Best of the 2021 Acura Lineup

Acura’s Full 2021 Lineup + Our Thoughts On Each Model

Even as Honda’s premium brand, Acura has struck out on its own path and has done so with impressive results. The brand’s 2021 lineup is slightly slimmer than in years past, but the legendary NSX sports car will return for the new model year with a convertible option and the wildly popular MDX crossover will return for 2022 as an all-new model.

Note: There is no MDX crossover listed in this summary. Acura has confirmed that the vehicle will not be available for the 2021 model year and has stated that it will return as an all-new 2022 model. The automaker is also yet to announce updates to the NSX, which will be omitted until full details are available.

2021 Acura ILX

Acura’s smallest car offers a sporty and upscale experience in a mostly affordable package.

2021 Acura ILX Trims

The 2021 Acura ILX is truly sold in a single trim with available packages, but the A-Spec is a significant enough upgrade to view as its own model:

• Base – $26,450
• A-Spec – $28,450

2021 Acura ILX Performance Figures

• 2021 Acura ILX 0-60 mph – 6.4 seconds

2021 Acura ILX Engine and Powertrain

• 2021 Acura ILX – 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 201 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. Power hits the front wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

2021 Acura ILX Fuel Economy

• 2021 Acura ILX – 24/34/28 mpg city/hwy/combined

2021 Acura ILX Competitors

The ILX has become a bigger deal in its segment as competition has dwindled and others have been discontinued:

• 2021 Kia K5
• 2021 Mazda Mazda3

2021 Acura RDX

The RDX was refreshed a couple of years ago with a sharp new design, loads of new tech, and a sportier driving experience.

2021 Acura RDX Trims

The 2021 RDX is sold as a single trim with available upgrade packages. The A-Spec package is different enough to be considered its own model.

• RDX Base – $38,700
• RDX A-Spec – $41,700

2021 Acura RDX Engine and Powertrain

• 2021 Acura RDX – Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Power reaches the front or all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic gearbox

2021 Acura RDX Performance Figures

• The 2021 RDX is capable of hitting 60 mph from a stop in just 6.3 seconds.

2021 Acura RDX Fuel Economy

• 2021 Acura RDX FWD – 24/28/24 mpg city/hwy/combined
• 2021 Acura RDX AWD – 21/27/23 mpg city/hwy/combined

2021 Acura RDX Competitors

Competition in the RDX’s segment is red hot and will only continue to grow from here.

• 2021 BMW X3
• 2021 Audi Q5
• 2021 Lincoln Corsair
• 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

2021 Acura TLX

As with other Acura vehicles, the 2021 TLX is offered as a single model with available upgrade packages.

2021 Acura TLX Trims

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 comes in three configurations:

• TLX 2.0T – $37,500
• TLX 2.0T A-Spec – $44,250

The TLX can also be equipped with all-wheel drive for a $2,000 upcharge.

2021 Acura TLX Engine and Powertrain

• 2021 Acura TLX – Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Power reaches the front or all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic gearbox.

2021 Acura TLX Performance Figures

• The 2021 TLX is capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds.

2021 Acura TLX Fuel Economy

The Acura TLX’s fuel economy varies based on drivetrain. The A-spec models are rated slightly below their standard counterparts.

• 2021 Acura TLX FWD- 22/31/25 mpg city/hwy/combined
• 2021 Acura TLX AWD – 21/29/24 mpg city/hwy/combined

2021 Acura TLX Competitors

• 2021 Audi A6
• 2021 BMW 5-Series
• 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
• 2021 Volvo S60

Best of the 2021 Acura Lineup

This is a tough decision, because the MDX is sitting out for the 2021 model year and we don’t yet have full details on the NSX. That said, the RDX is a wonderful vehicle that is fun to drive, feels premium, and manages to remain somewhat affordable in the process. The 2019 redesign brought good things to the RDX line, and while there are some minor frustrations with its infotainment system, the vehicle is almost a total win for Acura.