No. 5: 2017 Acura ILX
2017 Overall Score: 7.6 out of 10 (Details Below)
The Acura ILX has undergone no major changes since 2016, and has received the same score in U.S. News & World Report’s luxury small car rankings for the last two years. It has a solid engine but packs little punch compared to the Alfa-Romeo Giuila and BMW 4-Series. However, the ILX is one of the most fuel-efficient sedans in its class.
2017 Acura ILX
MSRP: $27,990 (Details Below)
The 2017 Acura ILX has the lowest score of any Acura model. The sedan has a lower grade interior than what many luxury models offer, though it does have good fit and finish. Its infotainment system is awkward to use because its dual-screen setup requires a driver to continuously shift their eyes. The ILX’s back seats fold down but do not split, lessening their utility.
No. 4: 2017 Acura RLX
2017 Overall Score: 7.8 out of 10 (Details Below)
The Acura RLX received new safety equipment for 2017, helping its score go up a notch from the previous year. Though equipped with plenty of power under the hood, the RLX suffers from poor ride quality and uninspired handling. It is less fuel-efficient than many of its competitors.
2017 Acura RLX
MSRP: $54,450 (Details Below)
The RLX has a bland interior, but excellent passenger space. Its infotainment system is outdated and must be used to control climate control functions instead of buttons on the center stack. The rear seats have outstanding legroom, but headroom is compromised. It has good trunk space.
No. 3: 2017 Acura TLX
2017 Overall Score: 8.4 out of 10 (Details Below)
In the TLX, Acura has a serious competitor for the German luxury sedans. Its potent V6 engine packs a punch and the sedan has good ride quality. The TLX is a less sporty drive than the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but it handles the road well. It is available in front- and all-wheel drive.
2017 Acura TLX
MSRP: $32,000 (Details Below)
The cabin of the TLX is outfitted with well-made, soft touch materials. Wood and metal are prominent design finishes and leather seating is available. There is plenty of legroom for rear seat passengers, but headroom is limited for taller occupants. Trunk space is slightly below average for its class, but the area can still fit suitcases and shopping bags.
No. 2: 2017 Acura RDX
2017 Overall Score: 8.5 out of 10 (Details Below)
The 2017 Acura RDX is one of the best ranked luxury compact SUVs. It has a relatively low starting price compared to other vehicles in its class. The RDX is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It delivers above-average fuel economy while being capable, though it lacks the sportiness other luxury SUVs, such as the Lexus NX, offer. The RDX’s ride is comfort-focused.
2017 Acura RDX
MSRP: $35,670 (Details Below)
The 2017 Acura RDX seats up to five people in seats that are comfortable, even on long road trips, and provide adequate support. The RDX offers excellent legroom for rear seat passengers. Those seats tilt and move forward to achieve maximum comfort.
The cabin is filled with high quality materials, though they aren’t as high-end when compared to other luxury SUVs. A power liftgate is standard and the RDX offers good cargo space. Its dual-screen infotainment system can prove hard to navigate and isn’t as appealing to the eye as it could be.
No. 1: 2017 Acura MDX
2017 Overall Score: 8.7 out of 10 (Details Below)
Despite its unchanged overall score, the 2017 Acura MDX has been refreshed for 2017. That doesn’t mean it’s not better than the previous year’s model; it means the competition is also improving. The MDX has a low starting price compared to other vehicles in its class. It is also well rounded, giving families what they need and delivering a connected drive.
Under the MDX’s hood you’ll find a 3.5-liter V6 engine that is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, which can shift sluggishly. It generates 290-horsepower, which is plenty for the three-row SUV.
2017 Acura MDX
MSRP: $44,050 (Details Below)
The interior of the 2017 Acura MDX is made up of high quality materials with fit and finishes befitting the expectation customers have of the brand. However, Honda enthusiasts may notice that some of the knobs and switches are from the Honda parts bin. The cabin is well-insulated and keeps road noise at bay.
The SUV seats up to seven, which is lessened to six with the Advance Package. The seats are well-cushioned but the legroom in the third row isn’t enough to allow adults to fit comfortably. The Volvo XC90 and the Infiniti QX60 both offer better third row seating. Tri-zone climate control is standard.
Honorable Mention: 2017 Acura NSX
U.S. News & World Report doesn’t usually rate supercars, but because the NSX is a member of Acura’s stable, U.S. News will be rating it for 2017. Although the review isn’t up yet, the NSX deserves a mention. The NSX was recently reborn after an 11 year hiatus. A twin-turbocharged V6 engine powers its rear wheels with one direct drive motor, while two electric motors move the back wheels. The NSX achieves 573 horsepower and 476 pound-feet of torque. It has a top speed of 191 mph. Drivers can choose from four drive modes - Quiet, Sport, Sport-Plus, and Track.
2017 Acura NSX
It has a modern infotainment system and a small trunk. Steering wheel controls are similar to what Acura offers inside their sedans and SUVs. Its centrally located touch screen is straight from the Honda parts bin, which is acceptable because the NSX is sold overseas under the Honda badge.
The NSX has one of the lowest base prices in its class and is among the least fuel-efficient thanks to its heavy batteries.
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We Rank the 2017 Acura Lineup from Bottom to Top
Acura vehicles are priced to sell in the luxury marketplace. The automaker offers up three sedans and two SUVs along with their NSX supercar.
Acura’s sedans are generally regarded as outdated compared to the competition but the SUVs score well despite being less sporty than other luxury models. The top performing Acuras are SUVs, but the company hasn’t given up on the ILX, TLX, and RLX. Their sedan line is set for a redesign with future product debuts coming in 2017.
Which Acura vehicles are the best buy? Read on to learn more.