Does Honda Make a Luxury SUV? Yes! Discover Honda’s Premium Offerings
Yes, Honda offers luxury SUVs, primarily through its premium division, Acura. While Honda itself focuses on reliable and well-equipped mainstream vehicles, Acura provides a distinct luxury experience with sophisticated design, advanced technology, and powerful performance.
It’s a common question for car shoppers: “Does Honda make a luxury SUV?” Many people know and trust the Honda brand for its dependability and value. When looking for a more upscale driving experience, the line between mainstream and luxury can sometimes blur. You might be wondering if Honda has a model that fits that premium bill. You’re in the right place! We’ll explore how Honda achieves that luxury feel, often through its dedicated luxury brand, Acura, and highlight what makes these SUVs stand out. Let’s dive in and discover the premium side of Honda’s SUV lineup.
Understanding the Honda and Acura Relationship
To truly answer “Does Honda make a luxury SUV?”, it’s essential to understand the relationship between Honda and Acura. Honda Motor Company, the parent company, is renowned globally for its commitment to reliability, fuel efficiency, and innovative engineering in its mainstream vehicles. Think of the ever-popular Honda CR-V or the spacious Honda Pilot. These are fantastic vehicles that offer great value and performance for everyday driving.
However, Honda recognized the desire for a more refined and upscale automotive experience. To meet this demand, they established Acura as their luxury and performance division in 1986. Acura was actually the first Japanese luxury automotive brand. The goal was to offer vehicles that combined Honda’s engineering prowess with higher-quality materials, more advanced technology, distinctive styling, and a heightened focus on the driving experience.
So, while you won’t find a “Honda Luxury SUV” badged as a Honda, the luxury SUVs that cater to this segment are indeed made by a company that is Honda. It’s like asking if a parent company makes a certain type of product – if their subsidiary does, then in a broader sense, the answer is yes.
Acura: Honda’s Gateway to Luxury SUVs
When people inquire about Honda’s luxury SUVs, they are most often thinking of the models offered by Acura. Acura vehicles are designed to compete with other established luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Lexus. They aim to provide a compelling blend of performance, comfort, technology, and style.
Acura SUVs are built with a focus on:
- Premium Materials: Expect higher-grade leathers, genuine wood or metal trim, and soft-touch surfaces throughout the cabin.
- Advanced Technology: Acura vehicles are typically equipped with cutting-edge infotainment systems, sophisticated driver-assistance features, and premium audio systems.
- Performance and Handling: Acura often emphasizes sporty driving dynamics, with more powerful engines, adaptive suspension systems, and advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) capabilities.
- Refined Comfort: Noise insulation, comfortable seating with heating and ventilation, and a smooth ride are hallmarks of the Acura experience.
- Distinctive Styling: Acura models feature unique exterior and interior designs that set them apart from their Honda counterparts.
Essentially, Acura takes the solid foundation of Honda engineering and elevates it to a luxury level.
Key Acura Luxury SUV Models
Acura currently offers two primary SUV models, each catering to slightly different needs and preferences:
The Acura RDX: The Compact Luxury SUV
The Acura RDX is Acura’s entry into the highly competitive compact luxury SUV segment. It’s a popular choice for those who want a premium experience in a more manageable size, perfect for city driving and easier parking.
What makes the RDX a luxury SUV?
- Engine Power: Typically features a potent turbocharged engine that provides brisk acceleration and confident passing power.
- Handling: Known for its engaging driving dynamics, often praised for feeling more like a sporty sedan than a traditional SUV.
- Interior Quality: Boasts a well-crafted cabin with premium materials, comfortable seats, and intuitive technology.
- Standard Features: Even base models come generously equipped with features like leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a suite of advanced safety technologies.
- AcuraWatch™ Suite: This comprehensive package of driver-assistance systems (like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking) is standard, offering peace of mind.
The RDX is a strong contender for anyone looking for a sophisticated and sporty compact luxury SUV.
The Acura MDX: The Mid-Size Luxury SUV
The Acura MDX is Acura’s flagship three-row luxury SUV. It’s designed for families and individuals who need more space and versatility without compromising on luxury, comfort, or performance.
What makes the MDX a luxury SUV?
- Spacious Interior: Offers three rows of seating, accommodating up to seven passengers, with ample cargo space.
- Premium Comfort: Features high-quality materials, available premium leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and a quiet cabin.
- Advanced Technology: Often includes a larger infotainment screen, a digital driver display, a premium sound system (like ELS Studio®), and advanced connectivity options.
- Performance Options: Available with powerful V6 engines and Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system, which enhances traction and handling, especially in corners.
- Refined Ride: Tuned for a comfortable and composed ride, making it ideal for long road trips.
The MDX represents the pinnacle of Acura’s SUV offerings, blending practicality with true luxury.
