Does Acura Have What it Takes to Compete With European Luxury Cars?

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The #Acura brand was the first-ever #JapaneseLuxury division to show up in the US about 34 years ago and while Honda's luxury division was never really considered to be as nice as the European brands, Acura is looking to change all that and it starts with the 2020 Acura RDX. It rides on an Acura exclusive platform and launched with the one of the most powerful base engines in the segment last year. We hear an #RDXTypeS is in the works and it can't come soon enough.

[theredline]

Do you guys think Acura could one day compete head-to-head with the best from Europe? It's a spot Lexus has enjoyed for years. We think once the Acura exclusive platform and twin-turbo V6 engines are expanded and introduced, it will surprise a lot of skeptics. Let's hope Acura doesn't disappoint, there are A LOT of changes coming in the next 24 months for this brand.

[johnsonl]

I’ll BUY the Acura and LEASE any European cars

[bigwilliearmitage]

As an owner of a new RDX, I find this review just about perfect. As with all cars, the RDX is not without fault, but it's an outstanding bargain for what you get. I don't agree that the touchpad causes you to look away any more than other systems, even touchscreens make you look at them. It becomes intuitive with time. My Advance has nearly everything I'd expect in this class, plus more standard power, all for 5-10k less than other comparable premium models. Style, tech, features, value, and a ballsy engine make this a great car. And this doesn't include benefits of the available, and terrific, SH-AWD system. Nice review.

[InvestBetter.]

Unlike Infiniti, I think Acura has a bright future, with the RDX, and the upcoming TLX looks like a winner

[onewatchjustisntenough]

The front end on the Acura looks killler

[ArnelakaPanda]

I’m ready for the Type S!! Can’t wait to see what Acura is gonna do! The TLX Type S would be amazing!

[LL-jtvw]

Considering the reliability of Land Rover, I’d rather go with Acura

[asianskywalker]

The Supra or skyline were not conservative for their time yet they were over engineered to be reliable. They can also do powerful AND reliable when they want to.

[LondonHasFallin]

I feel like most buyers of the RDX
will catch on to the touchpad easily.

[rryanchase]

My 60 year old mom just got a 2020 RDX Advance and she absolutely loves it. She is still learning the infotainment system but it’s pretty intuitive once you learn. Auto journalists hate on it, but if you use it long term you won’t want to go back to a touch screen. The RDX hit the sweet spot in the market for her. It’s a loaded luxury CUV without an astronomical price and it blends comfort and sporty perfectly.

[jonathonjaney]

At least the RDX won't leave you stranded on the side of the Interstate on a hot day like the Land Rover will. Land Rover is such junk that I wouldn't even lease one.

[XZAKLY]

Honda makes amazing cars, so Acura’s are honestly so well made. Can’t wait for the Type S, but I hope we get another ILX too!

[MASTERNC]

I'd really like a Sport Hybrid for the RDX

[AbronHawkins]

Acura vs. the Range Rover. I'll go for the Acura. A Honda product instead of an endless money pit

[oldschool]

With the Land Rover, you'll get to know your mechanic and service advisors very, very well. Speaking from experience.

[romanwalczak]

Acura all the way I own Apec white 2020 red seats love it

[michaelhatfield]

Yes, if Honda goes full bore like Hyundai and develops RWD platforms for their luxury brand like they did with Genesis.

[jax]

This makes me want my red A-spec tester back. I really enjoyed my time with the RDX. I think it's a fantastic luxury SUV, a home run from Acura. I hope the Type S sedan is as good or better... because I really want one.

[sleepjourney]

Doing my own segment comparison, I drove the Audi Q5, Volvo XC40 and XC60, and the Jaguar F-Pace but I bought the RDX.

Styling is subjective, but frankly the interior quality of the F-Pace wasn’t even in the same league. And while the Volvos were standouts in interior quality and attention to detail, neither were nearly as much fun to drive. So that left the Q5 and the RDX.

Driving in both the Q5 and RDX is very engaging and confidence inspiring. And the interiors of both are quite good. The deciding factors for me was SH-AWD as well as the adaptive dampers and HUD in the RDX Advance for several thousand dollars less than a comparably equipped Q5. Plus the Q5 is just so... subdued. That may work for some folks but the RDX has its own flavor of spunky sportiness that appealed to me.

A month in and no regrets at all. The RDX is Acura’s notice to the world that they are serious competitors in this segment.

[chazl]

Let’s see what they do with the 2021 TLX and next MDX that will tell us if they are serious about being a true luxury brand or not. I’ve had a TSX and TL in the past and they were flawless I hope Acura can regain some of there former glory!