Which Acura is the Honda Accord?
The Acura TLX is Honda's upscale counterpart to the popular Honda Accord sedan. While the Accord and TLX share some underlying architecture, the TLX is a distinct model that offers a more premium driving experience and a higher level of luxury features. The TLX is Acura's midsize sedan offering, slotting between the smaller ILX and the larger RLX in the brand's lineup.
Key Differences Between the Acura TLX and Honda Accord
While the Acura TLX and Honda Accord may seem similar on the surface, there are several key differences that set them apart:
- Powertrain Options: The Accord offers a range of four-cylinder and V6 engine options, while the TLX is available with either a turbocharged four-cylinder or a more powerful V6 engine. The TLX also offers the option of Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which is not available on the Accord.
- Interior and Luxury Features: The TLX features a more premium interior with higher-quality materials, more advanced technology features, and a greater emphasis on comfort and refinement compared to the Accord. Acura also offers a wider range of luxury amenities and optional packages on the TLX.li>
- Driving Dynamics: The TLX is tuned for a more engaging and responsive driving experience, with sportier handling characteristics and a more performance-oriented suspension setup compared to the Accord.
- Pricing and Positioning: As Acura's midsize sedan, the TLX is positioned as a more premium and upscale offering than the Honda Accord, with a higher starting price and a greater focus on luxury and performance.
In summary, while the Acura TLX and Honda Accord share some underlying components, the TLX is a distinct model that offers a more premium and performance-oriented driving experience, with a greater emphasis on luxury features and refinement.
Which is better, the Acura TLX or the Honda Accord?
Recommendations
- Consumer Reports® recommends the Honda Accord, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Acura TLX isn't recommended.
- The Accord was chosen as a Car and Driver's “Top Ten” for 2025 and 25 more times in the last 26 years.
- The Honda Accord outsold the Acura TLX by over 19 to one during 2024.
Is an Acura TL the same as a Honda Accord?
No, the Acura TL is not the same as a Honda Accord, but they share a platform. Acura is the luxury brand of Honda, and the TL was a luxury sedan that was built on the same platform as the Accord, meaning they shared many underlying components. The TL was essentially a more upscale, higher-performance version of the Accord.
- Shared platform: For some generations, the Acura TL was built on the same platform as the Honda Accord, with the third-generation TL (released in 2003) being directly derived from the seventh-generation US-market Accord.
- Luxury division: Acura is the luxury division of Honda, so Acura models are designed to be more premium and feature-rich than their Honda counterparts.
- Performance and features: The TL typically featured more powerful engines and a more luxurious interior than the standard Accord. For example, the 2007 TL Type-S had a more powerful engine than the V6 Accord of the same year.
- Successor: The Acura TL was eventually replaced by the Acura TLX, which is also based on the Accord platform.
What is the Acura version of Accord?
2024 Acura TLX
The 2024 Acura TLX and 2024 Honda Accord are comparable in size.
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.
