Lexus Vs. Acura: Detailed Brand Comparison 2024

Those who are after sporty performance and easy-to-handle luxury often wind up comparing Acura vs. Lexus models. These Japanese brands have grown increasingly popular in the United States for their reliability and inherent elegance. In this guide, we plan on drawing distinctions between them so you can find the right sedan, SUV, or electrified vehicle for you.

Which Is Safer: Acura or Lexus?

The Acura lineup includes fewer cars compared to the selection of Lexus vehicles. This belief in quality over quantity is likely part of the reason that of its two SUV options, both the Acura MDX and Acura RDX are 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award winners,¹ as is the Acura Integra sedan.¹ This only excludes the Acura TLX, which still has a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),² from their main lineup. While there are other Type S and PMC Edition options, they are considered spiced-up versions of the already-named vehicles. For example, the Acura Integra Type S DE5 is a Racing Program model.

Common standard safety features among these vehicles include:

• Multi-View Rear Camera with Dynamic Guidelines
• Collision Mitigation Braking System
• Pedestrian Detection
• Lane-Keeping Assist System
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Blind-Spot Information System
• Hill Start Assist

While the Lexus nameplate also contains several 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award winners,¹ it has a larger number of vehicles that do not carry this distinction, such as the Lexus GX, which is rated "Acceptable" in the category for Seat Belts and Child Restraints.³ Lexus vehicles often come standard with the following features:

• Backup camera
• All-Speed Dynamic Cruise Control
• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane-Departure Assist
• Road Sign Assist
• Blind-Spot Monitor

Overall, while both automakers prioritize driver and passenger support and care, we feel it is safer to go with new Acura cars for sale. The IIHS has promised more stringent qualifications for who receives their Top Safety Pick+ award designations in upcoming years, so check back to see who the 2024 winners are.

Acura vs. Lexus Maintenance Cost

According to RepairPal, Acura vehicles have an average annual repair cost of $501.⁴ This is less than the average repair costs for Lexus vehicles, which come to $551 per year.⁵ On top of that, new Acura vehicles have longer complimentary scheduled maintenance periods. This two-year/24,000-mile program⁶ covers multipoint inspections, oil changes, and tire rotations when they are performed at a certified Acura dealership like ours.

New Lexus vehicles come with two complimentary maintenance visits. The first is to be taken at the six-month/5,000-mile mark and the second at 12 months/10,000 miles,⁶ whichever comes first. This is, overall, more restrictive, especially given that most Americans drive over 13,000 miles annually, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration.⁷

Which Is More Reliable: Acura or Lexus?

The Lexus nameplate was declared the overall most reliable brand by J.D. Power in its most recent U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study.¹⁶ However, 169 problems have been reported to RepairPal for Lexus vehicles⁵ compared to only 97 for Acura models.⁴ Regardless, most Acura and Lexus vehicles can last for over 200,000 miles when well-maintained. They also benefit from comparable warranty programs.

New Acura vehicles come with four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage⁶ and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain limited warranty,⁶ as do new Lexus vehicles.⁶

Which Is More Luxurious: Acura or Lexus?

Acura and Lexus vehicles are well-known for their comfortable cabins with supple materials and high attention to detail, which can include leather upholstery, premium audio systems, and multicolor ambient lighting. Over recent years, they have both incorporated especially advantageous features like Head-Up Displays (HUDs) into some of their high-level models.

This futuristic technology projects useful information on your lower windshield rather than placing it on a traditional screen or monitor. This way, you don't have to look away from the road to catch sight of your turn-by-turn directions when navigating to somewhere new. Other information given via this HUD includes a compass, showing you your vehicle's orientation, and Road Sign alerts, helping you know what speed to travel, as well as a measurement of your current speed. You can customize this projection to suit your needs. For example, you can adjust the brightness or raise or lower the information to make it easier for you to see without obstructing your view.

Despite offering similar technology in some cases, Acura and Lexus models can differ in their specific luxuries. The following compares models from both these automakers that belong to the same class:

Keep in mind that, in the case of the second example, the 2024 Lexus GX model is not out yet, so we are relying on 2023 features.

How intuitively these vehicles are designed and what features are desired are often a matter of personal preference. However, we find there is a lot to appreciate in the Acura models, and we love the further customization afforded by packages and accessories. For instance, you can easily take the highest-level trim of the Acura MDX and add a bike or kayak attachment, protection features like splash guards, larger wheels, or cargo organizers.

It is also worth keeping in mind the relative prices of these vehicles. The Acura Integra has arguably more luxuries than the Lexus IS but can keep thousands of dollars in your pocket comparatively. Or you can use this money to go up a trim level or two. The same pattern holds when comparing the Acura MDX and Lexus GX.

Acura vs. Lexus Fuel Efficiency

The upcoming model year is an exciting time for Acura automakers, as it marks the release of their first all-electric model, the ZDX. This precisely crafted five-seater SUV is expected to have a range of 325 miles.¹⁷ Just as impressive is its charging speed. It will be able to gain 81 miles of range with just 10 minutes plugged in at a DC public charging station.¹⁸

By contrast, the 2023 all-electric RZ from Lexus automakers can empower you to travel 220 miles when fully charged.¹⁹ Plugged into a DC fast charging station, it can gain three miles of range per minute under optimal conditions.²⁰ Thirty miles compared to 81 miles is quite a difference when you compare Lexus and Acura models.

However, not everyone is ready to make the leap to a completely electrified vehicle just yet, so let's look at the fuel efficiency of some of the Lexus vs. Acura gasoline-powered rides.

The Acura Integra is likely this nameplate's most recognizable sedan. The 2023 model was named the North American Car of the Year for its sporty good looks,²¹ engaged handling, and high-end features. The 2024 version is only an improvement on last year's design, adding a more powerful Type S variant to your options. However, the 2024 model with the standard engine is the most fuel-efficient, making an EPA-estimated 30/37 MPG (City/Highway).²²

The Acura Integra is often compared to another compact sedan, the Lexus IS. This vehicle is still in its 2023 model year. At its most efficient, it makes an EPA-estimated 21/31 MPG (City/Highway),²³ meaning those who are interested in saving more time and money at the gas pump will likely want to check out our Acura lease and finance deals.

The SUV battles are a bit closer. The 2024 Lexus RX model delivers an EPA-estimated 21/28 (City/Highway) with AWD,²³ while the 2024 Acura RDX can achieve an EPA-estimated 21/27 (City/Highway),²² also with AWD. At the same time, the Acura model offers way more cargo capacity.

Which Is Better: Acura or Lexus?

The following chart summarizes what we've gone over so far:

Overall, the choice of which is a better vehicle or automaker comes down to the needs and wants of each individual and family. However, we hope that we have given you information to help you make your decision, even if we have only scratched the surface of the models and features these cars and SUVs have to offer – and why Acura stands above the competition time and time again.

For further clarification on any of these points or to ask about something specific not covered on this webpage, reach out to our team at Muller Acura of Merrillville. We're happy to discuss Acura versus Lexus cars any day.

Visit Muller Acura of Merrillville Today

If you're looking for a sedan, SUV, or racing program model to take to the streets, stop by our dealership today. Our team can help you not only pick between Acura or Lexus models but also help you debate a wider variety of options. For example, those after a more competitively priced car might want to check out our Acura lease opportunities or our used Honda inventory. Our wide selection is meant to give you as much control and say-so regarding your next ride as possible.

While giving you a tour of our inventory and setting you up on test drives, we will make sure to demonstrate the vehicle's modern technology features. However, as exciting as cars with all the latest bells and whistles are, we also care about making sure you enjoy your vehicle for a long time to come, which is why our dealership has an associated Acura service center to help you with maintenance and repairs. Let us get you on the road in a car you will feel safe in and confident about for hundreds of thousands of miles.

¹According to IIHS

²According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

³According to IIHS

⁴According to RepairPal

⁵According to RepairPal

⁶Warranties listed on this webpage shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.

⁷For reference, see this chart

⁸According to RepairPal

⁹According to RepairPal

¹⁰According to RepairPal

¹¹According to RepairPal

¹²According to RepairPal

¹³According to RepairPal

¹⁴According to RepairPal

¹⁵According to RepairPal

¹⁶According to J.D. Power

¹⁷Pre-production model shown. Anticipated combined (city/highway) 325 mile EPA driving range rating for ZDX A-Spec single-motor configuration with a full charge based on internal testing; ZDX A-Spec dual-motor configuration – anticipated 315 mile rating; ZDX Type S – anticipated 288 mile rating. Your driving range will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery-pack age/condition, and other factors.

¹⁸Maximum estimated 81 mi. range based on internal testing of the ZDX A-Spec RWD and specific conditions using DC Fast Charging (DCFC). Your results will vary based on vehicle condition and other factors, such as battery condition, output of charger, the original state of the battery’s charge and outside temperature. Charging time is subject to change.

¹⁹Manufacturer's estimated 220-mile total driving range using EPA's preliminary testing procedure standards for fully charged vehicle operated under ideal driving conditions. Use for comparison purposes only. Actual range may decrease significantly depending on speed, outside temperature, accessory use, how/where you drive, charging habits, and other factors. Battery capacity also decreases w/ time and use which will reduce range. See www.fueleconomy.gov and Owner's Manual for details.

²⁰DC charging time will vary based on weather and other factors. DC charging times will increase as temperatures decrease below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, with significant increases possible at temperatures below freezing. DC charging more than three times within 12 hours also can significantly increase charging time and will require approximately six hours before high-speed DC charging can be resumed. Accessory use, battery level and condition, and charger specifications also can negatively affect charging times.

²¹According to NACTOY

²²Based on 2024 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, and other factors.

²³EPA-estimated MPG ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle’s condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.