What is the Acura version of the Honda Accord?

The Acura version of the Honda Accord is the TLX.

In practical terms, the TLX is Acura’s midsize luxury sedan positioned as the premium counterpart to Honda’s mainstream Accord. It offers more upscale materials, advanced technology, and sportier engineering while sharing a family resemblance with Honda’s sedan lineup.

TLX as the counterpart to the Accord

Below is a snapshot of how the TLX compares with the Honda Accord today and what makes the TLX distinct within Acura’s lineup.

• Positioning and pricing: The TLX sits in a premium segment above the ILX and in line with Acura’s luxury emphasis, while the Accord remains Honda’s affordable, volume midsize sedan. Expect a higher starting price for the TLX with more standard luxury features.


• Power and performance: The TLX is offered with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing around 272 horsepower, and a higher-performance Type S variant uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 delivering about 355 horsepower. The Honda Accord offers similar turbo options and a hybrid powertrain in recent years, with different performance profiles.


• Drivetrain and handling: The TLX frequently offers all-wheel drive as an available feature and emphasizes sportier handling through Acura’s tuning, while the Accord is typically front-wheel drive with an emphasis on efficiency and comfort.


• Interior and features: The TLX prioritizes premium materials, available leather, more advanced driver-assist tech, and a more aggressive styling language compared with the Accord’s more restrained approach.


• Technology and safety: Both cars offer strong infotainment and safety suites; Acura tends to bundle premium tech packages as standard or optional on higher trims, while Honda emphasizes value-added features across trims.

In summary, the TLX represents Acura’s premium, performance-oriented answer to the Honda Accord, offering more luxury features, sharper styling, and sportier dynamics while occupying the same general sedan segment.

TLX generations and notable variants

A quick look at how the TLX has evolved since its launch helps place the current model in context.

• First generation (2015–2020): Introduced as the replacement for the TL and TSX, combining Acura’s luxury vision with Honda’s engineering.


• Second generation (2021–present): All-new design and technology package, with significant improvements in interior quality and driving dynamics; refined styling and updated infotainment.


• Type S variant: High-performance version introduced during the second generation, featuring a more powerful turbocharged engine and enhanced chassis tuning for sportier driving dynamics.

These changes reflect Acura’s push to balance everyday luxury with performance, aligning the TLX against the broader competition in the midsize-luxury segment.

Summary

The Acura TLX is the Acura counterpart to the Honda Accord, offering a premium, sportier take on a midsize sedan. It emphasizes luxury materials, advanced tech, and performance-oriented variants like the Type S, while the Honda Accord focuses on value and efficiency. For buyers who want a luxury badge with sharper handling, the TLX is the direct option; for those prioritizing price and practicality, the Accord remains a compelling choice.

Is the Acura Integra just a Honda Civic?

No, the Acura Integra is not a Civic, but they share a platform and many components. Think of the Integra as a more luxurious and sportier version of the Civic, similar to how the Integra was positioned historically. Key differences include the Integra's premium features, more upscale interior, and distinct styling.
 
This video explains the similarities and differences between the Acura Integra and Honda Civic Type S: 24sMotor1YouTube · Jul 12, 2025

• Shared platform: Both vehicles are built on the same foundation, which is why their chassis, powertrains, and many internal components are so similar. 
• Different brand and positioning: The Integra is sold under Acura's premium brand, while the Civic is a Honda model. This means the Integra has a higher starting price but includes more features and a more luxurious feel as standard. 
• Key differences:
  • Features: The base Integra often comes with features that are only available on higher Civic trims, like a Blind Spot Information System. 
  • Interior: The Integra uses more premium materials and has a more upscale feel, even though the fundamental design of the dashboard and controls is shared with the Civic. 
  • Performance tuning: While the base engine might be the same (or similar), the high-performance models, like the Integra Type S and Civic Type R, have different calibrations, suspension tuning, and features that result in a different driving experience. 
  • Styling: The exterior designs are distinct, with the Integra featuring sportier and more aggressive styling cues compared to the Civic's more conventional look. 

This video compares the interior of the Acura Integra Type S with the Honda Civic Type R: 59sAlanis KingYouTube · Feb 13, 2025

Is the Acura TLX just an Accord?

With its more powerful engine, superior handling, and luxurious interior, the TLX offers features that the Accord simply can't match.

What is Acura equivalent to Accord?

The Acura TLX is the most direct, although larger and more premium, competitor to the Honda Accord. While both are midsize sedans, the TLX offers more luxury features, powerful engine options, and a focus on sportier performance, whereas the Accord is positioned as a more value-oriented and practical choice.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the differences between the 2021 Acura TLX and 2021 Honda Accord: 54sPRN_TestDriveYouTube · Apr 5, 2018

• Acura TLX:
  • More premium positioning with higher-quality materials and a refined interior. 
  • Often includes more standard and advanced features. 
  • Comes with stronger engine options and can be equipped with performance-oriented features like Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). 
• Honda Accord:
  • Balances practicality, value, and a spacious cabin. 
  • Offers a more affordable price point. 
  • While still a comfortable and reliable sedan, it is generally less performance-oriented than the TLX. 

This video compares the 2021 Acura TLX and 2021 Honda Accord, highlighting their differences: 1mCar ConfectionsYouTube · Dec 13, 2020

What's better, Accord or TLX?

The Honda Accord is an impressive sedan. However, the Acura TLX has more standard features and can offer a more powerful performance. For that reason, our vote for a comfortable, eye-catching, and powerful sedan is for the 2023 Acura TLX.