When purchasing a luxury car, buyers often turn to the Germans by default and usually end up buying a BMW. After all, they’re famous for combining sporty driving dynamics with advanced technology and premium luxury. They’re something of their own status symbol on the road. But there is another option — one of quiet luxury that works for different reasons.
Since 1986, Acura has been the luxury division of its parent company, Honda, which is best known for powering millions with its astounding reliability and sensibility. Acura has taken this same philosophy and is using it to redefine luxury in a quieter and more intelligent way. Many smart buyers have started to realize this, and here are the reasons why.
Acura’s Stellar Reliability Reputation
Japanese cars have always been renowned for their bulletproof reliability thanks to immaculate engineering discipline, and Acura’s Honda ties make them no exception. The philosophy of mechanical simplicity has really paid dividends; having fewer things to go wrong means that the car just keeps going. The MDX, for example, can surpass 300,000 miles without major repairs, thanks to its simple 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6. This is refreshing amongst the modern trends of turbocharging, dual-clutch transmissions, and countless electronics.
2025 JD Power Winnings
Real-world ownership data has shown that Acura has been climbing the ranks to become one of the best manufacturers in terms of quality and reliability. In 2025, the Acura Integra won JD Power’s Quality Award for small premium cars and came second by just one point to the BMW 2 Series for the best small premium car overall. The Acura RDX also took the Quality Award victory in the premium compact SUV category. As well as recognition by JD Power, Acura is now ranked second out of 32 car brands for reliability by RepairPal.
Lower Long-Term Ownership Costs
Given that Acura is a division within Honda, it’s no surprise that many parts are shared between both brands, meaning that replacements are often incredibly abundant and cheap. Many Acura models can also be serviced regularly at any Honda dealer for this same reason. According to RepairPal’s data, the average annual repair cost across all Acura models is $501 per year, compared to an industry average of $652. On average, an Acura will visit a repair shop 0.4 times a year for unscheduled repairs, and only eight percent of all repairs are ever considered severe.
This exceptional long-term ownership value once again comes down to Acura’s mechanical simplicity — using cheap, durable Honda components that have little chance of malfunctioning. European rivals such as BMW could learn from this, as more complicated turbocharged power-trains, electronics, and unproven premium features depreciate quickly and lead to unaffordable running costs.
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Superior Value For Enough Performance
The Acura TLX Type S was made to rival the BMW 330i / M340i, and it provides far superior value, albeit at a fractional compromise on performance. The base price for a 2026 M340i xDrive is $64,300, whereas the 2025 TLX Type S (the highest in its range) is $58,050. The BMW may have better fuel economy, but otherwise, the Acura buyers will receive much more car for less.
Acura TLX Type S VS BMW M340i xDrive
|
Model |
Acura TLX Type S |
BMW M340i xDrive |
|
Starting MSRP |
$58,050 |
$64,300 |
|
Engine |
Turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 |
Turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six |
|
Horsepower |
355 horsepower |
386 horsepower |
|
Torque |
354 pound-feet |
369 pound-feet |
|
Transmission |
Ten-speed automatic |
Eight-speed automatic |
|
Driveline |
AWD |
AWD |
|
0-60 MPH |
4.6 seconds |
4.1 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
156 MPH |
156 MPH |
|
Fuel Economy (cmb/city/hwy) |
21/19/25 MPG |
29/26/33 MPG |
Quality Over Complexity
Just like with the mechanics, Acuras have a simplistic philosophy towards luxury, favoring the functional and timeless over extravagant. There are buttons and switches that are built to last, not multiple screens and displays that quickly become dated, and the luxurious leather and wood trim are built to feel luxurious but be robust enough to endure and age well aesthetically.
Acura does a good job of separating the gauge cluster and the infotainment system. It’s a more visually aesthetic setup than the large slab of screen that carmakers are all now mostly defaulting back to.
– William Clavey for TopSpeed
This isn’t to say that Acuras are old-fashioned; they still feel modern, featuring advanced driving assists and infotainment technology. They just opt for proven systems that ensure long-term functionality and quality, as opposed to new experimental systems that could break or age quickly. Acura’s systems rarely malfunction thanks to regular updates and simple architecture, and make for significantly less in repair costs.
More Value-Packed Trim Options
Many base models of luxury vehicles feel highly stripped back, requiring numerous costly add-ons for a premium experience. Acura has always looked after its customers and packed astounding value even into its base trims. The MDX, for example, comes with a 290-horsepower V6 as standard, meaning you will have a V6 regardless of which model you buy, with an option to add a turbocharger and have 355 horsepower in the Type S models. The same generosity applies to Acura’s interiors, too; an entry-level TLX alone will include the following:
- Active Sound Control / Acoustic Glass Windshield
- Automatic-dimming frameless Rearview Mirror
- Retained Accessory Power for Windows and Moonroof
- Ambient LED Cabin Lighting
- Heated Front Seats
- Front 12-Way Power Seats with Power Lumbar Support
- Sport Seats with Leatherette-Trimmed Interior
- Apple CarPlay compatibility / Android Auto compatibility
- True Touchpad Interface / Wi-Fi Hotspot
- AcuraLink Connected Services
- 10.2-inch HD Dual-Content Center Display
- 7-inch Color Multi-Information Display (MID)
- HD Radio / SiriusXM Satellite Radio
- Acura Premium Audio System with 10 Speakers
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Smart Modesty Over Loud Luxury
Just like in the fashion world, there’s loud money, and there’s subtle elegance. While modern BMWs can be seen as ostentatious, Acuras can be seen as more of a cashmere sweater. They’re timeless, comfortable, practical, and will last for years on end. Acuras are for smart buyers who value quality, such as people with families who seek to keep their vehicle for the long haul, or successful professionals who want quiet refinement without putting on a show.
Acuras Have Lower Depreciation And Well-Aging Designs
Due to Acura’s exceptional reliability, premium nature, and built-to-last attitude, they’re very desirable, and depreciation is incredibly low. They’ve also managed to create timeless, yet futuristic designs. Both the interior and exterior of early 2010s models still look new, and as a result, most models offer stronger resale value than many European rivals.
BMWs, for comparison, as well as other European counterparts, depreciate and generally age much more quickly. The BMW 5 Series is a prime example, losing more than half of its MSRP after five years, likely due to BMW’s historically low reliability rankings and high maintenance costs. It is a smart decision to invest in an Acura, and one that will satisfy an owner for many years.
Source: JD Power, Kelley Blue Book, RepairPal, Edmunds