Comparing Acura SUVs to Honda SUVs
It’s helpful to see how Acura’s luxury SUVs differ from their Honda counterparts. This comparison highlights the value proposition of choosing an Acura for those seeking a premium experience.
| Feature | Honda CR-V (Example Mainstream SUV) | Acura RDX (Example Compact Luxury SUV) | Honda Pilot (Example Mainstream SUV) | Acura MDX (Example Mid-Size Luxury SUV) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Everyday drivers, small families, value-conscious buyers. | Individuals/couples seeking premium features, sporty performance in a compact package. | Families needing space, reliability, and practicality. | Families and individuals desiring luxury, space, advanced tech, and performance in a 3-row SUV. |
| Engine Options | Efficient 4-cylinder, sometimes a hybrid. | Typically a powerful turbocharged 4-cylinder or V6. | V6 engine, sometimes hybrid options. | More powerful V6 engines, often with advanced AWD. |
| Interior Materials | Durable plastics, quality cloth or synthetic leather. | Premium leather, brushed aluminum or wood trim, higher-quality plastics. | Durable cloth or synthetic leather, good plastics. | High-grade leather, genuine wood or metal accents, premium soft-touch materials. |
| Technology & Infotainment | User-friendly touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. | Larger, often touchpad-controlled infotainment, premium audio options, advanced driver aids standard. | Similar to CR-V, but often with more available features. | Larger screens, digital clusters, premium ELS Studio® audio, more advanced safety tech. |
| Driving Dynamics | Comfort-focused, competent handling. | Sporty, agile, responsive steering, often with adaptive suspension. | Comfortable, composed, good for families. | Refined, powerful, with available SH-AWD® for enhanced performance. |
| Price Point | More affordable. | Higher, reflecting luxury features and performance. | Mid-range for a family SUV. | Higher, positioned as a premium 3-row option. |
As you can see, while both Honda and Acura offer excellent SUVs, Acura elevates the experience with more potent powertrains, superior interior appointments, and a greater emphasis on sophisticated technology and driving dynamics. It’s this elevation that defines them as luxury vehicles.
What Defines a “Luxury SUV”?
The term “luxury SUV” isn’t just about a higher price tag. It encompasses a range of attributes that contribute to a more premium ownership experience:
- Brand Prestige: While Honda has immense brand recognition for reliability, Acura cultivates an image of performance, innovation, and exclusivity.
- Craftsmanship and Materials: Luxury vehicles utilize higher-quality materials like genuine leather, real wood or metal trim, and soft-touch surfaces that feel superior to the touch.
- Advanced Technology: This includes cutting-edge infotainment systems, premium audio brands (like ELS Studio® in Acura), sophisticated driver-assistance features, and often more advanced connectivity.
- Performance and Powertrain: Luxury SUVs typically offer more powerful engines, smoother transmissions, and advanced drivetrain technologies (like SH-AWD®) for a more engaging and refined driving experience.
- Comfort and Refinement: Expect superior noise insulation, more comfortable and supportive seating (often with heating and ventilation), and a ride quality that isolates occupants from road imperfections.
- Attention to Detail: From the stitching on the seats to the way the doors close, luxury vehicles pay meticulous attention to every detail.
Acura vehicles, by design, aim to meet and exceed these expectations, positioning them firmly in the luxury SUV segment.
Are There Other Honda-Related Luxury Options?
While Acura is the primary luxury brand under the Honda umbrella, it’s worth noting that Honda has, in the past, explored other avenues or had models that blurred the lines. However, for the current market and the direct answer to “Does Honda make a luxury SUV?”, Acura remains the definitive answer.
Honda’s strategy is to maintain its strong identity in the mainstream market while allowing Acura to carve out its niche in the luxury space. This allows each brand to focus on its core strengths and appeal to different customer bases effectively.
For those interested in exploring luxury vehicles from Japanese manufacturers, Acura stands alongside other respected luxury brands like Lexus (Toyota’s luxury division) and Infiniti (Nissan’s luxury division).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is Acura part of Honda?
A: Yes, Acura is the luxury and performance division of Honda Motor Company. It was established in 1986 and is Honda’s dedicated brand for luxury vehicles.
Q2: Can I buy a luxury SUV directly from the Honda brand?
A: No, you cannot buy a vehicle badged as a “Honda Luxury SUV.” For a luxury SUV experience from the Honda Motor Company, you need to look at the Acura brand, such as the Acura RDX or MDX.
Q3: What is the most luxurious SUV Honda makes?
A: The most luxurious SUV made by the Honda Motor Company is the Acura MDX. It is a three-row mid-size luxury SUV offering premium features, advanced technology, and powerful performance.
Q4: How do Acura SUVs compare to Honda SUVs in price?
A: Acura SUVs are generally priced higher than comparable Honda SUVs. This price difference reflects the use of more premium materials, advanced technology, higher-performance engines, and the overall luxury positioning of the Acura brand.
Q5: Are Acura SUVs more reliable than Honda SUVs?
A: Both Honda and Acura brands are known for their strong reliability, benefiting from Honda’s robust engineering and manufacturing processes. While specific model reliability can vary, both brands consistently rank well in consumer satisfaction surveys for dependability.
Q6: What are the main differences between the Acura RDX and Honda CR-V?
A: The Acura RDX is a compact luxury SUV, while the Honda CR-V is a mainstream compact SUV. Key differences include the RDX’s more powerful turbocharged engine, sportier handling, premium interior materials (leather, metal trim), advanced technology like a touchpad interface and premium audio, and a higher price point. The CR-V focuses on practicality, fuel efficiency, and value.
Conclusion: Yes, Honda is in the Luxury SUV Market
So, to definitively answer the question, “Does Honda make a luxury SUV?” – the answer is a resounding yes, through its distinguished luxury division, Acura.
While the Honda brand itself remains focused on delivering exceptional value, reliability, and practicality in the mainstream automotive market, Acura serves as the company’s premium offering. Acura SUVs like the RDX and MDX provide the sophisticated design, advanced technology, powerful performance, and luxurious appointments that discerning buyers expect from a luxury vehicle.
If you’re in the market for an SUV that offers the dependable engineering of Honda but with an elevated sense of luxury and performance, exploring the Acura lineup is an excellent place to start. You’ll find that Honda’s commitment to quality extends seamlessly into its luxury offerings.
