Acura vs. Honda: which car brand is more reliable? (According to Consumer Reports) – SlashGear

When talking about whether Acura or Honda is a more reliable car brand, it’s helpful to understand that Acura is a luxury-oriented sub-brand of Honda, which means that Acuras are actually made by Honda. In fact, many Acuras closely resemble their Honda siblings, with the Acura versions sold in higher-end showrooms and typically being more ‘luxurious’ with nicer styling, more luxurious interior appointments, and sometimes more power from their engines. Acura is not a manufacturer; it’s a brand. So keep in mind that Acuras and Hondas are very similar vehicles, often made in the same factories, and should receive similar ratings from a source like Consumer Reports (CR).

CR’s recent article: “Who makes the most reliable new cars?,” proved this to be true, as the Honda brand finished fourth in the publication’s reliability ratings, while Acura came in fifth, just below. These are overall very good reliability ratings, with Honda and Acura right behind the top three, which went to #1 Subaru, #2 Lexus and #3 Toyota. Honda and Acura also came in ahead of #6 Mazda, #7 Audi and #8 BMW. CR created brand-level scores by evaluating the problems that individual models of that brand experienced during Then, an average of these vehicles was needed for the 2022 through 2024 model years, plus 2025 data if there was enough to evaluate.

Our review of the HR-V found it attractively cheap, and CR liked it for its interior space, fuel economy and easy-to-use controls, but hated it for its lack of power, poor ride comfort and noise levels. It appreciated the CR-V’s practicality, rear seat access, cargo space, controls, ride and handling, but preferred the hybrid model’s fuel economy over the non-hybrid. Built on the same platform, the Pilot and Passport SUVs had positives in terms of their comfortable ride, plenty of power and clear controls, except for the push-button gear selector.

Continuing with sedans, the Civic was updated for 2025 and was known for its new hybrid version and its driving upgrades, but was discriminated against for its noise levels. The Accord was praised for its comfortable ride and interior space, but the hybrid model was favored for both fuel economy and drivability, while front seat comfort suffered. The Odyssey minivan, which hasn’t been redesigned since 2018, scores positively overall, with the exception of fuel economy compared to the competition, thanks to the lack of a hybrid version. The Ridgeline pickup was appreciated for its power, its standard all-wheel drive and its superior comfort and handling compared to other pickup trucks.

CR’s review of the Acura RDX praised the way it drove and handled, but took points off for its “confusing and distracting controls.” CR noted that it is powered by a 272-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. CR noted some hesitation in the drivetrain when setting off, but it accelerated well once it got moving. CR also disliked the RDX’s frustrating and distracting touchpad, which was the only interface to the infotainment screen, and singled out the SUV for its difficult-to-use transmission push buttons. The seating comfort and interior space received praise from CR.

When it came to the larger Acura MDX, CR complimented the vehicle’s functionality and lower price compared to German competition. He also liked the MDX’s “slick” powertrain and comfortable ride, the supportive seats and the quality of the interior. The publication also appreciated the removal of the touchpad that frustrated them in the RDX, with the 2025 refresh now allowing direct touchscreen control of the infotainment system.