What is the luxury line of Honda?
Acura is Honda's luxury line. It was launched in 1986 to offer premium vehicles under a separate brand in North America and other markets. This article explains Acura's origin, notable models, and current positioning within Honda's portfolio.
Origins and brand positioning
Acura was created to establish a premium, performance-focused image for Honda's products in North America and beyond. The brand quickly became known for a blend of refinement, technology, and driving dynamics that set it apart from mainstream Honda models.
Launch and early models
In North America, Acura debuted with the Legend and Integra in 1986. The Legend served as the flagship sedan, while the Integra offered a sportier compact option. The brand's early emphasis on engineering quality and performance helped it gain a premium reputation. The NSX, introduced in 1990, established Acura as a maker of high-performance vehicles in addition to luxury sedans. Over the years, Acura expanded its lineup with sedans and SUVs, including models that would become core to its identity.
Key milestones in Acura's early history include the following events:
- 1986 — Acura brand launches in North America with the Legend and Integra.
- 1990 — NSX, Acura's groundbreaking performance model, goes on sale.
- 2000 — MDX debuts, cementing Acura's presence in the SUV segment.
- 2004–2005 — TL/TSX/RL line adds more sedan options to broaden the lineup.
- 2014 — TLX replaces TL and TSX as the mainstream sedan, later expanding with performance Type S variants.
- 2016 — NSX returns with a hybrid, high-performance powertrain, reinforcing Acura’s performance heritage.
These milestones illustrate Acura's evolution from a two-model launch into a broader premium brand that blends luxury, sportiness, and practicality across cars and SUVs.
Current lineup and strategic outlook
Today, Acura positions itself as a premium, performance-oriented division of Honda, with a lineup that spans sedans, SUVs, a halo model, and a growing electrified portfolio. The brand continues to emphasize driving dynamics, refined interiors, advanced safety tech, and distinctive styling while expanding electrification and performance variants.
Key models in Acura’s current portfolio
Here are Acura's core models and how they map to segments in the market:
- TLX — the midsize sport sedan that offers performance-focused variants and a refined luxury experience.
- MDX — a three-row SUV designed for family practicality with upscale features and available performance options.
- RDX — a compact luxury SUV that serves as a versatile, value-oriented option in the lineup.
- NSX — the high-performance hybrid supercar that serves as the brand’s halo model and technology showcase.
- ZDX — all-electric luxury SUV expanding Acura’s electrified offerings and sport-oriented appeal.
The current lineup reflects Acura’s emphasis on a balanced portfolio that covers performance sedans, practical SUVs, and cutting-edge electrification, all while maintaining the brand’s emphasis on quality, technology, and driver engagement.
Brand philosophy and technology
Acura has long embraced a design and engineering philosophy centered on Precision Crafted Performance, seeking to deliver engaging driving dynamics without sacrificing comfort, safety, or reliability. Across its models, Acura integrates advanced safety systems, driver-assistance features, and the latest connected-car technologies, while expanding hybrid and electric powertrains to align with market trends and regulatory shifts.
Looking ahead
As part of Honda’s broader electrification strategy, Acura plans to broaden its electrified offerings, sharpen its performance credentials with Type S variants, and expand its electric SUV lineup. The brand aims to balance sport-oriented driving with luxury and practicality, maintaining its reputation for reliability while pursuing new technologies and sustainability objectives.
Summary
Acura serves as Honda’s luxury line, created in 1986 to deliver premium vehicles under a separate brand. From its early Legend and Integra models to the NSX, MDX, TLX family, and the modern ZDX electric SUV, Acura has grown into a distinctive premium division that blends performance, luxury, and technology. As electrification continues, Acura remains focused on delivering engaging driving experiences, advanced safety features, and refined interiors within a brand framework that differentiates it from mainstream Honda offerings.
In short, Acura is Honda's luxury line — a standalone brand built to offer premium performance, comfort, and technology, now expanding into electric and high-performance models while maintaining the reliability and value associated with Honda.
