- Car models: TLX and RLX
- SUVs: RDX and MDX
- Supercar NSX
Keep reading to learn more about each of these five models. We'll give you a quick rundown on each one and what they offer. This article also explains the difference between Honda and Acura - are they the same or not? We'll let you know. This article next covers which Acura is best for driving in the snow because, as it turns out, you can take Acura off-road - we'll let you know which model is best and why.
Acura TLX
The 2021 TLX is available in AWD in two different powertrains - the SH-AWD or the Type S. While the Type S also uses SH-AWD, the engine is a bit more powerful. The SH-AWD comes with 272 horsepower and a 2.0-liter engine, while the Type S boasts 355 horsepower and 3.0 liters.
Both offer a 10-speed transmission and double-wishbone front suspension. It's designed to be lightweight as a sports sedan. The car is also available with a leather interior.
It won MotorWeek's Drivers' Choice Award for a luxury sedan. The TLX was also named one of 2021's Best New Cars by AutoTrader.
Acura RLX Sport Hybrid
The RLX is currently out of production, discontinued after 2020. However, from 2014-2020, the RLX Sport Hybrid came with an all-wheel drive.
The 2020 model is a four-door sedan with a 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engine. It gets an estimated 28 mpg city/29 mpg highway/28 mpg combined. It seats five and offers 377 horsepower. And it's fast - 0 to 60 miles in less than 6 seconds.
Don't expect a lot of room for your stuff, however. The RLX Hybrid offers a scant 12 cubic feet of cargo space. And the rear seats don't fold down, so there's really no way around the small space.
Instead, it offers plenty of headroom - about 37 inches in either row. The legroom is also ample, with 38 inches in the rear seats and 42 inches in the front.
Acura RDX
The 2021 RDX is considered a premium sport crossover SUV. It offers 272 horsepower and a 2.0-liter VTec Turbo engine. The AWD model gets 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway/23 mpg combined.
The RDX has a 10-speed automatic transmission. And, even though it's compact in size, it can still tow up to 1,500 pounds.
Acura MDX
A premium performance SUV, the 2022 MDX is a bit larger than the TLX. It's also got a little more power, with 290 horsepower and a 3.5-liter engine.
It seats up to seven people in three rows. It has lots of room, with a maximum storage capacity of 95 cubic feet when the seats are folded down. Even with all three rows of seats up, the MDX still offers 18 cubic feet of storage.
The MDX provides lots of safety features as well, including Collision Mitigation Braking System, Pedestrian Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System, and more.
A more powerful Type S model is in production for 2022 and arrives later this year.
Acura NSX
The NSX is in a league of its own as a high-end luxury sports car. Next year, 2022, is slated to be the last year for the production of the NSX, with the new Type S model coming in August.
While details on the 2022 model are scarce, as it hasn't been released yet, the 2021 version offered a very generous 573 horsepower. It goes from 0 to 60 in 3.1 seconds.
Of course, it doesn't come cheap. Expect to pay six figures for the 2022 NSX Type S.
While it may not be the fastest sports car on the market, it does have one significant advantage. It has a Quiet Mode that won't disrupt the neighborhood like other race cars, making it a bit more realistic for everyday driving.
The Type S isn't available yet, and will be limited in production - only 350 are going to be released. As a result, this video reviews the 2021 NSX, the model you are more likely to find available.
Is An Acura A Honda?
Are Acura AWD Vehicles Good In Snow?
In 2005, Acura first launched its own special drive system - the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). This unique system ensures that Acura vehicles perform with excellent stability and maximum traction on ice and snow.
SH-AWD distributes torque between the front and back axles and the left and right rear wheels. Motortrend even reports that the SH-AWD on the Acura MDX is so intuitive it can sense when the car is going uphill and automatically moves torque to the rear wheels for better traction.
Acura also has the Vehicle Stability Assist system. Combine this with the SH-AWD, and Acura can provide some of the best acceleration and cornering of any car on the market. It can even accelerate smoothly on slippery surfaces and make corrections for under or over-steering.
While Motortrend draws special attention to the Acura MDX's performance in snow, all of the cars on our list come with both SH-AWD and the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system.
Are Acura AWD Vehicles Good Off-Road?
The SH-AWD and VSA system described above does provide some off-roading potential for Acura vehicles. But if you really want something capable of handling itself off-roads, the Acura MDX is the hands-down winner.
Keep in mind, of course, that Acura is famous for making more expensive luxury cars. Common sense dictates that this is not the kind of vehicle you want to tempt fate with. If you need something to climb cliffs and jump crevices, this isn't it.
But if you like the high-end features of an Acura, you don't need to fret that it means sticking to paved roads. The MDX has the traction to handle mud, loose gravel, and dirt. The clearance is a bit low, so take big bumps slowly.
In Closing
Acura is a branch of Honda, created to help Honda break into the luxury car market. Though Hondas are reliable and affordable, Acura vehicles tend to be a bit pricier. However, they come with top-line features that increase comfort and safety. They also offer advanced technology, such as their special Vehicle Stability Assist system and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD).
Most recent and current Acura models come with SH-AWD available, including sedans TLX and RLX; SUV models RDX and MDX; and the supercar NSX. These special systems make AWD Acuras great cars for snow, ice, or occasional off-roading - especially the MDX.
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