Acura vs. Volvo Reliability
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There is inarguably no doubt that Volvo is the safest car in existence. With the integration of advanced technology packages, improved safety systems, and rugged body structure, Volvo takes passenger protection, ensuring that no man harm befalls any user. However, between Acura and Volvo, which is more reliable?
The answer is simple; Acura is more reliable than Volvo. While Volvo beats Acura on safety ratings, Acura steps up by offering cheaper repair and maintenance costs and higher reliability ratings. Gas mileage is relative on both brands, but Acura provides engines that deliver more power.
One of the peculiar differences in the reliability of Acura and Volvo vehicles is their engineering principles. While Volvo vehicles are built to handle tough conditions, Acura maintains the need to remain sporty and class without jeopardizing its terrific engineering reputation.
Read on to learn more about the Acura vs. Volvo Reliability Comparison and how to choose the best car for you.
Table of Contents
Acura vs. Volvo Reliability: A Detailed Comparison
| Features | Acura | Volvo |
| Design | ||
| Gas Mileage | ||
| Engine Performance | ||
| Safety | ||
| Durability | ||
| Technology | ||
| Repair and Maintenance Cost |
Acura vs. Volvo Reliability: Which Is Better?
Acura and Volvo are strong luxury brands, peculiar for different features that make them stand out in the market. Volvo is known for building solid cars, and Acura is known for its aggressiveness.
Irrespective of how good Volvos are in terms of safety, you must understand that Acura is a better option when it comes to overall reliability.
According to RepairPal, Acura has a reliability rating of 4.0/5.0, ranking 2nd out of 32 car brands. This is unlike Volvo, which ranks 17th out of 32 car brands, with a reliability rating of 3.5/5.0.
The consumer reports 2022 survey rates Acura higher than Volvo. Acura is ranked 8th, while Volvo ranks 14th. This is similar to the ratings on JD Power, as Acura ranks higher than Volvo on the 2022 JD Power US Vehicle dependability survey.
However, you need more than just reliability ratings to decide how reliable a car brand is. There are a lot of features and factors that set Acura and Volvo apart from numerous car brands out there. These features impact the reliability of both car brands, placing Acura above Volvo.
Acura beats Volvo by offering cheaper repair and maintenance costs, with lesser chances of visiting the repair shop. Both car brands have amazing build quality, but Volvo's expensive maintenance cost is a turnoff.
This is also because you will be getting less fancy technology and electronics on Volvo vehicles, compared to Acura, but this doesn't in any way mean that they are not functional. The engine performance and gas mileage depends on the model and trim level that you are buying from any of the brands.
Acura vs. Volvo Reliability: Design
Design is crucial for a driver looking for a reliable car brand. Comparisons of the reliability of the design of a vehicle go beyond how attractive the cars are.
It includes the engineering principles, design philosophy, choice of materials, and all elements that contribute to the overall structure of the car.
Acura and Volvo adopt different styles that appeal to different users.
The Acura brand prioritizes the use of precise lines, muscular appearance, and sleek designs to enhance efficiency and produce sporty and elegant vehicles. Acura's design philosophy borders on achieving precision-crafted performance.
On the other hand, Volvo prioritizes the safety of users more than anything. This is embodied in its design philosophy, hence the Volvo Safety Design Philosophy.
Volvo's designs aren't as flashy as Acura's, but there are thoughtful introductions that create a balance between premium offerings, seamless technology, and human-centered innovation. This contributes to achieving a car that you can rely on in all circumstances.
Volvo is a Swedish brand, so it integrates Scandinavian culture into its designs. From the use of sharp, sculpted contours, bold lines, grille, and full-led headlights, Volvo takes into account the need to maintain muscular structure and also reinforce the body parts of their vehicles against crashes and impacts.
Cargo space, headroom, and legroom vary depending on the model you choose from both brands; however, we've noticed that Volvo presents better interiors with luxurious materials, but Acura wins with better infotainment and advanced features.
The decision between the reliability of Acura depends on if you're willing to sacrifice more features for more safety or vice versa.
Volvo's exterior design integrates crumple zones, reinforced roof pillars, and a rigid safety cage, all you can rely on for improved safety.
