Acura Vs Lexus Reliability: Brand Comparison
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Acura and Lexus are both Japanese luxury brands that many American drivers cherish.
Both car brands have a record of producing problem-free cars that can last up to 150,000 miles without major repairs.
But when it comes to Acura vs Lexus, which is more reliable?
When comparing them across several categories, Lexus comes out as slightly more reliable.
Lexus achieves higher safety ratings, better designs, and great fuel economy. However, Acura offers great performance.
Below is a more detailed reliability analysis for Acura vs Lexus.
Key Takeaways
- Lexus generally surpasses Acura in reliability. Lexus cars offer higher safety ratings, better fuel economy, and more luxurious features.
- Both brands are known for durability, with vehicles typically lasting between 250,000 to 300,000 miles.
- Acura offers sporty design and dynamic performance, while Lexus focuses on luxury and comfort.
- Lexus holds its value better over time compared to Acura.
- To choose between Lexus and Acura, you must compare specific car models based on your preferences.
Table of Contents
Acura vs. Lexus Reliability: Detailed Comparison
| Features | Acura | Lexus |
| Design | ||
| Repair and Maintenance Cost | ||
| Durability | ||
| Engine | ||
| Gas Mileage | ||
| Safety and Technology |
Which is Better?
It is a hard task comparing Acura and Lexus because both car brands have their strengths and weaknesses.
Lexus Pros
- Elegance
- Safety
- Fuel economy
- Comfort
- Retaining value
Acura Pros
- Performance (handling and driving dynamics)
- Cheaper maintenance cost
When it comes to reliability, the answer is simple. Lexus is better.
JD Power’s dependability survey indicates that Lexus is more reliable than Acura. JD ranks Lexus as the highest overall in vehicle dependability.
However, Acura tends to do better on Repairpal, ranking 2nd compared to Lexus at #6. Lexus recorded 159 problems per 100 cars in 2022. This is smaller than Acura, which recorded 244 problems per 100 cars.
Design
Acura and Lexus have almost the same design standards. Although Acura is designed to look sporty, with Lexus aiming for class and luxury, the interior designs of both cars are on the same level. The differences in the design of Acura and Lexus cars depend on your chosen model.
Both cars feature technology integration, superb infotainment, and a rollout of attractive cars.
Acura features a maintenance system that reminds users when their cars need attention and what to do about it. While Lexus aims to push boundaries, Acura has a design philosophy revolves around details, form, and function.
Winner: Both
Repair and Maintenance Cost
| Annual Maintenance Cost | ||
| Chance of Minor Repairs | ||
| Chance of Major Repairs |
It is relatively cheaper to repair and maintain an Acura than a Lexus.
The average annual repair and maintenance cost of Acura is $501, whereas Lexus is $551. Both car brands are cheaper than the average $652 for all car models.
With a Lexus car, you have a 0.5% chance of minor repairs and an 8% chance of major repairs. Acura has a 0.4% chance of minor repairs and an 8% chance of major repairs.
Winner: Acura
Durability
Lexus is more durable overall than Acura.
Acura cars can last up to 250,000 to 300,000 miles, with an average lifespan of 16-20 years. Lexus cars last 200,000 to 300,000 miles or up to 16-20 years.
The Lexus brand rides on the durability of Toyota. Toyota is known for high-quality engines that last long, but Acura is also long-lasting. Acura uses high-strength steel that goes up from 54% to 60.9%.
Both car models are built to achieve dynamism, durability, and optimum protection against collision. However, the design, structure, and finishing of Lexus cars help them last longer.
Winner: Lexus
Engine and Performance
The true test of reliability lies in how well your engine can perform and the amount of strength it can deliver. The reliability of Lexus and Acura engines varies according to the model.
Performance and speed are the watchwords of Lexus and Acura, although the approach and delivery are different.
Acura optimizes approach, reinvention, innovation, and testing. The powertrain, drivetrain, and chassis of Acura cars are rigorously tested to ensure that they deliver power and precise handling. This gives their cars varying strength to handle snow rides, sandy terrain, and the harshest conditions.
Lexus engines are quiet, and you will spend less to keep them on the road. The future of Lexus engines revolves around controlled performance with superb durability.
Whether you are going for Lexus’ V8 engines, Acura’s turbo engines, or the 3.5L DOHC engine, you are assured of the best performance.
Winner: Both
Gas Mileage
Lexus and Acura are big on gas mileage, but Lexus does it better. Both car brands use fuel-saving technology to achieve the most from each drop of fuel. Acura features an integrated dynamic system, while Lexus features an Eco mode technology.
The Acura integrated dynamic system is seen in the 2019 Acura TLX, offering users different drive modes; econ mode, normal, sports, and sport+. The technology on both car brands looks similar, but Lexus achieves better gas mileage.
Winner: Lexus
Safety and Technology
Acura and Lexus both boast great safety and technology features. These cars have great safety systems that provide driver assistance and optimum safety and security.
The Acura watch safety technology has similar safety packages as the Lexus Safety system, but the Lexus has higher safety ratings than Acura.
6 Lexus vehicles earned the 2023 IIHS Top pick(+) award, compared to 3 Acura vehicles.
Winner: Lexus
Acura vs Lexus Reliability: The Final Verdict
Whether you are choosing an Acura or a Lexus car, you are getting a good dose of reliability, safety, and efficiency.
Both Acura and Lexus offer durability, cheap maintenance costs, and awesome designs. However, each has unique pros and cons.
You should go for Acura if you want cheaper maintenance costs, but Lexus if you want better gas mileage and higher safety ratings. Lexus holds more value than Acura, but both cars have great engine performance.
Ultimately, you should compare specific Acura and Lexus models to the choose the best vehicle for your needs.
If you’re considering either brand, check out more reliability comparisons below:
