Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best Acura Models in 2027
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateBest Acura Models in 2027
Acura, Honda's premium division, has rebuilt its lineup around the Type S performance badge, returning turbocharged power and the revived Integra to showrooms. The 2027 range spans sport sedans, family SUVs, and the brand's first electric crossover. This ranking weighs performance, value, technology, reliability, and how well each model fits its mission, scoring both the driver who wants engagement and the buyer who wants premium practicality at a fair price.
Acura matters in 2027 because it is one of the few premium brands still offering a manual transmission, real performance Type S variants, and Honda-grade reliability at prices well below the German rivals. Knowing which models lead on driving fun, which deliver the most value, and which cover family duty lets you match the right Acura to your needs rather than overpaying for badge alone.
Direct Answer
The best Acura model in 2027 overall is the Integra Type S — it combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged four making 320 hp, a slick six-speed manual, a limited-slip differential, and everyday usability in a way no rival hatchback-sedan matches near its price. For value-focused buyers, the best value pick is the standard Integra, which delivers premium Acura refinement, an available manual, and strong efficiency for the lowest entry price in the lineup.
The full ranking of the 2027 Acura range, with real trims, engines, and pricing, follows.
1. Integra Type S 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The Integra Type S is the enthusiast's Acura. Its 2.0-liter VTEC turbo four makes 320 hp and 310 lb-ft, sent to the front wheels through a six-speed manual and a helical limited-slip differential. It shares its mechanical heart with the Honda Civic Type R but adds a more premium, quieter cabin and a liftback body.
It is quick, communicative, and practical for daily use, making it the standout driver's car in the range. MSRP is around $53,000.
2. Integra 💎 BEST VALUE
The standard Integra is the value star of the lineup. Its 1.5-liter turbocharged four makes 200 hp, available with a six-speed manual or CVT, returning around 33 mpg combined. It offers Acura's premium interior, a liftback's practicality, and lively handling for the lowest price in the range.
For buyers who want an upscale, efficient sport sedan without a big payment, this is the smart pick. MSRP starts around $33,000.
3. TLX Type S
The TLX Type S is the performance flagship sedan. Its 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 makes 355 hp, paired with standard SH-AWD super-handling all-wheel drive and a 10-speed automatic. It delivers genuine premium pace and grip with a comfortable cabin, making it the choice for buyers who want a powerful sedan with all-weather capability and a discreet look.
MSRP is around $58,000.
4. MDX Type S
The MDX Type S is the three-row performance SUV. The 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 makes 355 hp with standard SH-AWD and an air suspension, seating up to seven. It blends family practicality with real performance and a luxurious cabin, making it the standout large SUV in the range for buyers who refuse to choose between space and pace.
MSRP is around $74,000.
5. MDX
The standard MDX is Acura's mainstream three-row family SUV. Its 3.5-liter V6 makes 290 hp with available SH-AWD, seating up to seven with a roomy, quiet cabin. It is comfortable, well-equipped, and reliable, making it the practical family choice below the Type S and a strong value against larger luxury SUVs. MSRP starts around $52,000.
6. TLX
The standard TLX is the comfort-oriented sport sedan. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged four makes 272 hp with available SH-AWD and a 10-speed automatic. It offers sharp styling and a well-built cabin for buyers who want a premium sedan without Type S pricing, and it undercuts German rivals on value. MSRP starts around $46,000.
7. RDX
The RDX is the brand's compact SUV best-seller. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged four makes 272 hp with available SH-AWD and a 10-speed automatic, returning around 24 mpg combined. It offers strong space, a punchy engine, and a long feature list, making it the volume value SUV in the lineup and a frequent cross-shop against the Audi Q5 and BMW X3.
MSRP starts around $46,000.
8. ADX
The ADX is Acura's newest subcompact SUV, slotting below the RDX. Its 1.5-liter turbocharged four makes 190 hp with available all-wheel drive and strong efficiency. It is the affordable entry into Acura SUV ownership, ideal for urban buyers, though its small size limits cargo and rear-seat space compared with the RDX.
MSRP starts around $36,000.
9. ZDX
The ZDX is Acura's first electric SUV, built on GM's Ultium platform. The dual-motor Type S makes around 500 hp with up to roughly 313 miles of range, while base versions offer longer range and rear drive. It is quick and spacious, but reliance on a partner platform and limited charging-network familiarity place it mid-pack for the brand.
MSRP starts around $62,000.
