Acura is Honda with better materials, more sound insulation, and a sport-tuned suspension. The RDX is the volume model on 828 lots - a 4-5 year old model with 45K miles typically retains 55-65% of its original sticker. The MDX and TLX follow similar depreciation curves, with the MDX holding slightly better due to its three-row utility. All three use Honda drivetrains that regularly go 200,000+ miles. Maintenance costs are 20-40% lower than BMW, Mercedes, or Audi at independent shops.
The Type S variants (TLX Type S, MDX Type S) add a 3.0L turbo V6 with 355 hp and carry a premium over the standard models. They're the performance picks. For everyone else, the standard 2.0T in the RDX and TLX is the same engine family as the Honda Accord - bulletproof and cheap to maintain. Acura's SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system sends more torque to the outside rear wheel in turns, which means these actually handle noticeably better than front-drive equivalents. It's not just a marketing name.
