Ranking Every Model for Your Peace of Mind

Acura is the luxury car division of the Japanese automaker Honda and has become a staple in the American market since its inception back in the mid-1980s. Acura was the first luxury division opened by any Japanese automaker, predating the likes of Lexus and Infiniti by a couple of years and gaining a good head start.

The automaker has had a couple of stumbles in recent times, failing to properly capitalize on what the American consumer wants. However, Acura’s current lineup offers brilliant value for money and luxury features that make you turn your head away from the usual suspects over in Germany.

We take a dive into the current lineup of Acura SUVs and rate them based on their reliability as well as assessing their performance and their features. We see how they stack up in the ultra-competitive luxury SUV market and give you all the information you could possibly need to determine if your next SUV will be an Acura.

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3 2024 Acura MDX

Reliability Score: 79/100

If you’re in the market for a premium SUV with three-rows of seating that still manages to deliver a sporty and athletic feel, then the Acura MDX was made for you. This midsize luxury SUV manages to deliver space, comfort, and sportiness all in one package.

Reliability

Acura has firmly established itself as an exceptionally reliable brand, a trait unsurprising given its roots in Honda’s legacy. One of its standout models, the MDX, exemplifies this reputation, earning an impressive 79 out of 100 for quality and reliability in the 2024 model, as rated by J.D. Power.

Moreover, the 2024 Acura MDX stands out for its affordability in maintenance compared to many of its counterparts in the market. According to CarEdge, the MDX maintenance costs over a span of 10 years are approximately $5,894 lower than the average luxury SUV. Furthermore, it boasts a notably lower likelihood of necessitating major repairs during this extended timeframe, further solidifying its appeal to cost-conscious consumers.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $571 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $9,820 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 0
• Worst MDX Year To Buy Used: 2017

Performance And Features

(Source: Acura)

The Acura MDX Type S represents how Acura doesn’t focus on luxury alone. While they offer tons of premium equipment, they also prioritize driver enjoyment. The regular MDX is powered by a non-turbo V-6 that puts out 290 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is also standard, with all-wheel drive being optional.

A fine mixture of metal, open pore wood, and french-stitched leather makes the cabin of the MDX feel much more luxe than its price tag would suggest. It’s able to compete with German counterparts in terms of design and technology at a fraction of the price. The MDX also has a spacious interior and its first and second rows of seats offer plenty of room for adults, while the third-row remains child-sized.

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2 2024 Acura RDX

Reliability Score: 80/100

In the compact luxury SUV segment, Acura has their RDX to offer. While it may not be as inline with competitors in terms of interior comfort and luxury as the MDX, it still offers an entertaining drive and an attractive price tag that makes it hard to ignore.

Reliability

The 2024 Acura RDX boasts a track record of unwavering reliability, a testament to its consistent performance over time. Garnering an impressive rating of 80 out of 100 for quality and reliability from J.D. Power, it surpasses numerous other compact luxury SUVs in its class.

Furthermore, the affordability factor of maintaining an Acura RDX is exceptionally noteworthy. When compared to its luxury SUV counterparts, the cost of ownership, including maintenance expenses, is remarkably economical. Notably, CarEdge reports that the RDX stands out as a cost-effective option both in terms of initial purchase price and ongoing maintenance costs. Moreover, its likelihood of encountering major faults within the first decade of ownership is notably lower, with statistics indicating a 28.65 percent probability, marking a substantial 10.91 percent reduction compared to other luxury SUVs. This combination of reliability, affordability, and longevity underscores the Acura RDX’s standing as a compelling choice in its segment.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $497 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $9,610 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 1
• Worst RDX Year To Buy Used: 2015

Performance And Features

(Source: Acura)

Acura equips every 2024 RDX with the same powertrain and transmission, a combination that will be more than enough for most drivers. However, if you’re wanting something with a little more pep, then going up to the MDX may be the better choice. All-wheel drive is standard across the board, however, which is nice to say the least.

If you’re looking for an SUV with all the drama and theater that top-shelf luxury cars offer, you might be disappointed by the RDX. While everything is covered in high quality materials, a busy center console and a general somewhat tacky design detract from the experience of the RDX. However, with an MSRP of $44,350 you still get a ton of features for a near unbeatable price. However, in many ways, the Lexus NX competitor may be better than the RDX.

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1 2024 Acura ZDX

Reliability Score: Not Yet Rated

The Acura ZDX has been reintroduced to the lineup for 2024, with a brand-new look and an electric powertrain aligning it with the modern market. This first step by the automaker into the electric future and is the product of a partnership between Acura and General Motors.

Reliability

Given that the ZDX has only just made its return, there isn’t much that can be said for its reliability and its maintenance costs. We can make some assumptions though. The motors in an electric car are much less complex than those in combustion engines, meaning that far fewer cars go wrong in general.

This being said, there are reports that the ZDX is being built alongside the Cadillac Lyriq, with them sharing a ton of parts. This means that the Cadillac Lyriq’s reliability and maintenance is likely to be at least similar to that of the ZDX. J.D. Power rates the Cadillac Lyriq 60 out of 100 for quality and reliability.

Performance And Features

(Source: Acura)

The new Acura ZDX comes in three different setups. The Type A will be the standard ZDX that you can get and comes in either single-motor or dual-motor orientations. The Type A with a single motor features rear-wheel drive while the dual motor setup will, of course, bring with it all-wheel drive. To get access to 500 horsepower, you’ll have to jump up to the Type S, which promises to be one of the fastest Acuras to date.

Where the ZDX of old used to be a sportback, the new ZDX offers a more traditional SUV look. It has two rows of seats and promises space for five passengers. Its interior is refined and minimalistic, as seems to be the trend with the interiors of electric vehicles. We can see that the ZDX shares parts with other General Motors cars based on the switches and knobs around the cabin, but Acura has done enough to put its own spin on things.