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2025 Lexus Vs. Acura: In-Depth Brand Comparison
When it comes to comparing Acura vs. Lexus, there are several similarities and differences to consider. Both are the luxury divisions of other automotive brands, with Acura coming from Honda and Lexus stemming from Toyota. However, each brand offers a distinct driving experience.
Here's what you should know:
Acura
- Focuses on sporty performance and engaging capability for an exciting time behind the wheel.
- Offers a smaller lineup of efficient and easily maintained vehicles.
- Models include the iconic Integra sedan and three-row MDX SUV.
Lexus
- Emphasizes luxury for a high-end, elevated driving experience.
- Has a wide range of reliable vehicles for varying tastes and preferences.
- Options like the midsize Lexus RX SUV and all-electric Lexus RZ SUV.
Read on as we compare these renowned automakers, then come explore Acura models up close at Muller Acura of Merrillville.
Which Is Safer: Acura or Lexus?
The Acura lineup includes fewer cars compared to the selection of Lexus vehicles. This belief in quality over quantity is likely part of the reason that two vehicles in the lineup, both the Acura MDX and Acura Integra, are 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick award winners.1 As impressive as this is, the NHTSA ranks almost every 2025 Acura model with a five-star overall vehicle safety rating.2 As for the others, they haven't been fully rated at the time of this writing.
Common standard safety features among these vehicles include:
- Multi-View Rear Camera with Dynamic Guidelines
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Pedestrian Detection
- Lane-Keeping Assist System
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Blind-Spot Information System
- Hill Start Assist
Only one Lexus model earns a Top Safety Pick distinction for 2025 – the Lexus NX.3 It has a larger number of vehicles that do not carry this distinction, such as the Lexus RX, which scored Poor in some Rear Passenger Injury Measures categories.4 Lexus vehicles often come standard with the following features:
- Backup camera
- All-Speed Dynamic Cruise Control
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane-Departure Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Blind-Spot Monitor
Overall, while both automakers prioritize driver and passenger support and care, we feel it's safer to go with new Acura cars for sale. The IIHS has implemented more stringent qualifications for who receives their prestigious Top Safety Pick+ award, so check back to see next year's winners.
Acura vs. Lexus Maintenance Cost
According to RepairPal, Acura vehicles have an average annual repair cost of $501.5 This is less than the average repair costs for Lexus vehicles, which come to $551 per year.6 On top of that, new 2025 Acura vehicles enjoy a complimentary scheduled maintenance period. This one-year/12,000-mile program7 covers multipoint inspections, oil changes, and tire rotations when they are performed at a certified Acura dealership like Muller Acura of Merrillville.
New Lexus vehicles come with two complimentary maintenance visits. The first is to be taken at the six-month/5,000-mile mark (whichever comes first) and the second at 12 months/10,000 miles,7 (whichever comes first).
| Avg Repair Cost Chart | |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Average Annual Repair Cost |
| Acura Integra (Compact Sedan) | $3418 |
| Lexus IS 300 (Compact Sedan) | $4289 |
| Acura TLX (Midsize Sedan) | $44010 |
| Lexus ES 350 (Midsize Sedan) | $46811 |
| Acura RDX (Compact SUV) | $49712 |
| Lexus NX 250 (Compact SUV) | TBD13 |
| Acura MDX (3-Row SUV) | $57114 |
| Lexus GX 550 (3-Row SUV) | TBD |
Acura vs. Lexus Reliability
The Lexus nameplate was declared the overall most reliable brand by J.D. Power in its most recent U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study.15 However, 169 problems have been reported to RepairPal for Lexus vehicles6 compared to only 97 for Acura models.5 Regardless, most Acura and Lexus vehicles can last for over 200,000 miles when properly maintained and serviced. They also benefit from comparable warranty programs.
New Acura vehicles come with four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage16 and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain limited warranty,16 as do new Lexus vehicles.16
| Feature | 2025 Acura Integra | 2025 Lexus IS 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Apple CarPlay® / Android Auto™ Compatability | Standard | Standard |
| Moonroof | Standard | Available |
| Heated Front Seats | Standard | Available |
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | Standard | Available |
| Memory Function for Driver's Seat | Available | Available |
| Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control | Available | Standard |
Which Is More Luxurious: Acura or Lexus?
Acura and Lexus vehicles are well-known for their comfortable cabins lined with supple materials and high attention to detail, which can include leather upholstery, premium audio systems, and multicolor ambient lighting. Over recent years, they have both incorporated perks like Head-Up Displays into some of their high-level models.
Head-Up Displays project useful information on your lower windshield rather than placing it on a traditional screen or monitor. This way, you don't have to look away from the road to catch sight of your turn-by-turn directions when navigating new roads. Other visible information includes a compass that shows your vehicle's orientation, as well as Road Sign alerts, which help you know what speed to travel, as well as a measurement of your current speed. You can customize this projection to suit your needs. For example, you can adjust the brightness or raise or lower the information to make it easier for you to see without obstructing your view.
