Is Acura a fast car?
Acura is not a single car, but a luxury-performance brand from Honda. Some Acura models are genuinely fast—most notably the NSX and TLX Type S—while many others emphasize refined comfort and everyday practicality. As of 2024-25, the brand’s fastest offerings sit at the top of its lineup, with speed-focused variants that appeal to enthusiasts and daily drivers alike.
Speed and the Acura philosophy
Acura has long marketed its cars under a banner of Precision Crafted Performance, balancing horsepower, handling, and everyday usability. The speed-focused models leverage advanced powertrains—hybrid setups in the NSX and turbocharged engines in the TLX Type S—to deliver rapid acceleration, confident cornering, and high-speed stability. While the NSX represents the peak of Acura’s performance credentials, TLX Type S serves as a more accessible, high-performance sedan, and even the SUV variants like RDX Type S add sportier dynamics to a family-friendly package.
Notable fast Acura models
Acura NSX
The NSX is Acura’s hybrid mid‑engine supercar, combining a turbocharged V6 with three electric motors to deliver blistering off-the-line acceleration and a high‑speed chassis. It has been widely cited for achieving 0–60 mph in roughly 2.9 seconds and a top speed near 191 mph, making it the brand’s flagship performance machine as of 2024-25.
TLX Type S
The TLX Type S is a high‑performance sedan that uses a turbocharged V6 and all‑wheel drive with torque vectoring to deliver strong off-the-line speed and spirited handling. It is broadly referenced as achieving 0–60 mph in around 4.0 seconds, offering a practical yet thrilling alternative to the NSX for enthusiasts who want performance without the supercar price tag.
RDX Type S
Introduced as Acura’s performance-oriented SUV option, the RDX Type S applies a boosted engine and sport-tuned dynamics to a versatile crossover platform. It is faster than the base RDX and provides sharper handling, though it sits below the NSX and TLX Type S in outright speed.
Performance numbers at a glance
Below are approximate figures that illustrate the relative speed across Acura’s main performance models. Individual results can vary by year, trim, tires, and testing conditions.
- NSX: 0–60 mph in about 2.9 seconds; top speed around 191 mph; hybrid configuration enhances sustained performance.
- TLX Type S: 0–60 mph in around 4.0 seconds; agile sedan with strong mid‑range torque and precise handling.
- RDX Type S: 0–60 mph in about five seconds; fastest in the RDX lineup, with sportier dynamics in a practical SUV form.
In brief, Acura’s fastest offerings span a spectrum from a track-capable hybrid supercar to a high-performance sedan and a sportier SUV, giving buyers several ways to experience speed without sacrificing daily usability.
What buyers should know about speed and daily driving
Speed comes with trade-offs. The NSX, while incredibly fast, is a rare, high-cost machine with limited production and specialized maintenance. The TLX Type S strikes a balance between performance and practicality, offering punchy acceleration, sharp handling, and a more approachable price point. The RDX Type S adds sportiness to a family-friendly SUV, delivering brisk performance with utility. For most buyers, Acura’s speed-oriented models are about delivering engaging driving experiences rather than chasing one-lap-time records.
Summary
Acura does offer genuine speed, but it is not a one-note brand built only for speed freaks. The NSX stands as the pinnacle of Acura performance, the TLX Type S provides a compelling high-performance sedan, and the RDX Type S adds spice to the SUV segment. Across its lineup, Acura blends power, handling, and everyday usability, staying true to its Precision Crafted Performance philosophy while offering distinct paths to speed for different kinds of drivers.
Are Acura fast cars?
When it comes to speed, you can always count on Acura to impress. The Acura lineup boasts some of the fastest and most exhilarating vehicles on the market.
What is the fastest Acura ranked?
The fastest Acura ever produced is the 2022 Acura NSX Type S, with a 0-60 mph time of under three seconds. Following the NSX, the fastest production Acura sedan is the TLX Type S, and the fastest SUV is the MDX Type S.
Fastest Acura Models
- 2022 Acura NSX Type S: This is the fastest Acura of all time. It is a hybrid supercar that can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds.
- 0-60 mph: Sub-3 seconds
- Top Speed: 191 mph
- 2024/2025 Acura TLX Type S: The fastest current production sedan from Acura.
- Engine: 3.0L turbocharged V6
- Horsepower: 355 hp
- 0-60 mph: 4.5–4.7 seconds
- 2024/2025 Acura MDX Type S: The fastest current production SUV from Acura.
- Engine: 3.0L turbocharged V6
- Horsepower: 355 hp
- 0-60 mph: 5.5 seconds
- Acura Integra Type S: The fastest Integra model, though not as quick as the TLX Type S or the NSX.
- 0-60 mph: 5.2 seconds (est.)
Which is faster, Honda or Acura?
Acura vs Honda: Performance Comparison
| Feature | Acura | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| 0-60 mph (Typical Sedan) | 5.5 – 7.5 seconds (depending on engine/model) | 7 – 9 seconds |
| Handling Feel | More engaging, responsive, with better grip and cornering capabilities (especially with SH-AWD/P-AWS). | Comfort-oriented, predictable, good for daily driving. |
Is Acura faster than Lexus?
It depends on the specific model, as Acura generally focuses more on sporty performance while Lexus emphasizes comfort and a more polished ride. In direct comparisons, some Acura models like the RDX and TLX have shown advantages in handling and power over their direct Lexus competitors (like the NX and IS 300), especially with features like their Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). However, high-performance Lexus models can outperform some Acura counterparts, and the Lexus brand often leads in overall engine power and smoothness across its entire lineup.
You can watch this video to learn more about the performance comparison between Acura and Lexus SUVs: 51sIndyAutoManYouTube · Feb 26, 2024
Acura's performance edge
- Sporty handling: Acura's SH-AWD is often highlighted for its sportier feel and ability to improve cornering stability and traction.
- Dynamic feel: Models like the TLX are often praised for their more responsive handling and driver-focused features.
- Specific model advantages: In some direct comparisons, Acura models have demonstrated quicker real-world feel and better handling than their Lexus counterparts, even with different specs on paper.
Lexus's performance edge
- Engine power: Lexus models often have more power and smoother acceleration, especially in their top-tier trims.
- Refined acceleration: The Lexus brand tends to prioritize a quieter, smoother experience across its lineup.
- Balanced performance: While Acura focuses on sportiness, Lexus balances performance with a more comfortable and luxurious ride quality.
