What kind of headlights does Acura use?
Acura primarily uses LED headlights on its current models, with higher trims offering more advanced HD Matrix LED headlights. Older models used HID or standard LED systems before the LED transition. This article explains the main headlight technologies you’ll encounter across the brand and how they’ve evolved.
Current headlight technologies in Acura lineup
The following list highlights the main headlight technologies currently offered by Acura on its production vehicles.
LED headlights — The standard lighting technology on most current Acura models, providing bright, energy-efficient illumination with projector-style optics for focused beams.
Jewel Eye LED headlights — Acura’s signature multi-LED design, arranged in a jewel-like pattern to deliver distinctive styling and strong illumination on many models and trims.
HD Matrix LED headlights — An advanced, adaptive LED system that uses a matrix of LEDs to automatically vary beam patterns, delivering high-beam reach while reducing glare for oncoming drivers. Available on select higher-trim models.
In practice, Acura’s current lineup predominantly relies on LED-based headlights, with the Jewel Eye design serving as a recognizable branding element and HD Matrix LED headlights offered as an option or standard on premium trims depending on the model and year.
Notes for shoppers
Headlight availability can vary by model year and trim level. When shopping for a specific Acura model, check the official spec sheet or dealer information to confirm whether LED, Jewel Eye, or HD Matrix LED headlights are included.
Historical evolution of Acura headlights
The history section highlights how Acura moved from earlier lighting technologies to today’s LED-focused systems, and how signature designs accompanied that shift.
— In the early part of the 2000s to mid-2010s, some Acura models used High-Intensity Discharge headlights before LEDs became the norm.
— Beginning in the mid-2010s, Acura widely transitioned to LED headlights across most models for improved brightness, efficiency, and longevity.
— As part of the LED transition, Acura introduced its distinctive Jewel Eye LED design on several models, adding a recognizable visual signature alongside improved performance.
— In the late 2010s and into the 2020s, some trims and models began offering HD Matrix LED headlights, bringing adaptive, glare-free high beams to higher-end configurations.
Today, LED-based lighting dominates Acura’s lineup, with Jewel Eye styling widely used and HD Matrix LED technology appearing on select premium trims. If you’re evaluating a specific model year, verify the exact headlight configuration in the official specifications.
Model-specific notes
For buyers curious about a particular model, here’s a quick guide to what you might encounter on popular Acura vehicles:
- TLX and MDX trims: LED headlights are common, with HD Matrix LED available on higher-end trims in recent years.
- RDX and other crossover/sedan lines: LED-based lighting is standard, with Jewel Eye design featured on many trims.
Always refer to the current model-year brochure or the official Acura website to confirm the exact headlight configuration for a specific vehicle.
Summary
Across today’s Acura lineup, LED headlights are the standard, with the distinctive Jewel Eye design serving as a branding hallmark. For buyers seeking advanced lighting, HD Matrix LED headlights are available on select premium trims, delivering adaptive, glare-free high beams. Historically, Acura moved from HID to LED in the 2010s, and the evolution continues as new models push lighting technology further. When shopping, verify the headlight type and features listed for the exact model and year you’re considering.