10. Integra A-Spec CVT
The Integra A-Spec with the CVT rounds out the lineup as the efficiency-focused trim. The 1.5-liter turbo four makes 200 hp with the continuously variable transmission for the best fuel economy in the gas range. It is comfortable and frugal, but lacks the engagement of the manual, which places it last on an enthusiast-leaning ranking despite its commuting strengths.
MSRP is around $36,000.
Ownership and Buying Notes
Buying a new 2027 Acura is straightforward, but a few practical points sharpen the decision. The Integra Type S and the standard Integra share Honda mechanicals with a strong reliability record, and the Type S in particular benefits from regular oil changes and quality tires given its 320 hp output and front-drive limited-slip differential.
Because the Type S overlaps mechanically with the Civic Type R, parts and service knowledge are widely available, which keeps long-term ownership cost reasonable for a performance car.
The SH-AWD models — the TLX, TLX Type S, MDX, MDX Type S, and RDX — use Acura proven all-wheel-drive hardware, but budget for the rear differential and transfer-case fluid services that keep the torque-vectoring system healthy. The turbocharged V6 in the Type S sedans and SUVs rewards premium fuel and timely oil changes.
The MDX air suspension on the Type S is a comfort highlight but a long-term wear item to keep in mind.
The ZDX electric SUV is built on GM Ultium hardware, so consider local charging infrastructure and the dealer network experience with EVs before committing. For any 2027 Acura, compare out-the-door pricing across dealers, weigh the manual versus automatic where offered, and confirm the warranty and maintenance terms.
Acura consistently undercuts German rivals on both purchase price and long-run reliability, so cross-shopping by mission rather than badge usually points back to the Acura, especially for buyers who value dependability and resale strength over brand prestige.
How to Choose
Start by deciding between a sedan or an SUV, and whether you want a performance Type S or a value-focused trim. If you want the most engaging Acura, the Integra Type S delivers manual-shift fun with everyday usability, while the TLX Type S offers similar power with all-wheel-drive security and a roomier cabin for buyers who want pace plus all-weather grip.
Families needing three rows should choose the MDX, stepping up to the MDX Type S for performance and air suspension. For the lowest price with real premium feel, the standard Integra is the value answer and the gateway into the brand, while the RDX and ADX cover compact and subcompact SUV needs respectively.
Buyers ready for electric should consider the ZDX, weighing its strong range and power against charging convenience and the GM-sourced platform. Across the lineup, Acura pairs Honda-grade reliability with strong feature value, so cross-shopping by mission rather than badge usually points to an Acura that undercuts the German rivals.
When choosing between trims, test drive both the manual and automatic Integra if you are undecided, because the six-speed transforms the character of the car and is increasingly rare in any premium brand. Compare out-the-door quotes from several dealers, since Acura pricing can vary and incentives change through the model year.
Factor in fuel and insurance, as the Type S cars and the turbocharged V6 models cost more to run than the efficient 1.5-liter Integra, and weigh whether you truly need SH-AWD for your climate. For most buyers, an Acura delivers the reliability and resale strength of a Honda with a noticeably more premium cabin, which is why it remains a strong value against the German and Japanese luxury rivals.
FAQ
What is the fastest Acura in 2027? The ZDX Type S electric SUV, with around 500 hp, is the quickest off the line, while the TLX Type S and MDX Type S lead the gas models with 355 hp each.
Which Acura is the best value? The standard Integra, starting around $33,000, offers the most premium feel and engagement per dollar, including an available manual and strong fuel economy.
Does Acura still make manual transmissions? Yes — the Integra and Integra Type S both offer a six-speed manual in 2027, making Acura one of the few premium brands still offering a clutch pedal.
Is the Acura MDX reliable? Yes — the MDX shares much of its engineering with proven Honda components and consistently earns strong reliability and resale ratings, making it a dependable family SUV.
Bottom Line
The Integra Type S is the best 2027 Acura overall, blending real driver engagement, a manual gearbox, and daily usability at a strong price, while the standard Integra is the value champion. The TLX Type S and MDX Type S lead the performance sedans and SUVs, the MDX and RDX anchor the family lineup, and the ZDX marks Acura's electric debut.
Choose by body style and whether you want a Type S, and rely on Acura's Honda-derived reliability across the range.
Sources
- Acura newsroom official model specifications and pricing — acuranews.com
- Car and Driver, Acura Integra Type S and TLX Type S reviews — caranddriver.com
- Motor Trend, Acura MDX and ZDX road tests — motortrend.com
- Edmunds Acura model pricing and comparisons — edmunds.com
- Kelley Blue Book Acura lineup overview and values — kbb.com
- Wikipedia, Acura model specifications — en.wikipedia.org