Despite offering similar technology in some cases, Acura and Lexus models can differ in their specific luxuries. The following compares models from both of these automakers that belong to the same class:
| Feature | 2025 Acura MDX | 2025 Lexus TX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Power Moonroof | Standard | Available |
| Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control | Standard | Standard |
| Power Adjustable Front Seats | Standard | Standard |
| Multimedia Display | Standard | Standard |
| Heated and Ventilated Front Seats | Available | Available |
| Leather Upholstery | Available | Available |
| 19-Inch Wheels | Standard | Not Available |
How intuitively these vehicles are designed and what features are desired are often a matter of personal preference. However, we find there is a lot to appreciate in the Acura models, and we love the further customization afforded by packages and accessories. For instance, you can easily take the highest-level trim of the Acura MDX and add a bike or kayak attachment, protection features like splash guards, larger wheels, or cargo organizers.
It is also worth keeping in mind the relative prices of these vehicles. The Acura Integra has arguably more luxuries than the Lexus IS, but can keep thousands of dollars in your pocket comparatively. Or you can use this money to go up a trim level or two. The same pattern holds when comparing the Acura MDX vs. Lexus TX.
Acura vs. Lexus Fuel Efficiency
Acura has several enticing options for drivers who prioritize efficiency, such as the Acura ZDX. This precisely crafted all-electric five-seater SUV has a range of 315 miles.17 Just as impressive is its charging speed. It will be able to gain 81 miles of range with just 10 minutes plugged in at a DC public charging station.18
By contrast, the 2025 all-electric RZ from Lexus automakers can empower you to travel 266 miles when fully charged.19 Plugged into a DC fast charging station, it can gain three miles of range per minute under optimal conditions.20 When you compare Lexus or Acura models, 30 miles compared to 81 miles is quite a difference.
However, not everyone is ready to make the leap to a completely electrified vehicle just yet, so let's look at the fuel efficiency of some of the Lexus vs. Acura gasoline-powered rides.
The Acura Integra is likely this nameplate's most recognizable sedan. The 2023 model was named the North American Car of the Year for its sporty good looks, engaged handling, and high-end features.21 The 2025 version is only an improvement on the previous iterations in terms of design, adding a more powerful Type S variant to your options. However, the 2025 model with the standard engine is the most fuel-efficient, making an EPA-estimated 30/37 MPG (City/Highway).22
The Acura Integra is often compared to another compact sedan – the Lexus IS. At its most efficient, it makes an EPA-estimated 21/31 MPG (City/Highway),23 meaning those who are interested in saving more time and money at the gas pump will likely want to check out our Acura lease and finance deals.
The SUV battles are a bit closer. The 2025 Lexus RX model delivers an EPA-estimated 21/28 (City/Highway) with AWD,24 while the 2025 Acura RDX can achieve an EPA-estimated 21/27 (City/Highway),22 also with AWD. At the same time, the Acura model offers way more cargo capacity.
Which Is Better: Acura or Lexus?
The following chart summarizes what we've gone over so far:
| Acura | Lexus | |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | X | |
| Ease of Maintenance | X | |
| Reliability | X | |
| Luxury | X | |
| Fuel Efficiency | X |
Overall, the choice of which is a better vehicle or automaker comes down to the needs and wants of each individual and family. However, we hope that we have given you information to help you make your decision, even if we have only scratched the surface of the models and features these cars and SUVs have to offer – and why Acura stands above the competition time and time again. If you're wondering, "Is Acura better than Lexus?" we certainly think so.
For further clarification on any of these points or to continue your Acura model comparisons and research, reach out to our Muller Acura of Merrillville team. We're happy to discuss Acura versus Lexus cars any day.
Visit Muller Acura of Merrillville Today
If you're looking for a sedan, SUV, or racing program model to take to the streets, stop by our Acura dealer in Merrillville, Indiana, today. Our team can help you pick between Acura and Lexus models, as well as help you balance and debate a wider variety of options. For example, those after a more competitively priced car might want to check out our Acura lease opportunities or our used Honda inventory. Our vast selection is meant to give you as much control and say-so regarding your next ride as possible.
While giving you a tour of our inventory and setting you up on test drives, we will make sure to demonstrate the vehicle's modern technology features. However, as exciting as cars with all the latest bells and whistles are, we also care about making sure you enjoy your vehicle for a long time to come, which is why our dealership has an associated Acura service center to help you with maintenance and repairs. Let us get you on the road in a car you will feel safe in and confident about for hundreds of thousands of miles.
Continue Your Acura Research
1Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks/2025/all/acura#award-winners
2Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/ratings
3Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks/2025/all/lexus#award-winners
4Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/lexus/rx-4-door-suv/2025
5Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/acura
6Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/lexus
7The complimentary maintenance services listed on this web page are for informational purposes and shall not be solely relied upon. These services may have specific conditions, limitations, and exclusions, and not all vehicles may qualify for complimentary maintenance. For detailed coverage specifics, including what is included in the complimentary maintenance and any potential costs, please contact our dealership.
8Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/acura/integra
9Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/lexus/is300
10Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/acura/tlx
11Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/lexus/es350
11Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/acura/rdx
12Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/acura/rdx