2008 Acura Models

The seven-seat MDX enjoyed a complete redesign for 2007, adding more horsepower, a 5,000-pound tow rating and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, so changes for 2008 are few. There's a new paint color called Sterling Gray Metallic, and the automatic-dimming rearview mirror is now standard. Acura also offers its navigation system in Hawaii now, and has extended its real-time traffic feature to almost twice as many metropolitan areas as before, for a total of 76. The MDX is a single trim level, leaving Technology and Sport option packages to distinguish one version from another. 

Acura entered the compact SUV segment last year with the RDX, a vehicle slotted below the midsize MDX sport utility vehicle. The RDX competes with other compact luxury SUVs, namely the BMW X3 and Land Rover's LR2. For 2008, the RDX is equipped with a standard Bluetooth wireless interface with steering-wheel controls (previously a bundled option), an 8-inch Multi-Information Display, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and dual-position memory for the driver's seat and mirrors.  

Acura's RL luxury sedan is equipped with 290 horsepower, all-wheel drive and a host of standard luxury features. It competes with the Cadillac DTS, BMW 5 Series and Lexus ES. Little changed for 2008 besides an expansion to its real-time-traffic-monitoring coverage areas. 

Updated significantly for 2007, Acura's best-selling sports sedan changes little in 2008. The base TL comes with a 258-horsepower, 3.2-liter V-6 engine, and the performance-oriented Type-S edition has a 286-hp, 3.5-liter V-6. The TL retains its front-wheel-drive status, even as more than half of Acura's models now feature Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. 

A brand-new front-wheel-drive sport sedan joined the lineup of Honda's luxury division as an early 2004 model. Slotted between the RSX sport coupe and the midsize TL luxury-performance sedan, the compact TSX four-door was similar to the European version of the Honda Accord. The TSX received a modest makeover for 2006, and nothing has changed for 2008. Competitors include the Audi A4, BMW 325i and Lexus IS 250.