Winner: Both
Acura vs. Volvo Reliability: Gas Mileage
Gas mileage is another important factor that you must consider when comparing the reliability of Acura and Volvo. Acura and Volvo offer several models with excellent fuel efficiency.
Irrespective of the fact that gas mileage is relative for both brands, Volvo has better gas mileage than Acura. Gas mileage varies on the different models offered by both brands, but there are more Volvo vehicles with better gas mileage than Acura's.
For instance, with a gas mileage of 22/28/25 mpg, the 2023 Volvo XC90 is more fuel efficient than the 2023 Acura MDX, which has a gas mileage of 19/26/22 mpg.
This is similar to what's obtainable on Volvo S60 vs. Acura TLX. With Volvo S60, you get a gas mileage of 24/36 mpg for city and highway rides, while Acura TLX gets 23/33 mpg for city and highway rides.
With each Acura vs. Volvo vehicle that we compare in terms of gas mileage, it is obvious that Volvo is better.
Winner: Volvo
Acura vs. Volvo Reliability: Engine and Performance
It's a tie for Acura and Volvo when it comes to engine and performance.
Both brands offer a range of engines that deliver excellent performance. The power delivery, gas mileage, strength, and torque vary on different models, but sometimes Acura does it better, and in other cases, Volvo is better.
The choice between the reliability of Acura and Volvo vehicles depends on your chosen model. For instance, the 2023 Acura MDX has an engine power of 290hp, while the 2023 Volvo XC90 has an engine power of 247hp.
The 2023 Acura MDX also beats the 2023 Volvo XC90 on engine power. The 2023 Acura RDX has an engine power of 272 hp, while Volvo XC60 has an engine power of 247 hp.
However, Volvo steps up its game with its hybrid models. For instance, The Volvo XC90 T8 eAWD Plug-in Hybrid delivers a combined output of 455 horsepower and 532 lb-ft of torque. The Volvo S60 T8 Polestar Engineered also delivers 415 horsepower and 494 lb-ft of torque.
Winner: Both
Acura vs. Volvo Reliability: Safety and Technology
There's no argument that Volvo is more reliable than Acura when it comes to safety. It's a tie for both brands in terms of technology, but Volvo takes the lead with advanced technology features.
Fourteen Volvo vehicles are earning the 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick (+) Award. This is relatively higher than Acura, which has only four vehicles on the 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick (+) rating.
Volvo and Acura have different approaches to safety and technology. While Acura utilizes AcuraWatch, Volvo deploys a more advanced safety system.
Volvo's safety system features Lizar, an autonomous driving system, a driver understanding system, integration for occupant sensing, and lots more. There's the Volvo Pilot assistant that includes a wide range of safety features to ensure high-level passenger protection.
Acura and Volvo have similar safety features, like collision mitigation/avoidance, lane keeping, departure assistance system, cross-traffic alert, auto brakes, etc.
The approaches are different, but Volvo does it better. Acura, however, isn't entirely bad.
In terms of technology, Acura and Volvo do not offer the same type of Tech packages, but the approach is almost similar.
With the intuitive infotainment, easy-to-use systems, and a blend of premium luxury, from Apple CarPlay to Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and touchscreen display, you have all you need to keep yourself safe and comfortable.
Winner: Volvo
Acura vs. Volvo Reliability: Repair and Maintenance Cost
Repairing and maintaining an Acura vehicle is relatively cheaper than a Volvo. Volvo's are high-maintenance cars, which will impact the brand's overall cost of ownership of cars.
According to RepairPal, you have an average annual repair cost of $501 for Acura cars, with an 8% chance of severe damages and a 0.4% chance of visiting the repair shop. Volvo has an average annual repair cost of $769, with a 9% probability of severe damages and a 0.5% chance of visiting the repair shop.
You must understand that Volvo and Acura are both luxury brands, and the cost of repairs will vary depending on the models and the extent of damage to the vehicles.
Winner: Acura
Conclusion
The truth is that Acura is more reliable than Volvo. But, the difference is very small, that you might not notice. Both brands have impressive gas mileage and amazing designs.
However, while Volvo beats Acura in gas mileage and safety, Acura takes the lead with cheaper repair and maintenance costs and impressive engine performance on most models.
The choice between the reliability of Acura and Volvo is yours to make. You'll have to decide which brand and model aligns with your thoughts, budget, and needs.
