Does Toyota own Acura?
No, Toyota does not own Acura. Acura is a luxury vehicle division of Honda Motor Company, while Toyota is a separate automotive manufacturer that does not have any ownership stake in Acura.
Explaining the Relationship Between Toyota and Acura
Toyota and Acura are two distinct automotive brands owned by different parent companies. Toyota is a Japanese multinational corporation that manufactures and sells a wide range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, trucks, and hybrids. Acura, on the other hand, is the luxury vehicle division of Honda Motor Company, another Japanese automaker.
Acura was established in 1986 as Honda's luxury brand, designed to compete with other premium nameplates like Lexus (Toyota's luxury division) and Infiniti (Nissan's luxury division). Acura vehicles are engineered and manufactured by Honda, but they are marketed and sold as a separate brand targeting a more affluent customer base.
Key Differences Between Toyota and Acura
- Ownership: Toyota is an independent company, while Acura is a division of Honda Motor Company.
- Market Positioning: Toyota is a mainstream automotive brand, while Acura is positioned as a luxury brand.
- Vehicle Lineup: Toyota offers a broad range of vehicles, from compact cars to full-size trucks, while Acura focuses on premium sedans, SUVs, and sports cars.
- Pricing: Toyota vehicles are generally more affordable than Acura models, which are priced in the luxury vehicle segment.
In summary, Toyota and Acura are separate automotive brands owned by different parent companies, with distinct market positioning, vehicle lineups, and pricing strategies. Toyota does not have any ownership or control over the Acura brand.
Is Acura a Toyota company?
No, Acura is not owned by Toyota. Acura is the luxury vehicle brand of the Honda Motor Company, while Toyota's luxury brand is Lexus, according to Acura North Scottsdale and Luxury Import Specialists. Honda created Acura in 1986 to compete in the luxury market.
- Honda owns Acura: Acura is a division of Honda, and many of its vehicles are produced in Honda's manufacturing plants in Ohio.
- Toyota owns Lexus: Similarly, Toyota owns its luxury brand, Lexus.
Is Subaru owned by Toyota now?
No, Toyota does not own Subaru, but it owns just over 20% of the company, making Subaru an affiliated company. This strategic partnership allows them to share technology and collaborate on vehicle development, such as the Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ sports car. Subaru still operates independently with its own branding and operations.
- Ownership structure: Toyota is Subaru's largest shareholder with a stake of slightly over 20%, but Subaru remains an independent company.
- Strategic partnership: The two companies have a close partnership and collaborate on various projects.
- Shared projects: Notable examples of their collaboration include the co-development of the Subaru Solterra/Toyota bZ4X electric crossover and the Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 sports car.
- Technology sharing: They share technology, particularly in areas like hybrid systems and electric vehicle development, and plan to collaborate on future EV platforms.
- Independent operation: Despite the significant ownership stake and collaboration, Subaru maintains its own management structure and brand identity.
Which is better, Acura or Lexus?
The "better" brand depends on your priorities, as Lexus generally excels in luxury, resale value, and hybrid technology, while Acura is often favored for performance, modern styling, and a more competitive price point for its features. Lexus is often ranked higher in overall reliability and customer satisfaction, with more frequent complimentary maintenance. Acura is a strong choice if you prioritize performance and modern design at a more accessible price, though its reliability is still rated very highly.
You can watch this video to learn about the differences between Acura and Lexus vehicles: 1mIndyAutoManYouTube · Feb 26, 2024
Lexus: The choice for luxury and reliability
- Luxury and comfort: Lexus is known for its sophisticated and luxurious interiors and a refined driving experience.
- Resale value: The brand holds its value exceptionally well and has won numerous awards for resale value.
- Hybrid technology: Lexus has a wider variety of hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, offering strong fuel economy without sacrificing performance.
- Complimentary maintenance: Lexus includes complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first two services, adding value.
Acura: The choice for performance and value
- Performance and handling: Acura vehicles often appeal to drivers who want more of a sporty, high-performance driving experience.
- Modern design: Acura's design is generally more modern and aggressive, appealing to those who want their car to stand out.
- Features for the price: Acura is praised for offering a strong list of features, including advanced safety and convenience options, at a more attractive price point than many competitors.
- Reliability: Acura is consistently ranked highly for reliability, though Lexus often ranks slightly higher in major studies.
This video compares the performance of the Acura MDX and Lexus RX: 1mCar ConfectionsYouTube · Jul 21, 2024
Which is better for you?
- Choose Lexus if: You prioritize ultimate luxury, a smoother ride, the best resale value, and a wider selection of hybrid models.
- Choose Acura if: You prioritize a more performance-oriented and engaging driving experience, modern and sharp styling, and great value for your money.
Do Acuras have Toyota engines?
No, Acura is not related to Toyota; it is Honda's luxury brand, competing with Lexus, Toyota's luxury division.
