a new car, it’s definitely something to consider. As expect, Acura vehicles tend to have a higher starting price tag than what you’ll find on Honda options. Not too many drivers are surprised by the price difference considering the additional features that come with an Acura.

Typically, luxury vehicles have had much higher maintenance costs over the years. This isn’t the case for Acura. Because Honda and Acura start from a similar foundation, the maintenance costs between these two brands stay pretty much the same.

Final Thoughts

With so many similarities, it’s hard to name a champion in an Acura vs. Honda battle. It really comes down to which manufacturer has the right vehicle for your needs and budget. Acurastend to cost more, but they also tend to come with more. If you’re looking for a way to treat yourself, an Acura is definitely the way to go. If you’re looking for something a little more practical and affordable, there’s certainly nothing wrong with a Honda. The ultimate choice is yours.